Montana · Hiking

Low Flow

9.2 mi
round trip
700 ft
climb
5,719 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Low Flow 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.

Low Flow is a hard hike in the Lincoln Ranger District of Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana, about 9 miles from the nearest town. The trail is an out-and-back route of about 9 miles, with a one-way climb of about 700 feet from a low point near 5,000 feet to a high point around 5,700 feet. The trail is on natural surface and allows bikes, and horses are not allowed. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical July and August highs reach about 81°F with lows in the mid-40s, based on averages from a nearby weather station. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the higher parts run cooler. The High Roller hike starts just 0.2 miles away, and Theodore Creek is about a mile off. Copper Creek Campground and Big Nelson Cg Complex are both within about 9 miles for an overnight stay.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Low Flow

    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

      32° / 12°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      35° / 15°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      44° / 22°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      53° / 27°

      9 wet

    5. May

      63° / 33°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 40°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      81° / 44°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 42°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 35°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      54° / 29°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      39° / 20°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      30° / 13°

      8 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lincoln Rs, MT, 5.7 mi away at 4,575 ft. The station sits about 1,100 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.