Montana · Hiking

Big Log Gulch

4.6 mi
round trip
378 ft
climb
4,241 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Aug–Sep
best months

Is Big Log Gulch open right now?

No closures listed

The Forest Service lists no closures for Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Big Log Gulch is an easy out-and-back hike in the Helena Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana. The trail is about 4.6 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 378 feet, and it rises from a low point of about 3,759 feet to a high of about 4,241 feet. The route is on natural surface and is open to horses. It is not an accessible trail. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Helena show July highs around 86°F with lows near 55°F, while September cools to highs around 73°F. The trail is open year-round, and the parking area is named Missouri River/Jim Ball GFA - Gates Area (Big Log). Several other destinations sit within a few miles, including the Missouri River/Jim Ball Gfa - Beaver Creek N Cua campground about 1.8 miles away, the Hunters Gulch and Missouri Beaver Creek hikes, and the Missouri River Canyon hike about 3.6 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Jun, Aug–Sep

    Best time to visit Big Log Gulch

    Best months: May–June and August–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      32° / 14°

      7 wet · 6 snow

    2. Feb

      37° / 17°

      6 wet · 5 snow

    3. Mar

      48° / 25°

      7 wet · 4 snow

    4. Apr

      57° / 32°

      8 wet · 2 snow

    5. May

      66° / 41°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      75° / 49°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 55°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 53°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      73° / 45°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      58° / 34°

      7 wet · 2 snow

    11. Nov

      43° / 23°

      6 wet · 4 snow

    12. Dec

      33° / 14°

      7 wet · 5 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Helena Rgnl Ap, MT, 15 mi away at 3,828 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.