Montana · Hiking

Richards Mountain

10.2 mi
round trip
1,855 ft
climb
5,997 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Richards Mountain open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Richards Mountain is a hard hike of about 10 miles on the natural-surface trail in the Libby Ranger District of Montana's Kootenai National Forest. It rises from a low point of about 4,286 feet to a high of about 5,997 feet, a climb of roughly 1,855 feet one way. The trail is open from about May 1 to November 30. Bikes and horses are both allowed, which makes it a versatile route for different kinds of outings. The climb is long and steep, and the mountain's high point is the goal of the out-and-back. Cody Lakes is about 2.4 miles away and Dunn Creek about 3.4 miles, both good options for a second outing. Anglers can head to the Kootenai River, about 5.7 miles away, and Fairview Ranger Station, about 8.9 miles away, offers camping.

Local outfitters

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

Route details

Distance
10.2 mi round trip
Climbing
About 1,855 ft
Starts at
DUNN CREEK TH 25 (about 5,489 ft)
Summit
6,006 ft
Difficulty
Hard
Time
About 4.5 hours

Getting there

Park at DUNN CREEK TH 25.

Questions about this route

How long is the Richards Mountain on Richards Mountain?

About 10.2 mi round trip from DUNN CREEK TH 25 (about 5,489 ft).

How much elevation gain is on the Richards Mountain?

About 1,855 ft of climbing round trip.

How hard is the Richards Mountain?

It is rated hard.

Where does the Richards Mountain start?

DUNN CREEK TH 25 (about 5,489 ft).

How long does the Richards Mountain take?

About 4.5 hours round trip.

Conditions and forecast on Richards Mountain

Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.