#978 M.F. Bull River Trailhead

This Cabinet Mountains Wilderness trail follows the Middle Fork of the Bull River drainage into the widest and one of the most remote sections of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. The trail ends at a dispersed campsite approximately 6 miles from the trailhead. An old, unmaintained trail continues into the Ibex Creek drainage, and approximately 5 miles from the trailhead an old, unmaintained trail leads up to Little Ibex Lake. There are a couple small, dispersed campsites around the lake. Little Ibex Lake is very shallow and does not hold a population of fish.

There are two major stream crossings at about the one mile mark. These crossings can be challenging and dangerous during peak flows.

Middle Fork Bull River Trail #978

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Middle Fork Bull River Trail #972 is a Trail Class 3 trail. The trail tread and corridor will be very well defined and visible. Be advised that that last two miles of trail are brushy. The trail is scheduled to be cleared every year. Please check the current trail report or contact Cabinet Ranger Station for current trail conditions.
Restrictions:	No motorized vehicles. Mechanized use: Only allowed on the first .5 miles of trail. Cabinet Mountains Wilderness has limits on the number of persons and stock when traveling in parties. Here is a list of all prohibited acts within the Wilderness.You can learn more about wilderness by visiting Wilderness.net Properly possess and store all food, refuse, and other attractants pursuant to Kootenai National Forest Food Storage Order (CFR 261.58 (cc)). Please practice Pack-in-Pack-out and Leave-No-Trace ethics
Closest Towns:	Noxon, MT USGS Maps: Ibex Peak #82, Snowshoe Peak #81
Operated By:	U.S. Forest Service
Information Center:	Directions: From MT Hwy 56 milepost 17, turn east onto FSR 410 and travel approximately 3 miles to the trailhead which is located on FSR 410. There is a small parking area at the trailhead.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Horse Riding

There is a small parking area at the trailhead.

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Highlights

Be Bear Aware!
Montana is bear country! Learn about bears and safe practices while visiting the Kootenai
Food Storage Order
A food storage order signed in 2022 requires food storage practice across the Forest to reduce the potential for human-wildlife encounters
Know Before You Go

Regardless of the activity, always be prepared! Stay informed of current conditions and follow safe practices when enjoying your National Forests
Leave No Trace

Visitors are asked to practice Leave No Trace principles while on the Kootenai National Forests to help maintain this abundant ecosystem and sustainable recreation.
Weed Free Forage
It is a violation of rule (FS) and law (State of Montana) to utilize forage or mulch materials that contain the seeds of noxious weeds