Helena National Forest

Recreational Activities - Trails

Length:
Trail #418: from Snowbank Lake to Lookout 7.5 mi, from Sucker Cr rd to Lookout 10.2

Trail #417: from end Keep Cool Rd 5.0 mi (best access for motorized use)

Elevation Change:
Trail Beginning: Snowbank Lake 7160 ft. (2183 m) at the junction with trail #418
Trail Ending: 8270 Ft. (2521 m) at Stonewall Mountain

Special Features/Attractions & Considerations: The walk is a beautiful ridge hike with outstanding views of the Blackfoot Valley and access to Lincoln’s only active lookout. The junction of Trail #418 and Trail #417 is not well marked but it is located on top of the ridge. Caution is advised on Stonewall Mountain due to high winds. Clouds often engulf the top of the Mountain; keep an eye out for quick changes in weather. Once past the meadow it is a steady gradual climb through a closed canopy environment. There are a few glimpses of the Lincoln Valley, but none that can-compare with the view you receive once on top of Stonewall Mountain. The ridge top is dry, so be sure to carry some water. For users that enjoy the challenges of off road motorized travel, Stonewall trail #418 from the Keep Cool Rd offers the best access to the mountains top. The trail from Snowbank Lake #417 to the junction with #418 was recently burned in the Snow-Talon Fire of 2003 and while offering views of a regenerating landscape, there are some special advisories to consider (posted at the trail head) because conditions in a burned forest change constantly.

Locator: Stonewall Mountain
1st Access is from Highway 200, turn north onto Copper Creek Road #330, and follow to the Snowbank Lake parking area. Follow Trail #418 to trail junction with the Stonewall Trail #417.

2nd Access is from Highway 200, turn north onto Sucker Creek Road #1800 and follow 2.5 miles to the trailhead The trailhead sign off to the left and the parking and hitch rail is to the right.

3rd Access is from the end of the Keep Cool Lakes Rd #1821 located 6.0 mi up the Sucker Cr Rd #1800. Turn left off Rd #1800 and follow the Keep Cool Rd 5.0 mi to the trail parking area. This access offers the best route for motorized travel to the mountaintop.

Quad(s): Stonewall Mountain
Helena National Forest Map

For further information contact the Lincoln Ranger District

USDA Forest Service - Helena National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 17 May 2007 at 16:18:05 EDT