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Recreation Region: Spotted Bear Ranger District

Meadow Creek Trailhead

Current Conditions
For condition information call Spotted Bear RD, 406-758-5376.

This is a free trailhead site located 67 miles south of the town of Hungry Horse on the gravel East Side Reservoir Road #38. The trailhead is located at an elevation of 4,000 feet and is open from May 15 through November 30. Meadow Creek Trailhead is situated 100 feet above the Meadow Creek Gorge of the South Fork of the Flathead River. 

The 28 parking spots are divided into stock and foot use areas. The site is located in a second growth stand of trees. It is a high use site. It is mostly used as a major trailhead to access the Bob Marshall Wilderness on the Main East Side South Fork Trail #80. In the summer backpackers, stock users, and floaters access the wilderness. 

The trailhead is used for access to the early season and late season hunt in the wilderness from September 15 through late November. It also is used to access Picture Ridge Trail #107. A 60 foot long stock trail bridge crosses Meadow Creek Gorge 100 feet above the river and offers impressive views of the river. 

There are no tables or metal fire rings. There are vault toilets. There is no water on site, but water is available from a small creek crossing the road about 2 miles west further up the Meadow Creek Road. Water must be treated prior to consumption. Stock is allowed at the site. There are hitchrails, an unloading ramp, and feed bunks that stock may be tied to. Weed Seed Free Feed is required on all national forest lands. There is no garbage service and visitors need to plan to Pack It In, and Pack It Out. 

There is a food storage order in effect on all national forest land that requires that human and stock food, garbage, and other attractants be kept unavailable to bears. Your stay may not exceed 16 days. This is a remote location and there is no cell phone service in the area. The closest public phone is located 15 miles north at the Spotted Bear Ranger Station. Phone, gas, and food are located 67 miles north in the town of Hungry Horse.

General Information

5/15-5/30 as road conditions allow

16-day stay limit. Special regulations related to food storage, camping, and other topics as well as trail conditions can be found on our Wilderness Page.

No fees are required for this site

Spotted Bear Ranger Station office

Address: SUMMER PHYSCIAL ADDRESS: 52 miles south of the intersection between US Highway 2 and FS Road 38 Hungry Horse, MT 59919
Phone: 406-758-5376
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 47.83235556

Longitude: -113.42009167

Directions

Meadow Creek Trailhead is accessed from Highway 2. From the town of Hungry Horse, drive east on Highway 2 for ½ mile to the East Side Reservoir Road #38. Turn right (south) onto Road #38 and drive on through the town of Martin City. After two miles the pavement ends and the gravel East Side Reservoir Road continues on 53 miles to the junction with the West Side Reservoir Road #895. Turn right (west) on West Side Reservoir River Road and drive 1-1/2 miles to the Meadow Creek Road #2826. Turn left (south) on Meadow Creek Road and drive 12 miles to the Meadow Creek Trailhead, which is located on the left (east) side of the road. NOTE: Road #38 between mileposts 37 and 53 has a winter wildlife closure from 12/1 - 5/14. West Side Reservoir Road #895 is open year round when snow-free, which is typically 5/15 -11/30.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Vault Toilet (2)

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

OHV Trail RidingOHV Trail Riding

Last updated February 25, 2026