Clark's Bay Day Use Area Shelter (MT)

Clark's Bay Day Use Area is situated on the picturesque "Devil's Elbow" and Clark's Bay of Hauser Lake. Just a short drive from Helena, the state capital, the area offers stunning views of the Big Belt and Elkhorn Mountains, and a feeling of seclusion and abundant nature that is sure to impress. Clark's Bay offers a large, approximately quarter-mile-long manicured beach with a volleyball court, and pavilions with picnic tables, power and lights. A network of non-motorized dirt, gravel and paved trails runs throughout Devil's Elbow, Two Camps Vista and Clark's Bay, allowing you to walk or bike around the area without contending with vehicles. The greater Hauser Lake Recreation Area adds more trails, multiple fishing access sites, hunting access, wildlife viewing, boating, and world-class mountain biking. There are two sets of vault toilets located near the beach and parking areas. Potable water is provided throughout the day use area, as well as garbage dumpsters. There are picnic tables and small pavilions throughout, and benches along the lake and trails to take in the views. A small marina, a general store with gas, and a bar and restaurant are half a mile away. The day use area is situated in a shrub-steppe landscape, mostly comprised of sage brush and bunch grasses, and the entire area has a view of the lake and mountains. There are some ponderosa pine and deciduous trees throughout, but they are scarce and do not provide a large amount of shade; the lake does help keep the temperatures down a bit on those hot summer days. Clark's Bay is in a prime location for getting outdoors or into the capital of Montana. There are hundreds of miles of trails, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands, state parks, the Lewis and Clark Trail and much more. Helena, only a short drive away, has all the amenities of a large city with small town charm: great restaurants, museums, the capitol building, old mining settlements, Last Chance Gulch, Reeder's Alley, and a vibrant downtown with a walking mall area.