West Fork Cataract
- 6.1 mi
- round trip
- 2,741 ft
- climb
- 6,032 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
- Jul–Sep
- best months
Is West Fork Cataract open right now?
Closure in the area
There's a closure order in Kootenai National Forest. It doesn't name West Fork Cataract, so check the source for the area it covers.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Agency closure covering Kootenai National Forest · USFS · Kootenai National Forest
Updated Skillet Fire Area, Road, Trail Closure
Agency alert covering Kootenai National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Kootenai National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Kootenai National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
West Fork Cataract is a 6.1-mile out-and-back hike in the Cabinet Ranger District of Montana's Kootenai National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from a low point of 3,136 feet to a high of 6,032 feet, with a total elevation gain of 2,741 feet. It is a moderate route, and the trail surface is natural, so plan on a rougher walk than a smooth path. 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 stay near 28°F. The trail is open from June 1 to October 31. Bikes are allowed, and the route is not accessible. Cataract Creek lies just 0.7 miles away, and Elk Mountain and Water Hill are within about 3 miles. For an overnight stay, Willow Creek Campground is about 7 miles off.
Local outfitters
- CDA River RV46 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Best time to go · Jul–Sep
Best time to visit West Fork Cataract
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.
Jan
28° / 19°
19 wet
Feb
28° / 19°
17 wet
Mar
34° / 22°
19 wet
Apr
40° / 27°
17 wet
May
50° / 36°
15 wet
Jun
58° / 42°
13 wet
Jul
70° / 52°
6 wet
Aug
69° / 51°
6 wet
Sep
59° / 44°
8 wet
Oct
44° / 32°
13 wet
Nov
32° / 23°
17 wet
Dec
27° / 18°
18 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mullan Pass Vor/Dme, ID, 28.3 mi away at 6,028 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
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