Cardinal Creek
- 6.9 mi
- round trip
- 2,266 ft
- climb
- 7,255 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Caution at last check
Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 12 h ago
Is Cardinal Creek open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists 5 alerts for Flathead National Forest.
Camp Creek Fire Updated Trail Closure
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
FK&L Area Closed to Public Access Starting July 22, 2026
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 1-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Flathead National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Cardinal Creek is a hard hike in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, part of the Spotted Bear Ranger District of Flathead National Forest in northwest Montana. The trail is about 6.9 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 2,266 feet, and it is an out-and-back route that climbs from a low point of about 4,972 feet to a high point of about 7,255 feet. The trail is on natural surface and is open to horses. Bikes are not allowed, and the route is not accessible. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. For a longer outing, George Creek and Shaw Creek are both about 3.5 miles away, and Cardinal Peak Divide is about 5.6 miles off.
Local outfitters
- Granite Peak RV Resort48 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
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Bartlett
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Doctor Creek
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Lena Peak
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