Montana · Hiking

West Fork Canyon Creek

9.7 mi
round trip
2,786 ft
climb
5,627 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is West Fork Canyon Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Kootenai National Forest. It doesn't name West Fork Canyon 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.

West Fork Canyon Creek is an out-and-back hike in the Cabinet Ranger District of Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana, on Forest Service land about 9.7 miles long with a total elevation gain of 2,786 feet. The route climbs from a low point of 2,742 feet to a high point of 5,627 feet, and it is rated as an expert-level hike. The trail surface is natural and bikes are allowed, though it is not an accessible route. Parking is at the West Fork Canyon Creek TH 892 trailhead, and the trail is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at a similar elevation show July and August highs around 70°F with only about six wet days a month, while winter highs sit in the upper 20s. Roe Gulch is about a mile away, and Cataract Creek and Water Hill are within 3 miles. Paddlers can reach the Vermilion River about 5.6 miles off, and North Shore Campground is about 6 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 West Fork Canyon Creek

    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, 29.3 mi away at 6,028 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.