Montana · Hiking

Reader Gulch

3.7 mi
round trip
206 ft
climb
4,790 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Reader Gulch open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Kootenai National Forest. It doesn't name Reader Gulch, 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.

Reader Gulch is a 3.7-mile out-and-back hike in the Cabinet Ranger District of Montana's Kootenai National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises about 200 feet from a low point near 4,600 feet to a high of about 4,790 feet, and it is rated moderate. The route is natural-surface and open to both horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mullan Pass show July and August highs around 70°F with only about six wet days a month, while winter highs stay in the upper 20s. Sex Peak Lookout Rental is about 1.2 miles away, and White Pine Ridge is about 2.9 miles off. Jackpine Flats Campground and Cub Creek are both about 3.3 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Reader Gulch

    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, 18.9 mi away at 6,028 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft higher than this place, so expect it a little warmer here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.