Conditions are updated frequently and change nearly daily...
These are just some generals we know for sure.
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Friday Oct. 28th update and changes:
Slight changes, updates and notices. 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:
Beartooth Highway: The Beartooth Highway (US 212) will close for the season on October 14, 2022 at the lower gate near Parkside campground. Chief Joseph Scenic byway will remain open to access Cooke City.
The road from Cooke City/ SIlver Gate into the park and through Lamar Valley is expected to open Saturday Oct 15th, with new road construction being completed. Go visit Cooke City, and take a drive through the park on the new roads!
Area Campground Status: Basin Campground closed October 2nd, Palisades open until we get a good snow. Pine Grove is closed and gated, Emerald Lake’s gate is open but there are limited services as in no water or trash. Parkside closed October 2nd. Jimmy Joe campground will remain open.
Hunting season is open, so walk and hike with bright colors and be aware of hunters in the area.
Road is open completely to Mystic Lake trailhead as of Sept 23. It is no longer necessary to park at West Rosebud Lake and walk to the trailhead.
NOTICES:
1) Silver Run SKi Swap is in Billings this Fri and Saturday.. Shop for gear on Friday, Oct. 28 from 5-8 PM and Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9-2:00 PM. Entry will be on the east end of the parking lot at the Red Door Lounge, in Billings. (NOT at the Shrine Auditorium this year!)) https://silverrunski.com/ski-swap-2018/
2) BRTA Ski Swap is in Red Lodge on Nov. 19th, along with kids season cross country ski rentals.
Season pass information and online purchasing is up on https://www.beartoothtrails.org/feesandpasses. Remember that your season pass money benefits grooming the West Fork road as well!
3) 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.
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 The Beartooth Highway (US 212) pass will close for the season on October 14, at the lower gate near Parkside Campground. The target opening date for 2023 is the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, weather dependent.
Cooke City Area Hiking:
Road into the Park from Cooke City through Lamar Valley is open. There are sections of dirt, and one section of one way traffic with a traffic light, so plan for extra time. Take advantage of the fall hiking and wildlife watching in the newly opened NorthEast section of Yellowstone!
Cooke City area received a few inches of new snow this week, so plan for cold, icy conditions if hiking.
Silver Gate Lodging is opening cabins for winter retreats this season! Book a cabin, and even a guided tour! Cabins have full kitchens. Book Pine Edge Cabins & The Pine Edge House for the New Winter Season which starts Nov. 18th, 2022 thru March 20th, 2023… Spend Thanksgiving w/ Us or just Come Out to Enjoy the Beauty of Winter in Silver Gate!!! Book a Cabin & a Tour with Silver Gate Guides before Nov. 18th and get $50 off the Tour… *Use code WINTER22* at Checkout.
We’re looking forward to Sharing the Beauty & Quiet of Winter w/ You!!! silvergatelodging.com 406-838-2371
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.
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 closed on Oct 2. Silver Run Trails are all open for hiking and biking. 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. This has been good mountain biking along the road.
Palisades/ Willow Creek/ Nichols Creek: Colors are dwindling but still so pretty! Willow Creek and Nichols creek can be frosty and possibly icy in the mornings on the higher elevation of the trails. These trails are multi use, so watch for Mountain Bikes, Horses and walkers and dogs. Palisades closes to dogs on Dec 1st for wildlife habitat areas.
Lake Fork area: The trail is 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.. Water is lower, but still a very challenging cross/ford at the old bridge area - it almost takes less time and effort just to walk the extra mile from the meadow parking area. 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, Lots of bear activity.. carry bear spray and keep a super clean camp.
Beartrack Trail: Trail is open and hikeable, very little to no new snow on the plateau. There is no water on this trail With a shuttle, it is possible to hike the Beartrack/Silver Run area up and over.
Glacier Lake Road: Road and bridge damage. Area is closed to vehicles past the large parking area at Parkside Campground. It is possible to walk into Greenough Lake by parking at Parkside Campground and walking the rest of the way. 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. Many people have been walking and mountain biking into the Glacier Lake road area.. with multiple crossings of creeks and rubble slides. Work is being done this fall from Parkside campground up, so watch for big machinery and crews if you are out.
Red Lodge Creek Trail: Trail is open up to the plateau, 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. Wear bright colors during hunting season.
East Rosebud: Please be aware of private lands vs forest service lands! There have been multiple reports of trespassing, camping on cabin lawns and porches, and walking through the East Rosebud cabins. This area, and access to the lake, is private property and under tight security due to the flooding of the valley. Please respect the homeowners....
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.
Mystic Lake Trail: Mystic Lake Trail head is accessible all the way to the trailhead, with the replacement of the bridge at Chicken creek (as of 9/23) The trail is in good shape, with a bit of water washout, to the Lake. The log jam at Island Lake has washed out, but the outlet of Island is easy to wade across making it much easier to keep hiking to Island an Silver Lakes above Mystic.
Stillwater valley - Area is closed, due to road and bridge damage. Please stay away from the private road accessing the Stillwater mine, as it is on private land. Stillwater Road (#2400) including Woodbine campground and the Stillwater Trail head will remain closed. This includes the trail to Sioux Charley Lake. 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.
The Cooke City side - there has been a major slide in the Avalanche lake area, so access to the Stillwater drainage from Cooke City is very challenging. Trail work is currently being done by Forest Service crews.
Boulder River - some road work being cleaned up, but road is open to the end and trails are open. Natural Bridge area is open.
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. GRizzly activity around Tom Miner Basin, so be aware and carry bear spray, even while fishing the river.
- 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.
Slight changes, updates and notices. 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:
Beartooth Highway: The Beartooth Highway (US 212) will close for the season on October 14, 2022 at the lower gate near Parkside campground. Chief Joseph Scenic byway will remain open to access Cooke City.
The road from Cooke City/ SIlver Gate into the park and through Lamar Valley is expected to open Saturday Oct 15th, with new road construction being completed. Go visit Cooke City, and take a drive through the park on the new roads!
Area Campground Status: Basin Campground closed October 2nd, Palisades open until we get a good snow. Pine Grove is closed and gated, Emerald Lake’s gate is open but there are limited services as in no water or trash. Parkside closed October 2nd. Jimmy Joe campground will remain open.
Hunting season is open, so walk and hike with bright colors and be aware of hunters in the area.
Road is open completely to Mystic Lake trailhead as of Sept 23. It is no longer necessary to park at West Rosebud Lake and walk to the trailhead.
NOTICES:
1) Silver Run SKi Swap is in Billings this Fri and Saturday.. Shop for gear on Friday, Oct. 28 from 5-8 PM and Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9-2:00 PM. Entry will be on the east end of the parking lot at the Red Door Lounge, in Billings. (NOT at the Shrine Auditorium this year!)) https://silverrunski.com/ski-swap-2018/
2) BRTA Ski Swap is in Red Lodge on Nov. 19th, along with kids season cross country ski rentals.
Season pass information and online purchasing is up on https://www.beartoothtrails.org/feesandpasses. Remember that your season pass money benefits grooming the West Fork road as well!
3) 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.
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 The Beartooth Highway (US 212) pass will close for the season on October 14, at the lower gate near Parkside Campground. The target opening date for 2023 is the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, weather dependent.
Cooke City Area Hiking:
Road into the Park from Cooke City through Lamar Valley is open. There are sections of dirt, and one section of one way traffic with a traffic light, so plan for extra time. Take advantage of the fall hiking and wildlife watching in the newly opened NorthEast section of Yellowstone!
Cooke City area received a few inches of new snow this week, so plan for cold, icy conditions if hiking.
Silver Gate Lodging is opening cabins for winter retreats this season! Book a cabin, and even a guided tour! Cabins have full kitchens. Book Pine Edge Cabins & The Pine Edge House for the New Winter Season which starts Nov. 18th, 2022 thru March 20th, 2023… Spend Thanksgiving w/ Us or just Come Out to Enjoy the Beauty of Winter in Silver Gate!!! Book a Cabin & a Tour with Silver Gate Guides before Nov. 18th and get $50 off the Tour… *Use code WINTER22* at Checkout.
We’re looking forward to Sharing the Beauty & Quiet of Winter w/ You!!! silvergatelodging.com 406-838-2371
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.
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 closed on Oct 2. Silver Run Trails are all open for hiking and biking. 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. This has been good mountain biking along the road.
Palisades/ Willow Creek/ Nichols Creek: Colors are dwindling but still so pretty! Willow Creek and Nichols creek can be frosty and possibly icy in the mornings on the higher elevation of the trails. These trails are multi use, so watch for Mountain Bikes, Horses and walkers and dogs. Palisades closes to dogs on Dec 1st for wildlife habitat areas.
Lake Fork area: The trail is 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.. Water is lower, but still a very challenging cross/ford at the old bridge area - it almost takes less time and effort just to walk the extra mile from the meadow parking area. 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, Lots of bear activity.. carry bear spray and keep a super clean camp.
Beartrack Trail: Trail is open and hikeable, very little to no new snow on the plateau. There is no water on this trail With a shuttle, it is possible to hike the Beartrack/Silver Run area up and over.
Glacier Lake Road: Road and bridge damage. Area is closed to vehicles past the large parking area at Parkside Campground. It is possible to walk into Greenough Lake by parking at Parkside Campground and walking the rest of the way. 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. Many people have been walking and mountain biking into the Glacier Lake road area.. with multiple crossings of creeks and rubble slides. Work is being done this fall from Parkside campground up, so watch for big machinery and crews if you are out.
Red Lodge Creek Trail: Trail is open up to the plateau, 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. Wear bright colors during hunting season.
East Rosebud: Please be aware of private lands vs forest service lands! There have been multiple reports of trespassing, camping on cabin lawns and porches, and walking through the East Rosebud cabins. This area, and access to the lake, is private property and under tight security due to the flooding of the valley. Please respect the homeowners....
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.
Mystic Lake Trail: Mystic Lake Trail head is accessible all the way to the trailhead, with the replacement of the bridge at Chicken creek (as of 9/23) The trail is in good shape, with a bit of water washout, to the Lake. The log jam at Island Lake has washed out, but the outlet of Island is easy to wade across making it much easier to keep hiking to Island an Silver Lakes above Mystic.
Stillwater valley - Area is closed, due to road and bridge damage. Please stay away from the private road accessing the Stillwater mine, as it is on private land. Stillwater Road (#2400) including Woodbine campground and the Stillwater Trail head will remain closed. This includes the trail to Sioux Charley Lake. 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.
The Cooke City side - there has been a major slide in the Avalanche lake area, so access to the Stillwater drainage from Cooke City is very challenging. Trail work is currently being done by Forest Service crews.
Boulder River - some road work being cleaned up, but road is open to the end and trails are open. Natural Bridge area is open.
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. GRizzly activity around Tom Miner Basin, so be aware and carry bear spray, even while fishing the river.
- 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.
Give us a call at (406) 446-1770 if you're looking for a more current or specific trail report!
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