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| View down into East Fork Valley, from Top of Spur Trail from Guide-Rye |
GENERAL NOTES:
We strongly suggest that you not hike alone. As we all know, accidents can happen. Having a
hiking buddy with you may save your life in an emergency situation.
- Please be aware that it is possible to encounter wildlife of many sorts along the trails: bear,
wolfs, coyotes, mountain lions, white tail deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, moose, bighorn
sheep, mountain goats, and many, many smaller mammals are found in our general area. Humans
are the anomaly in this environment. Be respectful and use caution.
Many types of birds nest here, and wildflowers abound. Take along nature guides, binoculars,
cameras, and sketch books to enhance the experience. Pack out everything. Do not leave litter
anywhere, of any type.
Swift Creek Trail. Head east along East Fork Road, 2 1/2 miles, turn right onto Meadow Creek Road. In 1 1/2
miles, turn left onto Swift-Echo Road, also signed as FS 5764. Park at the point of the switchback in about 1/2
miles and register at the box to enter the Anaconda-Pintler wilderness. This trail continues for about two miles
along the aptly named Swift Creek. It is a heavily forested trail, always cool, even during hot summer days, and
full of delightful piney fragrances.
Moose Creek Trail. Head east along East Fork Road. In about 5 miles, the paved road ends, and a dirt road begins.
Continue straight on the dirt road for about 4 miles, to its end, and park along the cul-de-sac. The Moose Creek
trail head is well signed. The trail leads first through lush forest, replete with wild blueberry bushes with abundant
fruit in August. In about a mile, the trail crosses the river; this is a difficult crossing when the water is high. On the
other side of the river, the trail follows interesting rock formations and rises, eventually connecting with trails in
the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, to the east.
Chain-of-Lakes Trail. Head east along East Fork Road. In about 5 miles, the paved road ends, and a dirt road
begins. Continue straight on the dirt road for about 1 mile, turn left at the intersection marked "Martin Creek
Campground." Continue winding up that road until it ends, in about 4 miles. This is the Chain-of-Lakes trail head,
and it is well marked. All terrain vehicles are allowed on this trail, so pedestrians may encounter them. Save this
trail for an all-day hike, for its rewards are for those ambitious enough to ascend the trail, nearly steadily, for six
miles. At that point, there is a juncture where those traveling in ATVs must leave their vehicles, for the remainder
of the trail is footpath only. The first lake encountered is in another 1/2 mile, and it is Fish Lake. Fish Lake is a
lovely, almost round, small lake that is about 500 feet below trail level. Consider sitting above the lake for awhile,
watching for eagles. The next lake encountered is Faith Lake, a bigger lake a bit off through a verdant trail to the
right. Faith Lake is a much larger, clear lake, suitable for a quick dip. (The water is very cold, any time of year.)
Hope and Charity Lakes lie just beyond.
miles, turn left onto Swift-Echo Road, also signed as FS 5764. Park at the point of the switchback in about 1/2
miles and register at the box to enter the Anaconda-Pintler wilderness. This trail continues for about two miles
along the aptly named Swift Creek. It is a heavily forested trail, always cool, even during hot summer days, and
full of delightful piney fragrances.
Moose Creek Trail. Head east along East Fork Road. In about 5 miles, the paved road ends, and a dirt road begins.
Continue straight on the dirt road for about 4 miles, to its end, and park along the cul-de-sac. The Moose Creek
trail head is well signed. The trail leads first through lush forest, replete with wild blueberry bushes with abundant
fruit in August. In about a mile, the trail crosses the river; this is a difficult crossing when the water is high. On the
other side of the river, the trail follows interesting rock formations and rises, eventually connecting with trails in
the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, to the east.
Chain-of-Lakes Trail. Head east along East Fork Road. In about 5 miles, the paved road ends, and a dirt road
begins. Continue straight on the dirt road for about 1 mile, turn left at the intersection marked "Martin Creek
Campground." Continue winding up that road until it ends, in about 4 miles. This is the Chain-of-Lakes trail head,
and it is well marked. All terrain vehicles are allowed on this trail, so pedestrians may encounter them. Save this
trail for an all-day hike, for its rewards are for those ambitious enough to ascend the trail, nearly steadily, for six
miles. At that point, there is a juncture where those traveling in ATVs must leave their vehicles, for the remainder
of the trail is footpath only. The first lake encountered is in another 1/2 mile, and it is Fish Lake. Fish Lake is a
lovely, almost round, small lake that is about 500 feet below trail level. Consider sitting above the lake for awhile,
watching for eagles. The next lake encountered is Faith Lake, a bigger lake a bit off through a verdant trail to the
right. Faith Lake is a much larger, clear lake, suitable for a quick dip. (The water is very cold, any time of year.)
Hope and Charity Lakes lie just beyond.
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