Continent |
North America |
Country |
Montana (USA) |
Next Big City |
Helena |
Next Town |
Townsend, Canyon Ferry |
|
Type: |
Lake |
Rider Ability: |
Intermediate, Expert |
Features: |
Camping, Shower, Toilet, Food, Parking |
Water
Type: |
Flat, Chop |
Hazards: |
No information |
Quality: |
Clean |
Best Tide: |
Tide independent |
Canyon Ferry Lake is a man made reservoir, 28 miles long by 2-6 miles wide. Flat water and choppy when the wind gets stronger.
Beach
Type: |
Sand, Rocks |
Size: |
Big |
Hazards: |
No information |
Beach Users: |
No information |
The point at Helgate campground varies from soft sand to small rocks, with very large launching area and the largest campground in Montana.
Weather
Spring:
|
Normal, Thick |
Summer:
|
Shorts, Shorty |
Fall:
|
Normal, Thick |
Winter:
|
Thick |
The season is from late April to early October on water. Beginning and end of the season are drysuit/wetsuit, mid season is shorts or shorty. Winter season is exceptional for ice kiting and snow.
Wind
Best Months: |
No information |
Wind Type: |
No information |
Best Direction: |
No information |
Main Direction: |
SW, WSW, W |
Wind blows regularly W-SW usually 15-20. Prevailing wind is W-SW, with sideshore winds along the width of the lake.
How to get there
Transport |
Car |
Access
|
Short walk |
From Helena, take Canyon Ferry road to the lake (18 miles), cross Canyon Ferry Dam. For Helgate recreation area, continue past Kim's Marina and take the back road towards Townsend. There is a big sign for the Helgate campground turnoff about 12 miles down the paved road. Or: Helgate Recreation Area is located 9 miles east of Helena, Montana on US Highway 287, then 18 miles northeast on Secondary 284.
Extra information
10 mile down winders from Kim's Marina to Helgate campground with car pickup are a local favorite.
Nightlife
Local parties at the campground.