Conditions are updated frequently and change nearly daily...
These are just some generals we know for sure.
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Friday August 5th update and changes:
Slight changes and updates! People are getting out there and enjoying what we have. Get creative, alter your plans a bit, and see someplace new!
Summary of Recent Changes:
West Rosebud Lake campgrounds - Now have water available at the campgrounds.
Mystic Lake : Forest Service trail crews have cleared the major downfall around the lake and up to Island Lake.
East Side Road - North End - Temporary Bridge installed, providing public access to Maurice Creek and Corral Creek trails.
Meeteetse Trail Road: Temporary Bridge installed, providing public access to Face of the Mountain trails.
Bears are active. There have been multiple sightings of both black bear and grizzly bears in most areas, so carry bear spray and know how to use it. Keep a clean camp, don't leave any food in your car at the trailhead. Proper food storage at campsites is a regulation.
The Beartooth District area around Red Lodge has a lot of closures, until bridge work and road work can get completed. Some will be quicker than others, so be aware before planning a backcountry trip.
Stop in, or call us at 406-446-1770 for specific details, or call the Beartooth Ranger district at 406-446-2103
Highway 212 is open as of 5PM on Friday July 22. There is still road construction around Beartooth lake (closure 7pm-7am Monday thru Thursday). Mountain Goat families are out, and campgrounds are open.
Beartooth Lake/ Island Lake: Very Buggy!! The first creek crossing at Island lake is about knee deep, but not rushing water. Creek crossing at Beartooth Lake trailhead is rushing and challenging. Wet, and mosquitoes are the standard themes, but snow is melting off and hiking and backpacking season on these trails is here. Snow level is sitting about 10,000ft for snowbanks, 11,000 ft for more solid snow conditions.
Cooke City Area Hiking: Hiking/ Biking along the park entrance road has been shortened to two miles, due to the start of construction and repair of the road. They hope to have this road open by October thru the park.
Lady of the Lake Trailhead, Daisy Pass, Crazy Creek, etc.. all beautiful hiking. Buggy!! Headnets, long sleeves are a must.
Line Creek Plateau: With the Beartooth Highway open, and East Side Bridge Access open, Line Creek plateau is now fully accessible for hiking and mountain biking. High creek crossings still, but they are going down. Very Buggy!
Maurice Creek Trail: With the opening of a temporary bridge on the north end of East Side Road, the Maurice Creek trail, and Corral Creek trails are accessible. Trail crews are working on clearing some of the downfall.
West Fork Road: Road is closed to vehicles at Basin Campground. You can park, and walk up the road if you wish. Please do not walk on any bridges, as all are continuing to fall apart. Basin campground is open, but with no water. Silver Run Trails, Nichols Creek, Willow, Palisades trails are all open for hiking and biking. Hikers have been up to Timberline Lake, and to the West Fork Trailhead. Sundance Pass area is good with a few snowbanks. The west fork trail itself has lots of trees down, and water running down the trail. High level of bear activity, both black and grizzly, in the West Fork drainage - please carry bear spray, and be aware that EMS cant easily get to you for a rescue.
Lake Fork area: Lots of bridge, road and trail damage. The trail is now accessible by parking in the large meadow below the Lions Camp (Richel Lodge area) and hiking through the Lions Camp and up the “winter” trail to the main trail head.. Trail is washed out in a few places, but washouts are easy to navigate up to Lost Lake and beyond. Bridge above Lost Lake is intact, Snowpack on Sundance pass is down to snowbanks. Lots of bear activity.. carry bear spray and keep a super clean camp.
Beartrack Trail: Trail is open and hikeable, very little snow on the plateau. With a shuttle, it is now possible to hike the Beartrack/Silver Run area up and over.
Glacier Lake Road: Road and bridge damage. Area is closed to vehicles. Parkside campground is open a few spots. Glacier Lake road and Hellroaring road are walkable, but expect fast moving creek crossings with no bridges and rubble stretches where roads have washed out.
- Sheridan, Rattin, M-K and Limberpine Campgrounds closed for season. Greenough campground may open later in the season, after repairs from where Wyoming creek ran through the campground.
Red Lodge Creek Trail: Trail is open up to the plateau, Creek crossings are very fast. Trail access to East Rosebud, or Senia Creek on West Fork is closed due to no access to those trail heads, so be prepared for an out/back trip.
East Rosebud: Lots of road, bridge, trail and home damage in the valley. The road is now open to Jimmy Joe Campground, and the campground is open (with a closed section in the center). The road to East Rosebud is not accessible by vehicle, 4 wheeler or bicycle due to extreme damage. Hiking this section from Jimmy Joe to the East Rosebud trailhead is extremely dangerous, with deep and fast river crossings and 5 miles of rubble and boulders. The “Beaten Path” trail can be done as an out and back trip from the Clarks Fork trailhead, with a turnaround place of Rainbow Lake. The bridge at Rimrock is out, and trail washed out to East Rosebud from there.
"Beaten Path" - Very Buggy!!! Access from Cooke City side has some water crossings, but all major bridges are intact. Fossil Lake area is large snowbanks. East Rosebud side: Large wind event this spring caused major blow down between Lake at the Falls and Rainbow.. hundreds of trees down. Make it a plan to turn back before Lake at the Falls..
West Rosebud: Fishtail bridge is fixed, so access to Fishtail and West Rosebud road has been restored. West Rosebud Road (#2072) is opening to West Rosebud Lake. Pine Grove and Emerald Lake campgrounds are open and water in the campground has been restored.
Mystic Lake Trail: Mystic Lake Trail head is accessible by parking at Emerald Lake, and walking the last mile to the Mystic Lake Trail head. The trail is in good shape, with a bit of water washout, to the Lake. Trail crews have recently cut out the down trees from major blowdown event earlier this spring. Around the Lake, the Huckleberry creek bridge is out, but still navigable on logs to cross. The log jam at Island Lake has washed out, but the outlet of Island is easy to wade across (knee or so deep) to keep hiking to Island an Silver Lakes above Mystic.
Granite Peak Approach from Mystic: The Mystic lake trail is in good condition, with a stretch of washout and water on the trail. The switchbacks up to the plateau are in good shape - a few trees down and a couple of washout spots and avalanche debris, but all easy to navigate on foot. Granite Peak conditions are good.. snowbridge is intact and not huge. Plan for multiple other groups, as it is becoming busy.
Stillwater valley - Area is closed, due to road and bridge damage. Stillwater Road (#2400) including Woodbine campground and the Stillwater Trail head will remain closed. Please make sure to obey all closure signage in this area. West Fork Stillwater Road (#2846) is closed. Woodbine campground, trail head and parking lot are intact but not accessible. Woodbine Trail bridge was destroyed along with Stillwater trail parking lot.
Boulder River - some road work being cleaned up, but road is open to the end and trails are open. Natural Bridge area is open. Lake Plateau area, accessed from Upside Down Creek from the Boulder, is opening up and will be beautiful hiking and fishing for those looking for a longer trip, or a "Beaten Path" alternative trip. Always very buggy.. and this year is no exception. Bridgecreek trailhead is currently closed due to a carcass and bear activity.
Paradise Valley - All trails and forest areas open, except Mill Creek area..- Main Mill Creek at Mile Marker 14.4 (Passage Creek) and West Mill Creek on National Forest System roads only.
- Snowbank Campground - closed all season, bridge washout and Sixmile above Gold Prize closed.
Pryors: Beartooth Ranger District also includes the Pryors, for those looking for an alternative place to explore. The Big Ice Cave has recently had a new observation deck and stairway built.
Please as we head into the long holiday weekend - call the respective local ranger district to learn specific site information, conditions and questions:
Ashland Ranger District - 406-784-2344
Beartooth Ranger District -406-446-2103
Bozeman Ranger District - 406-522-2520
Gardiner Ranger District -406-848-7375
Hebgen Lake Ranger District - 406-823-6961
Sioux Ranger District -605-797-4432
Yellowstone Ranger District - 406-222-1892
Slight changes and updates! People are getting out there and enjoying what we have. Get creative, alter your plans a bit, and see someplace new!
Summary of Recent Changes:
West Rosebud Lake campgrounds - Now have water available at the campgrounds.
Mystic Lake : Forest Service trail crews have cleared the major downfall around the lake and up to Island Lake.
East Side Road - North End - Temporary Bridge installed, providing public access to Maurice Creek and Corral Creek trails.
Meeteetse Trail Road: Temporary Bridge installed, providing public access to Face of the Mountain trails.
Bears are active. There have been multiple sightings of both black bear and grizzly bears in most areas, so carry bear spray and know how to use it. Keep a clean camp, don't leave any food in your car at the trailhead. Proper food storage at campsites is a regulation.
The Beartooth District area around Red Lodge has a lot of closures, until bridge work and road work can get completed. Some will be quicker than others, so be aware before planning a backcountry trip.
Stop in, or call us at 406-446-1770 for specific details, or call the Beartooth Ranger district at 406-446-2103
Highway 212 is open as of 5PM on Friday July 22. There is still road construction around Beartooth lake (closure 7pm-7am Monday thru Thursday). Mountain Goat families are out, and campgrounds are open.
Beartooth Lake/ Island Lake: Very Buggy!! The first creek crossing at Island lake is about knee deep, but not rushing water. Creek crossing at Beartooth Lake trailhead is rushing and challenging. Wet, and mosquitoes are the standard themes, but snow is melting off and hiking and backpacking season on these trails is here. Snow level is sitting about 10,000ft for snowbanks, 11,000 ft for more solid snow conditions.
Cooke City Area Hiking: Hiking/ Biking along the park entrance road has been shortened to two miles, due to the start of construction and repair of the road. They hope to have this road open by October thru the park.
Lady of the Lake Trailhead, Daisy Pass, Crazy Creek, etc.. all beautiful hiking. Buggy!! Headnets, long sleeves are a must.
Line Creek Plateau: With the Beartooth Highway open, and East Side Bridge Access open, Line Creek plateau is now fully accessible for hiking and mountain biking. High creek crossings still, but they are going down. Very Buggy!
Maurice Creek Trail: With the opening of a temporary bridge on the north end of East Side Road, the Maurice Creek trail, and Corral Creek trails are accessible. Trail crews are working on clearing some of the downfall.
West Fork Road: Road is closed to vehicles at Basin Campground. You can park, and walk up the road if you wish. Please do not walk on any bridges, as all are continuing to fall apart. Basin campground is open, but with no water. Silver Run Trails, Nichols Creek, Willow, Palisades trails are all open for hiking and biking. Hikers have been up to Timberline Lake, and to the West Fork Trailhead. Sundance Pass area is good with a few snowbanks. The west fork trail itself has lots of trees down, and water running down the trail. High level of bear activity, both black and grizzly, in the West Fork drainage - please carry bear spray, and be aware that EMS cant easily get to you for a rescue.
Lake Fork area: Lots of bridge, road and trail damage. The trail is now accessible by parking in the large meadow below the Lions Camp (Richel Lodge area) and hiking through the Lions Camp and up the “winter” trail to the main trail head.. Trail is washed out in a few places, but washouts are easy to navigate up to Lost Lake and beyond. Bridge above Lost Lake is intact, Snowpack on Sundance pass is down to snowbanks. Lots of bear activity.. carry bear spray and keep a super clean camp.
Beartrack Trail: Trail is open and hikeable, very little snow on the plateau. With a shuttle, it is now possible to hike the Beartrack/Silver Run area up and over.
Glacier Lake Road: Road and bridge damage. Area is closed to vehicles. Parkside campground is open a few spots. Glacier Lake road and Hellroaring road are walkable, but expect fast moving creek crossings with no bridges and rubble stretches where roads have washed out.
- Sheridan, Rattin, M-K and Limberpine Campgrounds closed for season. Greenough campground may open later in the season, after repairs from where Wyoming creek ran through the campground.
Red Lodge Creek Trail: Trail is open up to the plateau, Creek crossings are very fast. Trail access to East Rosebud, or Senia Creek on West Fork is closed due to no access to those trail heads, so be prepared for an out/back trip.
East Rosebud: Lots of road, bridge, trail and home damage in the valley. The road is now open to Jimmy Joe Campground, and the campground is open (with a closed section in the center). The road to East Rosebud is not accessible by vehicle, 4 wheeler or bicycle due to extreme damage. Hiking this section from Jimmy Joe to the East Rosebud trailhead is extremely dangerous, with deep and fast river crossings and 5 miles of rubble and boulders. The “Beaten Path” trail can be done as an out and back trip from the Clarks Fork trailhead, with a turnaround place of Rainbow Lake. The bridge at Rimrock is out, and trail washed out to East Rosebud from there.
"Beaten Path" - Very Buggy!!! Access from Cooke City side has some water crossings, but all major bridges are intact. Fossil Lake area is large snowbanks. East Rosebud side: Large wind event this spring caused major blow down between Lake at the Falls and Rainbow.. hundreds of trees down. Make it a plan to turn back before Lake at the Falls..
West Rosebud: Fishtail bridge is fixed, so access to Fishtail and West Rosebud road has been restored. West Rosebud Road (#2072) is opening to West Rosebud Lake. Pine Grove and Emerald Lake campgrounds are open and water in the campground has been restored.
Mystic Lake Trail: Mystic Lake Trail head is accessible by parking at Emerald Lake, and walking the last mile to the Mystic Lake Trail head. The trail is in good shape, with a bit of water washout, to the Lake. Trail crews have recently cut out the down trees from major blowdown event earlier this spring. Around the Lake, the Huckleberry creek bridge is out, but still navigable on logs to cross. The log jam at Island Lake has washed out, but the outlet of Island is easy to wade across (knee or so deep) to keep hiking to Island an Silver Lakes above Mystic.
Granite Peak Approach from Mystic: The Mystic lake trail is in good condition, with a stretch of washout and water on the trail. The switchbacks up to the plateau are in good shape - a few trees down and a couple of washout spots and avalanche debris, but all easy to navigate on foot. Granite Peak conditions are good.. snowbridge is intact and not huge. Plan for multiple other groups, as it is becoming busy.
Stillwater valley - Area is closed, due to road and bridge damage. Stillwater Road (#2400) including Woodbine campground and the Stillwater Trail head will remain closed. Please make sure to obey all closure signage in this area. West Fork Stillwater Road (#2846) is closed. Woodbine campground, trail head and parking lot are intact but not accessible. Woodbine Trail bridge was destroyed along with Stillwater trail parking lot.
Boulder River - some road work being cleaned up, but road is open to the end and trails are open. Natural Bridge area is open. Lake Plateau area, accessed from Upside Down Creek from the Boulder, is opening up and will be beautiful hiking and fishing for those looking for a longer trip, or a "Beaten Path" alternative trip. Always very buggy.. and this year is no exception. Bridgecreek trailhead is currently closed due to a carcass and bear activity.
Paradise Valley - All trails and forest areas open, except Mill Creek area..- Main Mill Creek at Mile Marker 14.4 (Passage Creek) and West Mill Creek on National Forest System roads only.
- Snowbank Campground - closed all season, bridge washout and Sixmile above Gold Prize closed.
Pryors: Beartooth Ranger District also includes the Pryors, for those looking for an alternative place to explore. The Big Ice Cave has recently had a new observation deck and stairway built.
Please as we head into the long holiday weekend - call the respective local ranger district to learn specific site information, conditions and questions:
Ashland Ranger District - 406-784-2344
Beartooth Ranger District -406-446-2103
Bozeman Ranger District - 406-522-2520
Gardiner Ranger District -406-848-7375
Hebgen Lake Ranger District - 406-823-6961
Sioux Ranger District -605-797-4432
Yellowstone Ranger District - 406-222-1892
Give us a call at (406) 446-1770 if you're looking for a more current or specific trail report!
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