Montana · Hiking

North Fork Yaak River

2.9 mi
round trip
55 ft
climb
3,235 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is North Fork Yaak River open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Three Rivers Ranger District. It doesn't name North Fork Yaak River, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Three Rivers Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The North Fork Yaak River is an easy, short hike in the Three Rivers Ranger District of Montana's Kootenai National Forest, about 2.9 miles long with a low point of 3,172 feet and a high of 3,235 feet. The trail is an out-and-back, and the climb is gentle, with only about 55 feet of elevation gain one way. The route is on natural surface, and bikes are allowed. It is not an accessible trail. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is marked as N.F. YAAK RIVER TH 53. The trail is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July and August highs around 81°F with lows in the low 40s and the fewest wet days of the year. Winter is cold, with January highs near 29°F and lows around 14°F. Nearby, the Wood Creek Scenic Larch Trail is about 2.3 miles away, and Bonnet Top and Wood Mountain are each about 3 miles off. Paddlers can reach the Yaak River, about 3.4 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit North Fork Yaak River

    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

      29° / 14°

      14 wet

    2. Feb

      36° / 14°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      44° / 22°

      13 wet

    4. Apr

      54° / 27°

      11 wet

    5. May

      65° / 35°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 41°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      81° / 43°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 42°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 35°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      53° / 28°

      11 wet

    11. Nov

      36° / 21°

      13 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 15°

      14 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Yaak 9nne, MT, 2.6 mi away at 3,085 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.