Rock Creek Trail # 580
The Rock Creek trail is 11.6 miles long. It begins at the Rock Creek Horse Camp/Trailhead and ends at the Idaho State Line. This is an easy trail for stock, mountain bikers and hikers. Trail #580 joins with Trail #502 (stock is not permitted on Trail #502) at the west end of Lake Como. There is a stock bridge at the west end of the lake that is a great place to see Rock Creek Falls. The trail is popular for hikers, mountain bikes and horseback. The Selway Bitterroot Wilderness boundary is located approximately 1/2 mile beyond the lake. (Motorized, wheeled and mechanized use prohibited in wilderness areas)
Specific Trail Information
Trail Type
General Information
Food Storage Required: Bitterroot National Forest Food Storage Order
Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days: Camping Restrictions Regional Order
Weed Seed Free feed is required on all national forest land. Weed Free Forage Order for Northern Region
Campfires allowed, dependent upon seasonal fire restrictions.
Practice good trail etiquette by staying on designated paths, yielding to uphill users, and giving space to others.
Pets must be under control. Leashes are recommended to avoid user and wildlife conflicts. Properly dispose of animal waste bags. Do not put animal waste bags in vault toilets
Selway Bitterroot Wilderness party size is limited to a maximum 20 people and 20 head of pack and saddle stock.
Open Year-Round, snow dependent.
$5 Day Use Fee Required from Memorial Day - Labor Day when parking at the Lake Como Recreation Area
Day use passes can be purchased from Forest Service Offices, Vendors in Hamilton and Darby, or on site via Self-Service Pay Station (Iron Ranger)
Day Use Fee not required if parked at the junction of National Forest Road #550 and National Forest Road #550A
Rock Creek Trail #580 enters the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness at approximately mile 3.5
- Leave No Trace
Prohibited uses include:
- Motorized equipment and mechanized travel including e-bikes
- No Drones (in wilderness area)
- No cutting switchbacks
Contact Name: Darby-Sula Ranger District
Contact Phone: (406) 821-3913
Address: 712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829
Phone: 406-821-3913
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
Parking
Parking for stock trailers is available at Rock Creek Trailhead.
Stock Trailers Only in the loop to the right upon entrance. Passenger vehicles should park in spots on the left side of the toilet.
Directions
From Darby, head north 4 miles then turn West (left) onto Lake Como Road. Continue on Lake Como Road for approximately 3.5 miles to Rock Creek Trailhead (Left).
