Hiking

Hiking trails are abundant in Gold West Country. Whether you're a serious trekker or just want a short stroll and a nice view, there's a myriad of choices throughout our region.

Hikers and backpackers should carry detailed maps available from local Forest Service offices. Get specific information on trail locations and conditions, fire and use restrictions, and private land boundaries. Remember that weather conditions can-and do-change rapidly in Montana, so be prepared by checking weather forecasts and carrying proper gear and clothing.

The two National Forests that cover parts of Gold West Country offer these suggested hiking trails.

Helena National Forest

Bar Gulch Trail #241

Moderate hike, 2 miles. Northeast of Townsend at the mouth of Bar Gulch in the Big Belt Mountains.

Boulder Lakes Trail #142

Difficult hike, about 9 miles. Rugged but very scenic terrain. Off Duck Creek Road northeast of Townsend.

Hidden Lake Trail #151

Difficult rating, about 5.2 miles. Scenic views, fishing and good access to the mountains, lakes and trails of Big Birch Creek Basin. Off Duck Creek Road northeast of Townsend.

Needles Trail #149

Moderate rating, about 2 miles. Unique geological formation known as "The Needles." Birch Creek Basin, east of Townsend.

South Fork Lakes Trail #127

Moderate rating, about 1.5 miles. Scenic South Fork Lakes offer fishing and camping. A good day trip. Northwest of Radersburg.

Eagle Guard Station Interpretive Trail

Off Forest Service Road 405 west of Townsend.

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Sheepshead Mountain Recreation Area

Designated accessible to children, elderly and disabled. 5 miles of paved trail around Maney Lake.

Haystack Mountain

Moderate hiking, 3 miles. To Haystack Mountain east of Butte.

Lake Louise Trail #168

National Recreation Trail with difficult rating. 1.75 miles. Switchbacks, very scenic views. Near Cardwell.

Red Mountain Highland Lookout

Moderate rating, 2 miles. Spectacular vistas with panoramic

Views South of Butte

Cottonwood Lake Headwaters of Boulder Creek

Easy rating, 2.5 miles. Easy hiking to the lake with good fishing. East of Butte.

Odell Lake Trail #10

Trail provides access to several lakes. Scenic walk through low meadowlands and rolling hillsides. Panoramic views.

Gold Creek Trail #152

Scenic views, about 7 miles. Trail leads to Crescent Lake and Lake Abundance.

Cherry Creek Trail #123

Access to Granite, Cherry and Green Lakes.

Pintler Creek Trail #37

Lush lodgepole pine forest and a beautiful, marshy floodplain along Pintler Creek.

Lacy CreekTrail #259

Meadowlands, great views. Provide access to other trails which lead to other lakes.

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