WOLF CREEK, Montana Community Information

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  Town

  Photo courtesy: MTOT

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  Scenery

  Photo courtesy: MTOT

Wolf Creek is north of Helena and an important recreation center. It was named for the large creek that flows by it and is derived from the Indian phrase, "Creek-where-the-wolf-jumped-too" or "Creek-that-the-wolf-jumped-in." Regardless of what the wolf did, he left his stamp on a rushing mountain stream and a town. (from Cheney's Names on the Face of Montana, Mountain Press Publishing Company) Little Wolf Creek is fed from fresh springs of the magnificent Rocky Mountains that encompass the town.

Hauser Lake is a 3,200 acre reservoir on the Missouri River created by Hauser Dam. The lake yields Kokanee Salmon; for which it holds the state record, rainbow and brown trout, walleye and perch. It is an extremely popular take-off point for weekend boating, fishing, and water skiing. There are two scenic public campgrounds on Hauser Lake, White Sandy and a few yards further Black Sandy State Park.

Wolf Creek is also near the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area. When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark first entered the Rocky Mountains, it seemed as though the gigantic limestone cliffs along the Missouri River would block their passage. But then the river turned through a narrow gorge and the mountains appeared to open like a gate. Hence the name of the Wilderness. Lewis and his crew entered the vicinity of the Helena Forest on July 19, 1805. From July 18-20, 1805, the expedition established camps at present day Holter Dam, Gates of the Mountains, and near Lake Hauser.

Elevation: 2,634 feet