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Iron Mtn. Trail #242/Clark Fork Valley Overlook
The Iron Mountain Trail #242 follows a wagon road built in 1887 as a route to haul silver ore from the Iron Mountain mine in the Flat Creek drainage to the Clark Fork River near Cascade Campground. An interpretive sign near the campground discusses the historical significance of this trail route. Two overlook areas along the lower trail offer spectacular views of the Clark Fork River valley.
This trail has Extended Information which includes details about the trail, maps, and interesting tidbits about the trail.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Closed until 2025 |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Please view our Visitor Guidelines. |
| Closest Towns: | St. Regis, Montana |
| Water: | drinking water is usually available at the hand pump near the trailhead. |
| Restroom: | Outhouse available when Cascade Campground is open |
| Information Center: | Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District, 406-826-3821 |
General Information
Directions: The trailhead is located in Cascade Campground on Montana Highway 135 between St. Regis, Montana, and the junction of Highway 135 and Highway 200. (The campground is approximately 7.5 miles south of Paradise, Montana, and 5 miles south of the junctions of Highways 135 and 200.)General Notes: There are 3 shaded rest benches and two overlook sites within the first 1.4 miles of trail between the campground and the scenic overlook at the top of Cascade Creek Falls. For the most part, the trail profile is wider than average and the trail grade generally ranges from 6 to 12 percent with occasional short steep pitches of 16 to 20 percent. View our extended document for details.
Activities
Day Hiking
The trail begins at the campground bulletin board near a small parking area. When the campground is closed (usually October through mid-May) trail visitors may park at the campground gate and walk approximately 100 yards to the trailhead. The trail ends on Forest Service Road #97 on the divide south of the campground. The trail can also be accessed by Forest Service Road #97 out of Superior, Montana, or the Ninemile Valley. A one-way trip is possible using a vehicle to shuttle hikers.| Elevation desc | At beginning/lowest ¿ 2560 ft., end/highest ¿ 6160 ft. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Related Information
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Location