Meredith Baird

The drive up forest service road 735 can be a little sketchy. Caution is advised during winter months or if the road is wet or muddy. The road dead ends at the Canyon Creek/Blodgett Overlook trailhead. There is ample parking space and an outhouse. Begin on the Canyon Creek trail and hang a right at the sign to stay on Blodgett Overlook trail 101. From there, the trail gradually ascends with...

The trailhead is easily visible from the parking area and ascends into a narrow canyon surrounded by dense forest. Mill Creek is not much more than a trickle at the beginning, but slowly gets larger and follows the trail the entire hike. About a half mile in, cross the log bridge over Mill Creek.Soon the canyon will open up and give way to stunning craggy mountain views towering overhead. There...

Lubrecht Experimental forest is owned and managed by both the College of Forestry & Conservation and the State of Montana Department of Natural Resources. The forest spans over 28,000 acres in the Blackfoot River drainage.A local favorite, Lubrecht boasts 12.6 miles of cross country ski trails. Some of the loops overlap, vary in difficulty, and all of the trails are two-way. There are pl...

The hike begins on an old jeep road and has no amenities. It crosses through a marshy field and quickly starts climbing upward with switchbacks. Cross over an old spur logging road before ascending into thick forest. Continue on the steep switchbacks through dense evergreens until the rocky outcrop starts to appear through the trees.This is where the hike gets fun! Choose your path up the bo...

The Bison Range is open year round, however, the road is mostly closed in the winter months, so the best times are the spring, summer or fall.The Range was established in 1908 to help preserve a natural population of the nearly extinct animal. Today, between 350-500 bison roam the hills.You will want to stop at the visitor center to get a pass, a map, and learn from a park ranger where animals...

The trailhead is well established with a small campground and bathroom facilities.The hike begins in dense forest and slowly climbs over Bear Creek through a canyon. You get your typical (but always beautiful!) Bitterroot scenery: jagged rocky mountains towering over you on each side.At 1.5 miles, the trail opens up to the main waterfall. Depending on the time of year, it can be small or raging...

Note: crampons and hiking poles are a necessity for navigating this trail in the winter months. The trail can be steep in some places and very icy. Serious note: This area is used very frequently, resulting in abuse of the land. There is a problem with trash and clothing left behind. For this reason, it is a day use only. And please help protect and keep this area clean! The trailhead is eas...

When you turn on Holland Lake Lodge road, follow the signs towards the lodge.  You will notice a sign that directs to a day use area, which is an option, but I prefer to continue to the very end of the dead end road.  There is parking and a vault toilet at the dead end along with a trailhead sign. Grab your gear and set off down the trail.  It is about a 3-minute walk down to the water.  You wi...