Helena National Forest Overview

Park Lake

The Continental Divide parts the Helena National Forest in half. To the west, vast canyons and limestone peaks foster a collection of timber and subalpine fir, embracing meadows, and blue, blue skies. This is Montana's untamed country. On the eastern side, sage and pine decorate the gentler Big Belt Mountains: a different kind of delight.

In 1864, gold was discovered in a ravine nicknamed "The Last Gulch." Hopeful miners sped to the area in search of instant wealth. Today, more than 100 years later, visitors to Helena can explore traces of the gold miners. Some optimistic recreational gold panners still scatter the banks of a promising stream.

Hike the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail extends for 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico. Much of it is severely rugged and hard to follow. However, Helena's section of the CDT is relatively easy and well-liked by those who are familiar with the trail. Plus it serves up a heap of stunning scenery, from the shade of old-growth Douglas Fir to brilliant mountain-top glory.

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Mountain Bike the Hidden Valley Road
Not only does Hidden Valley Road offer a great site for mountain biking, but its nearby historical campgrounds add especially to the experience. Nearby the base of this highly elevated trail is Indian Flats cabin, right off Forest Road 138. For a small fee, you can rent it from the Helena Ranger District.

Camp at Aspen Grove
Partially hidden in a collection of Aspen, Douglas fir, Cottonwood, juniper and Lodgepole, Aspen Grove Campground is located on a blanket of grass and sage in Lincoln Ranger District between Missoula and Great Falls. This variety of tree life fosters a wide range of bird speciation, making the campground a great bird-watching facility. It stretches along the scenic Blackfoot River.

Fish the Little Blackfoot River
The crisp, clean Little Blackfoot River is much more than the rippling, scenic attraction it may appear to be. Here, in its fresh waters, biologists have found some of the largest pure strains of cutthroat trout in Montana. Other fishing destinations include sections of the Missouri River below the Hauser Dam, where you can find prize-winning brown trout, as well as rainbow, brook and bull trout. Other species found in the forest include Whitefish, arctic grayling and Dolly Varden.

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Ski the Helena Winter
You can find great cross-country trails at Stemple Pass on the Lincoln Ranger District and at MacDonald Pass on the Helena Ranger District. Some trails are always groomed, but others are only groomed intermittently. Also, some of the forest's 220 miles of snowmobiling routes are quite popular. If this strikes your interest, try the routes near Lincoln in the Lincoln Ranger District.

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Stay at Eagle Guard Cabin
The oldest cabin in Helena, Eagle Guard Station was built in 1895 for a mineworker and his family during the Gold Rush. They eventually moved out, and the cabin was renovated by the US government and made into an administrative building. Today, visitors use it as a recreational cabin. Its nearby attractions include the Poe Park and Crow Creek Falls Hiking Trails. Some historic mining areas, including Elkhorn, Hassel, Ruddville and Diamond Hill mines, are close in proximity. These places share a look back at the gold rush and mining days.

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Catch a Glimpse of Wildlife
Wherever you travel within Helena's borders, mountain wildlife abounds. A white-tailed deer, bald eagle, moose or mountain goat can be spotted on a pleasant afternoon hike, while more rarely bighorn sheep may briefly make a cameo on a hilltop. In the more wild and solitary wilderness areas, wolves and cougars roam isolated woodland.

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Horseback Ride Along the Stonewall Ridge Trail
A favorite among locals and regular tourists alike, the Stonewall Ridge Trail includes a fabulous view of the Blackfoot Valley. This steady-climbing trail is in excellent condition and climbs to a closed-canopy path, eventually leading to an incomparable view of Lincoln Valley, including a view of the Garnet and Flint Mountain Ranges on a clear day.

Drive Along the Nevada Creek Road
Just off State Highway 272, this single lane dirt road is perfect for any adventurer who wishes to encounter Helena's beauty by car. It offers views of the Nevada Creek, as well as some choice rainbow and brook trout fishing along the way. Make sure you don't miss the opportunity to explore some of the higher areas on foot, particularly the overlook to Helmville Valley.

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Boat Through the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness
As you enter the forest from the Missouri River, it appears to be blocked by great stone masses. But as you draw near, great rock chasms open like gateways, creating one of nature's most spectacular optical illusions. During the summer months, small motor boat tours glide along the waterways of the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness. These tours survey not only the river but the exceptional wildlife as well.