National Forest Trail

There is no grooming from the winter trailhead at the end of Park County Road to Big Creek trailhead. Additional skiing opportunities can be found above the trailhead.

Big Eddy Trail (998) climbs steeply and switchbacks sharply for the first 2.2 miles. From Squaw Peak Lookout there is an excellent view of the valley from Lake Pend Oreille to Noxon Reservoir, and the high peaks of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and Scotchman Peaks area.

Big George Gulch Trail (251) is 6.1 miles and recommended for use from mid-spring to mid-fall, difficulty rating moderate to more difficult. The trail transverses a pass and is steep in places. Wildlife attractions include bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mule deer and bear.

Big Hole Lookout Trail (368) begins at the upper gate on Road 875. Lower gate is closed to motorized vehicles from December 1 to May 15. This is the short summer access to the peak.

Length: 2.2 miles.Trail Begins: Froest Road 875.Trail Ends: Big Hole Lookout

Also called the Trail Creek Snowmobile Trail. Accesses Hogan cabin rental in 6 miles. Easiest trail rating. Must stay off cross-country ski trails marked with blue diamonds.

Length: 0.3 miles.Trail Begins: Big Larch Campground.Trail Ends: Big Larch Campground

Area Map: Lolo Forest Visitors Map .USGS Map1: Seeley Lake East.Township 17N; Range 15W; Section 34

Some sections of Big Sky Snowmobile Trail are for experienced riders only. Portions of trail at lower elevations generally follow logging roads and are well marked. Upper portions are more difficult to follow; intermittently marked open country. Trail can be broken down into sections.

Access Big Sky Trail Snowmobile from West Yellowstone via Horse Butte Loop or from Fir Ridge parking area. Parking space is limited. Access is groomed from Horse Butte Loop to Fir Ridge and from Fir Ridge parking area 8 miles toward Cabin Creek every other night.

Big Spring Creek Trail (1269) is a steep rocky trail that takes you up the Rock Creek side of the Sapphire Divide to Eagle Point. You will be looking over the Bitterroot Valley from the top of the Skalkaho Game Preserve. This is steep rocky country and might be hard on horses.

Big Spruce Creek Trail (1102) climbs steeply through brushy, timbered terrain to access several high lakes in the Cube Iron/Mt. Silcox Roadless Area. Non-motorized use only.

Length: 4.7 miles.Trail Begins: Forest Road 603.Trail Ends: Junction Trail 450

Birch Creek Ski Trail is intermittently groomed and provides an opportunity for the cross-country skier to easily access the foothills of the Ten Lakes Scenic Area. There are several marked trails varying in skill levels.

Birch Creek Trail goes to an unique geological formation known as the Needles. This is a nice hike if you have a camp at one of the lakes within the Birch Creek Basin. This trail can be used all year and is rated moderate for difficulty. The usage is medium.

Located in the Pioneer mountains, Birch Creek Center was originally constructed as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp in the 1930s. It is presently leased by Western Montana College of the University of Montana and includes a number of short hiking trails.

Length: 4.0 miles.Trail Begins: Trail 10.Trail Ends: Dome Shaped Mountain

Area Map: Deerlodge National Forest Visitors Map .USGS Map1: Stony Creek.USGS Map2: Burnt Fork Lake.Township 6N; Range 17W; Section 17

Length: 4.1 km of more difficult trail; no grooming. Limited parking.