Helena National Forest

Recreational Activities - Trails

Length: 5.3 miles

Elevation Change: There is a rise of 1750 vertical feet in the first 4 miles, followed by a drop of 800 vertical feet in the last 1.3 miles.
Trail Beginning: 7200 ft. elevation at the trailhead
Trail Ending: 9000 ft. elevation to the crest and then trail descends to Edith Lake (8200 ft. elevation)

Special Features/Attractions & Considerations:
The trail is suitable for day hiking and multi-day trips. From the pass at the base of Mount Edith there is a panoramic view of the southern end of the Big Belt Mountains and the Crazy Mountains to the south, the Missouri River valley to the southwest, and Birch Creek Basin and the Smith River Valley to the northeast. Edith Lake is surrounded by a beautiful mountain with shear cliffs and talus slopes on the upper end of the lake. There are several unimproved campsites on the lake. There are hybrid cuttroat trout that offer good mountain lake fishing. Mountain goats frequent the slopes behind Edith Lake. The first several miles of the trail pass through an area that is known for elk and upland game birds. The trails in Birch Creek Basin are closed to motorized use.

At its crest, the trail is around 9000 feet in elevation and the weather can be unpredictable. Check on snow conditions during the early summer. Birch Creek Basin holds several mountain lakes. Edith Lake may be just part of an extended trip to visit other lakes in the area.

From the trail head the trail climbs steadily for 4 miles to a pass near the crest of Mount Edith. It then drops into Birch Creek Basin and Lake Edith. Some short portions of the trail may approach 20% grade, but generally the grade is between 10 and 15%.

Locator: Big Belt Mountains
From Townsend via North Fork of Deep Creek take Highway US 12 east of town for 12 miles then turn left onto a county road. Follow the county road 3.5 miles to the forest boundary. Stay on Forest Road #423 (North Fork of Deep Creek) for approximately 5 miles to the junction with Forest Road 423 F1. The trailhead is at the end of this road (approximately one mile).

Quad(s): Mount Edith
Helena National Forest Map

For further information contact the Townsend Ranger District

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 17 May 2007 at 16:18:03 EDT