Montana · Hiking

Trapper Creek

3.8 mi
round trip
633 ft
climb
4,143 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Trapper Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Trapper Creek is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Libby Ranger District of Montana's Kootenai National Forest, about 3.8 miles long with a total elevation gain of 633 feet. The trail runs from a Forest Service parking area at TRAPPER CREEK TH 297, where the route starts at around 3,486 feet and climbs to about 4,143 feet at its high point. The natural-surface trail is open from mid-May through November 30, and the Forest Service manages the surrounding land. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July and August highs around 78°F with lows in the low 40s and only about six wet days a month, while winter brings highs near 30°F and regular snow days from December through February. Bikes and horses are both allowed on the trail. The closest neighbors are Waloven, about 0.4 miles away, and Silver Butte Ridge, about 0.7 miles away. For camping, Lake Creek Campground is roughly 4.9 miles off. Paddlers can head to the Silver Butte Fisher River, about 1.2 miles from the trail.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Trapper Creek

    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

      30° / 15°

      14 wet · 12 snow

    2. Feb

      35° / 15°

      12 wet · 10 snow

    3. Mar

      43° / 22°

      13 wet · 10 snow

    4. Apr

      52° / 28°

      12 wet · 5 snow

    5. May

      62° / 34°

      12 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      69° / 39°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 42°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 40°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 34°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      52° / 27°

      11 wet · 3 snow

    11. Nov

      37° / 22°

      14 wet · 9 snow

    12. Dec

      29° / 15°

      15 wet · 13 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Libby 32 Sse, MT, 11 mi away at 3,440 ft. The station sits about 700 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.