Montana · Hiking

Ross Creek

7.7 mi
round trip
983 ft
climb
3,666 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Ross Creek open right now?

Closure reported

The Forest Service lists a closure that covers Ross Creek.

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

Ross Creek is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Three Rivers Ranger District of Montana's Kootenai National Forest, about 7.7 miles long with a one-way elevation gain of 983 feet. The trail starts at a low point of about 2,882 feet and climbs to roughly 3,666 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July and August highs around 82°F with lows in the mid-40s, while winter brings highs in the low 30s and regular snow days. South Fork Ross Creek and Ross Creek Nature are both within about a mile and a half. Bad Medicine Campground and Spar Lake Campground sit a little over 4 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Ross Creek

    Best months: June–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

      33° / 23°

      17 wet · 12 snow

    2. Feb

      37° / 23°

      14 wet · 8 snow

    3. Mar

      47° / 27°

      14 wet · 6 snow

    4. Apr

      57° / 31°

      13 wet · 2 snow

    5. May

      67° / 39°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      72° / 45°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 47°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 46°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      71° / 40°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      55° / 34°

      13 wet · 1 snow

    11. Nov

      40° / 29°

      16 wet · 6 snow

    12. Dec

      32° / 23°

      18 wet · 12 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Heron 2 Nw, MT, 9 mi away at 2,240 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • Ross Creek Cedars Road Closure & Storm Damage Update

      Three Rivers Ranger District · Order dated April 30, 2026; seen Aug 23, 2026, no lift recorded · Forest Service