This trail has been adopted by: David L. (What's this?)

Montana

May Creek Trail

May Creek Trail parallels meandering May Creek along the edge of lush creek banks and over wildflower filled meadows to May Creek Cabin.

photo: Junction of the short trail to May Creek Cabin and May Creek Trail. Photo by David Lingle.

Length: 7.00 miles
Loop Trail? No
Type: Backcountry
Agency: USDA Forest Service
Entry Fee? No
Parking Fee? No

Allowed Uses:

Bicycling (off pavement)
Equestrian - Riding
Equestrian - Pack trips
Equestrian - Other stock
Motorized vehicles - Four wheel drive
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Snow - Cross-country Skiing
Snow - Snowshoeing

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Location: 17 miles west of Wisdom, MT on MT Hwy 43 and 7 miles west of Big Hole National Battlefield; 8 miles east of Chief Joseph Pass on MT Hwy 43. In the northern end of the West Big Hole Mountains.
State(s): Montana
Counties: Beaverhead
Longitude: -113.782393
Latitude: 45.651371

Driving Directions

Take Hwy 43 west of Wisdom 16 miles. Turn off Hwy 43 into May Creek Campground. Go through campground to the SW corner through a large gate. Trail begins in meadow, and leads west.

Description


This trail was traveled by a
NRT Ambassador on 07/26/2020.

May Creek Trail parallels meandering May Creek along the edge of lush creek banks and over wildflower filled meadows to May Creek Cabin. The trail is most frequently used as an out-and-back to access May Creek Cabin in both Summer and Winter. It can also be used to create a loop with trails in the area after it climbs from the creek to meet the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).

May Creek Trail begins in May Creek Campground at the gate near campsite #14 and is 2 miles to the Cabin. Another 2.5 miles beyond the cabin, the trail leaves the gentle creek bottom and climbs to follow a wooded ridge to its junction with the Anderson Mountain Road and the CDT.

Additional Details

Width: 18 inches.
Primary Surface: Soil
Secondary Surface: Soil

Average Grade: 12%
Maximum Grade: 35%
Elevation Low Point: 5,772
Elevation High Point: 7,694
Elevation Gain (cumulative): 1,370 feet

Year Designated: 1980

Supporting Webpages and Documents

Website: May Creek Cabin link on Rec.gov

Contact Information

For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.

Trail Management:
 Gil Gale
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
P.O. Box 238
Wisdom, MT 59761
(406) 689-3243
[email protected]
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/b-d

 

Photos

Snowbike Tracks meander with May Creek. Photo by David Lingle.

Snowbike Tracks meander with May Creek. Photo by David Lingle.

Cabin along May Creek. Photo by David Lingle.

Cabin along May Creek. Photo by David Lingle.

 

Gutter on May Creek Cabin. Photo by David Lingle.

Gutter on May Creek Cabin. Photo by David Lingle.

Junction of the short trail to May Creek Cabin and May Creek Trail. Photo by David Lingle.

Junction of the short trail to May Creek Cabin and May Creek Trail. Photo by David Lingle.

 

The bridge over May Creek accessing May Creek Cabin. Photo by David Lingle.

The bridge over May Creek accessing May Creek Cabin. Photo by David Lingle.

May Creek Cabin is a popular place to visit in winter. The woodshed is kept stocked with firewood. Photo by David Lingle.

May Creek Cabin is a popular place to visit in winter. The woodshed is kept stocked with firewood. Photo by David Lingle.

 

The Cabinet Creek Trail junction. It is 4 miles from here to the May Creek Cabin, and 6 miles to the Campground. Photo by David Lingle.

The Cabinet Creek Trail junction. It is 4 miles from here to the May Creek Cabin, and 6 miles to the Campground. Photo by David Lingle.

This sign marks the upper end of the May Creek Trail. The upper 1/4mile of trail is 2track. Photo by David Lingle.

This sign marks the upper end of the May Creek Trail. The upper 1/4mile of trail is 2track. Photo by David Lingle.

 

The upper end of the May Creek Trail as it becomes singletrack. Photo by David Lingle.

The upper end of the May Creek Trail as it becomes singletrack. Photo by David Lingle.

Upper May Creek Trail as it runs through the woods before dropping down to the lush creek bottom. Photo by David Lingle.

Upper May Creek Trail as it runs through the woods before dropping down to the lush creek bottom. Photo by David Lingle.

 

Lower May Creek Trail passes through small groves of pine forest between open meadows and willow lined creek bottom. Photo by David Lingle.

Lower May Creek Trail passes through small groves of pine forest between open meadows and willow lined creek bottom. Photo by David Lingle.

Sego Lilies at meadows edge. May Creek Cabin is nestled in the woods beyond. Photo by David Lingle.

Sego Lilies at meadows edge. May Creek Cabin is nestled in the woods beyond. Photo by David Lingle.

 

May Creek Trail passes near meandering May Creek. Photo by David Lingle.

May Creek Trail passes near meandering May Creek. Photo by David Lingle.

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