Portions of the Milltown State Park Overlook is closed due to geologic instability on the cliffside above the Clark Fork River, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The following was sent out by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is reminding the public that the exhibit portion of the overlook area at Milltown State Park is closed for public safety due to geologic instability on the cliffside above the river. An area to the west side of the tunnel below the cliff is also closed.

The exhibit area at the end of the trail at the overlook has been closed since last summer when new cracks and crevasses developed along the cliff edge. FWP officials closed the area as a safety precaution and ordered a geologic assessment of the area.

While erosion has occurred at the site for thousands of years, the assessment and corresponding report, which was completed earlier this month, documents the impact the development of the Milwaukee Road Railroad and Milltown Dam had on the cliffside. The removal of the dam and restoration of the naturally flowing Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers have likely accelerated that erosion over the past 15 years.

FWP added more signs and temporary fencing in the closed areas last week. The closure applies to the short trail that leads out to the cliff edge in the overlook area and the area to the west end of Tunnel 16 1/2 below the cliffside. The tunnel itself remains closed as well, as it always has been.

Visitors can still park in the Milltown State Park Overlook parking area to access the trail that leads to the floodplain. All other park trails also remain open. River users, traveling down the Clark Fork or Blackfoot through the confluence area, should stay to the middle of the channel or river right, avoiding the area immediately below the cliffside.

It is hard to predict exactly how fast the hillside will continue to degrade, so FWP park manager, Michael Kustudia, says that keeping the area closed is important for public safety.

“This is a relatively small portion of the state park, and it is really important that visitors stay away from areas marked as closed,” Kustudia said. “We’re working with the county and other partners to assess the long-term options and hope to still provide a safe way to view the restored confluence area from above.”