Montana · Hiking

Dry Creek

12.2 mi
round trip
6,404 ft
climb
6,679 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Dry Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It doesn't name Dry Creek, so check the source for the area it covers (4 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Dry Creek is a 12.2-mile out-and-back hike on natural trail in the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests in Montana. The trail climbs from a start point at 6,665 feet to a high of 6,679 feet, and then descends back to the same low point, making the total gain and loss each about 6,400 feet. That makes the route a hard climb, and the steepest stretch comes within the first 0.18 miles at a 46% grade. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. Bikes and horses are both allowed. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Mullan Pass weather station put July highs around 70°F with lows near 52°F and only about six wet days in the month. The station sits roughly 650 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures up top run cooler. Bonanza Lakes lies about 2.2 miles away, and Diamond Lake and Cliff Lake are each about 3 miles off. For an overnight stay, Heller Creek campground is about 3.6 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Dry Creek

    Best months: July–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

      28° / 19°

      19 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 19°

      17 wet

    3. Mar

      34° / 22°

      19 wet

    4. Apr

      40° / 27°

      17 wet

    5. May

      50° / 36°

      15 wet

    6. Jun

      58° / 42°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      70° / 52°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      69° / 51°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      59° / 44°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      44° / 32°

      13 wet

    11. Nov

      32° / 23°

      17 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 18°

      18 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mullan Pass Vor/Dme, ID, 33 mi away at 6,028 ft. The station sits about 700 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.