Montana · Hiking

Libby Creek

4.4 mi
round trip
382 ft
climb
4,562 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Libby Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Kootenai National Forest. It doesn't name Libby Creek, so check the source for the area it covers.

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

Libby Creek is an easy out-and-back hike in the Libby Ranger District of Montana's Kootenai National Forest, about 4.4 miles long with a total elevation gain of 382 feet. The trail runs on natural surface, and the Forest Service manages the land. The route starts at Libby Creek Trailhead 119, which is open from June 1 through November 30. The trail rises from a low point of about 4,099 feet to a high of about 4,562 feet, so the climb is gentle and the whole trip fits easily into a day. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Libby show July and August highs around 78°F with lows in the low 40s and only about six wet days a month. That station sits roughly 1,100 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. Ojibway Peak, a climbing area, is about 1.8 miles away, and the Gloria Mine and Wayup Mine mountain biking routes are each about 2 miles off. Howard Lake Campground, about 3.3 miles away, is the closest place to camp.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Libby Creek

    Best months: May–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

      30° / 15°

      14 wet · 12 snow

    2. Feb

      35° / 15°

      12 wet · 10 snow

    3. Mar

      43° / 22°

      13 wet · 10 snow

    4. Apr

      52° / 28°

      12 wet · 5 snow

    5. May

      62° / 34°

      12 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      69° / 39°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 42°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 40°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 34°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      52° / 27°

      11 wet · 3 snow

    11. Nov

      37° / 22°

      14 wet · 9 snow

    12. Dec

      29° / 15°

      15 wet · 13 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Libby 32 Sse, MT, 19.8 mi away at 3,440 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.