About this place

The first two miles of this hike is on private land. Please respect the landowner and stay on the trail. Lower Smith Creek contains numerous waterfalls and pools great for a mid summer wade or swim. The trail crosses the creek numerous times in the first few miles and requiring multiple fords. By July, the water is generally shallow and the fords are relatively easy. The trail passes through open plateau country with large groves of aspen and good views of the Steamboat, Scapegoat and Crown Mountains. Along lower Smith Creek, watch for signs of historic logging and some mining activity dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. This trail offers great solitude, wildlife and vegetation viewing.Bears may frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers and remove all food from area after eating. Mandatory food storage is required. From Augusta, take Montana Secondary Highway 434 southwest for 3.6 miles, turn right (west) onto the Smith Creek Road 215 and follow it for about 12 miles to the Smith Creek Trailhead. Parking is available at the traihead. Be aware that access to the trailhead is across private land, so please respect the landowner and stay on the road.