The good news is that people genuinely enjoy the site. They enjoy it so much that it is now time for the Forest Service to step in and make the location much safer and accessible for the public to use.

That’s the bad news, if that’s considered bad news. It’s short-range bad news people will see a construction project in full swing if they use the mouth of Swamp Creek for swimming, picnicking, camping or boating.

But a month from now, the area will be completely rehabilitated with new roads, parking and designated camping sites. And next year, a vault toilet will be installed and a trail system will be established.

The Mouth of Swamp Project was part of the Swamp Eddy Decision Notice finalized in 2020.

“This is a big project that was nearly completed when the Sheep Gap fire blew up and all of our resources went there,” shared Heather Berman, Forest Service Recreation Specialist.

One portion of the project is to improve the road and decommission a couple of other ones replacing them with a new graded, graveled and level bed. This also means that the “Hold my beer” motorways and paths will be removed. Defined camping spots are going to be a welcome addition.

Erika Scheuring, Forest Service archaeologist, has been on site from sunup to sundown.

“The Clark Fork River is known as The Peoples River by many tribes and this area that we’re working in has been used by people for thousands of years. As we are developing and hardening the site, we just want to make sure that we don’t uncover anyone that may have been here before. I’m just watching as we dig holes and bring items to the surface that we still let people rest that may have been here. We don’t know if they are, but we are just watching out because this is a fantastic place,” Scheuring explained. “I’ve been working on this project since 2014 and bringing tribal elders out and everyone agrees that this is a really important place. For us, it’s an archaeological site and for most people around here, it’s a great place to recreate,” she said.

Berman points to the existing launch ramp for small fishing boats, kayaks and paddleboards. There are lots of big rocks at the mouth where it enters the Clark Fork so certain size boats cannot utilize this specific area.

“But next door,” as Berman points downriver, “is a [gravel] spit that they use for launching trailered boats. And we’re making adjustments to that area, and it will remain open for that purpose.”

She went on to say that parking has been too cozy, so a dedicated small parking area for day-users is being built 50 yards up the hill so the swimming hole and small boat launch will not be blocked. Again, past visitors will notice that off-roading areas will be blocked to prevent further damage to plants and control erosion as the area is basically a large sand bar on the edge of the river.

The planning for the Mouth of Swamp Project that was started in 2016 and it’s being partly funded by the Great American Outdoor Act and part Sanders County Resource Advisory Council RAC (Recreation Advisory Council) money.

“Overall, we are trying to keep the recreation opportunities at Mouth of Swamp the same for people, but prevent damage and improve access,” said Berman.