Elk River Trail

Elk River Trail (79) wanders through fairly heavy timber for 1.5 miles before it intersects with the Little Elk River. The trail terminates at its junction with Lobo Mesa Trail 29, but hikers may proceed farther north or south on Trail 29.

The trail winds up along the Elk River, a fishery for cutthroat as well as some brown and rainbow trout. Motorized use is prohibited in this area. Wildlife abounds. Elk, mule deer, bear, moose, and others wander through the open meadows along the river where Indian paintbrush, lupine, yellow bells, and shooting stars bloom all summer long.

Those unsure about their vehicle's clearance could hike the road for 4 miles from the Elk River trailhead, which makes the trip 11 miles round trip. Additionally, the possibility of 2 long loop trips stem from this trail. Following the Lobo Mesa Trail to the left, up the Little Elk River, you climb for 2.5 miles to Lobo Mesa and then follow Trail 405 down to your left and back 6.5 miles to the trailhead.

Turning right and hiking 4 miles at the Little elk River junction takes you up Indian Spring Creek toward Wolverine Basin where you join Freezeout Mountain Trail 409. A right on the Freezeout Mountain trail brings you 9 miles back down to the road that leads to the Elk River trailhead and Miller Flats.

Length: 3.0 miles round trip. Low difficulty

Trail Begins: Above Miller Flats.Trail Ends: Junction with Little Elk River

USGS Map: Freezeout Mountain

Directions: Follow US Highway 287 south 35 miles from Ennis to the West Fork of the Madison River. Make a right at the rest area and cross the Madison River on Lyon Bridge. Proceed up the West Fork Road approximately 9 miles to Miller Flat. Turn right off Road 209 at a fork near a stock loading ramp and follow this primitive road 4 miles to the trailhead. It is recommended that low clearance vehicles do not travel the last 4 miles of this route.

Elk River Trail
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Ennis, MT 59729

Activities Wildlife Viewing Fishing Services Trail

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