Helena National Forest

	Helena National Forest Home
	About Us
	Contact Us
	Current Conditions
	Employment
	FAQ'S
	Fire & Aviation
	Maps
	Newsroom
	Passes & Permits
	Projects & Plans
	Publications
	Recreational Activities
	Volunteering

	Contracting
	Forest Resources
	District Offices
	Montana Discovery Foundation
	Community Outreach
	Cabin Rental
	Elkhorn Wildlife Mgt Unit
	Links of Interest

Helena National Forest
2880 Skyway Drive
Helena, MT 59602

(406) 449-5201

Elkhorns Wildlife Management Unit

Recreation in the Elkhorns

Elkhorns: Recreation in the Elkhorns

Kids of all ages enjoy a summer day in the Elkhorn Mountains

Explore the Elkhorn Mountains on trails and wagon roads once used by Native Americans, trappers, and gold miners. Driving in the Elkhorns varies from a few gravel roads that can be driven in a car to many tortuous old mining trails negotiable only by 4-wheel drive. Many roads and trails provide solitude for horseback, mountain bikes, and winter cross-country ski travel.

The core portion of this mountain range is closed yearlong to motorized vehicles to provide seclusion and security for wildlife. most of the big game winter range is closed from December 1 to May 15, to minimize human disturbance to wildlife during harsh conditions.

There are 2 cabins available for public rental in the Elkhorns, Eagle Guard Station and Strawberry Lookout. There are a variety of dispersed camping opportunities and two developed recreation sites, one on BLM land in Crow Creek and the other near the historic townsite of Elkhorn. Check out the interpretive trails in Willard Creek and near Eagle Guard Station.

HIKING MATRIX
One of the best ways to explore the Elkhorns is to take a hike! Elkhorn trails are known for long traverses through open grassland parks and meadows where deer and elk can often be seen feeding. The Hiking Matrix highlights numerous trails that represent a variety of experiences and challenges available in the Elkhorns.

RECREATION MATRIX
The Elkhorn Cooperative Management Area offers over 120 miles of non-motorized trails and 334 miles of motorized trails and roads for access and exploration. Non-motorized trails are managed for a variety of uses, including hiking, mountain biking, pack and saddle stock, and cross-country skiing. Motorized trails are intended to accommodate a variety of motorized vehicles as well. no matter what your preference of travel, by foot, hoof or wheel, all users are asked to "Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace!"

CROW CREEK FALLS ESSAY
There once was a new mother who hiked into a waterfall in the Elkhorn Mountains carrying her baby in a front pack. This woman was anxious to see what was going on in her domain. She stayed long enough for a few pictures, just to capture the beauty of the falls, the innocence of the baby, and the junk scattered on the ground next to the falls.

HISTORY OF THE CROW CREEK FALLS

The Crown Jewel of the Elkhorn Mountains is now a public treasure since the Helena National Forest purchased Crow Creek Falls in 2004. Until then, this spectacular waterfall sat in the middle of a 20-acre patented mining claim, surrounded by a large “roadless” portion of the Helena National Forest. How did it come to be private land and why is the purchase so noteworthy?

Elkhorn Wildlife Management Logo

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 02 July 2007 at 17:29:57 EDT