From easy to 30% at Divide

This trailhead is one of the main entry points into the Scapegoat and Bob Marshall Wilderness Areas. A road-end facility is located on the North Fork Blackoot River. You will see evidence of a wildfire that burned through this area back in 1988 (Canyon Creek Fire). There was also a large fire in the Cain Creek drainage in 2001.

North Fork Falls is located above North Fork Cabin approximately 7.5 miles from Trailhead. Grizzly bears are often seen in the area. Beware and learn how to travel safely in bear country. Brochures are available from Forest Service and Montana Dept. Fish Wildlife and Parks.

The drive from Highway 200 traverses across the scenic Kleinschmidt Flat into a glaciated canyon to one of the primary access points to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Depending on the season, the water impresses people by its clarity or turquoise, silted color. The trailhead is at the southern edge of the 247,600 acre 1988 Canyon Creek Fire. Even though gray, burnt-out lodgepole trees blanket the area, the natural recovery of the ecosystem is impressive. This is a very popular trail in the summer and receives heavy use by both hikers and horse packers. The trailhead area has toilets and a stock unloading ramp.

Trail 32 extends for over 25 miles to the headwaters of the North Fork Blackfoot River. The trail starts out as an “easy” trail at river grade and ends up on the rugged Continental Divide as a “Most Difficult’ trail with steep pitches up to 30 percent. You are likely to encounter large pack strings with horses and mules on steep side hill terrain. When encountering stock on a narrow trail, please climb above the trail at least 10-15 feet.

50 miles roundtrip

Out-and-Back

2 to 5 hours

From Clearwater Junction travel east on hwy 200 for 19.5 miles. Turn north on North Fork Blackfoot Road 5550 and go 2 miles. Continue going north on North Fork Trail head Road 5550 and go 8.5 miles to the trailhead. Signs at Junctions will lead the way.