Backcountry Situation Report

On This Page Navigation

 

Last Updated: July 4, 2022

NOTICE

• Starting on July 1 backcountry trails and campsites are open to overnight use (foot, boat and stock). The trails along the Northern loop of the park roads will open July 2nd. A handful of trails / sections of trails and campsites along the northern range of the park will remain closed due to the flooding event that caused extensive damage to some trails and roads. See overview map of closures. Damage assessments, and repairs are currently taking place in hopes that some closed trails may reopen later this summer. Please check the status and trail conditions for specific trails in the sections below.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This Backcountry Situation report provides the most up-to-date conditions for Yellowstone’s Backcountry. Conditions are listed by area, then trail.To avoid frustration, even if you are experienced with Yellowstone’s backcountry, please review our Camp in the backcountry webpage as the standard process has changed. Before heading out on the trail, make sure to review information about traveling safely in bear country, and familiarize yourself with our bear management areas. Depending on other activities you intend to pursue in the backcountry please reference our fishing, boating, and horse use regulations.

Backcountry Permits:

Backcountry Permits are required for all overnight stays in the Backcountry. Please visit our Camp in the backcountry page for information on how to obtain a backcountry permit.

Backcountry Office Hours:

Albright Visitor Center (Mammoth Backcountry office): Closed.
Bechler Ranger Station: Open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Bridge Bay Ranger Station (Backcountry office & Boat permits): Open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Canyon Visitor Education Center (Backcountry office): Closed in 2022
Grant Visitor Center (Backcountry office & Boat permits): Open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Old Faithful Ranger Station: Open. 8:00-4:30 pm. Not staffed on July 2nd.
Snake River Ranger Station: Open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Tower Ranger Station: Opened 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center: Open, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

General Conditions:

Snow Levels:

Higher elevation passes and trails still have snow. Please make sure to check out current snow and river conditions before heading into the backcountry.

High Water Caution:

Most streams are just starting to come off peak runoff levels. Streams which are crossable in the morning may rise to unsafe levels by afternoon. Don't get caught on the wrong side of a stream. If you must cross - scout out the safest location, the best crossing may not be in the exact location where the trail meets the stream. Above all use caution and be safe around all streams. Yellowstone's backcountry does not have many bridges, please evaluate planned travel routes for any potentially hazardous stream crossings. View river levels of the surrounding rivers.

Fires:

Before deciding to have a campfire, check that your campsite allows for fires, and consider the current weather conditions. Campfires are only allowed in the designated fire ring.

Ticks:

Ticks are out. After your hike check your body for ticks. Visit the CDC website for further information on tick prevention.

Fishing Season:

The fishing season is currently open. Please visit the Catch a fish page for further information.

Boating Season:

Boat permits and inspections for aquatic invasive species are required before launching any watercraft in park waters. Prepare for your boating trip by Cleaning, Draining, and Drying your boats now.

Horse Use:

Trails are open to horse use. A free day ride permit is required for all day rides. Overnight backountry permits are required for overnight stock use. Check individual trails in the sections below to view their status. Make sure to review our Ride a Horse page for further information regarding horse riding permit requirements and information.

Pets:

Other than qualified service animals, pets are not allowed in the backcountry.

Bear Management Areas:

In order to reduce human related impacts on bears in high density grizzly bear habitat the park has established several bear management areas. Listed below are the current Bear Management Areas (BMAs) in effect. Some Bear Management Areas are full closures, others are no off trail travel restrictions. Please reference the Bear Management page for further details and locations of closure area.

Richards Pond (BMA B) Several restrictions in place. See Bear Management Area pages.

Gallatin (BMA D) No off-trail travel May 1 through November 10.

Washburn (BMA F) Open only by special permit (through July 31)

Antelope (BMA G) Closed through November 10.

Mirror Plateau (BMA H) Closed. Day use only May 15 through November 12.

Pelican Valley (BMA I) Closed through July 3.

Clear Creek (BMA J1) No off trail travel through August 10. See Bear Management Area pages for further details

Clear Creek (BMA J2) No off trail travel through July 14. See Bear Management Area pages for further details

Lake Spawn (BMA K) From May 15 through July 14 No off trail travel .

Two Ocean (BMA L) From May 15 through July 14 and August 22 through November 10 no-off trail travel. From July 15 through August 21 permits are required for off-trail travel.

Riddle / Solution (BMA M) Closed April 30 through July 14.

Heart Lake (BMA O) Closed through June 30.

Backcountry Access

Review the park roads page, to see which of the park's roads are open.

Backcountry Map

Click on a region of the map for current backcountry conditions in that area.

 

Yellowstone Backcountry Map: click a region to jump to conditions for that area.

 

Northwest Region

• Off-trail travel prohibited within the Gallatin Bear Management Area through November 10.
• A minimum group size of four people is recommended for hiking and camping within the Gallatin Bear Management Area. BE BEAR AWARE!
• Hikers should expect to encounter snow cover and be prepared for oversnow travel on trails above 9000 feet. (6/30/22)

Old Yellowstone Railroad Bed- Gardiner

• Trail open.(7/1/22)

Beaver Ponds/Sepulcher/Snow Pass area

• Sepulcher and Snow Pass trails are open. (6/19/22)
• The Beaver ponds trail is closed due to flooding damage. See Closure Map. (6/30/22)
• Stock Use: Beaver ponds trail is not suitable for stock (year round)

Glen Creek Trailhead – Fawn Pass & Electric Pass

• East side of the Gallatins is open. (7/2/22)
• Fawn Pass trail, Sportsman's Lake trail , Cache Lake have been cleared of downfall. (6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/22)

Bunsen Peak/Osprey Falls

• Bunsen Peak trail is open. Osprey Falls trail is closed due to flood damage.See closure map.(7/2/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. See above conditions. (7/2/22)

Bighorn Pass trail (Indian Creek)

• Bighorn Pass trail is open. Remaining snow likely at the pass. (7/2/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. Stock users will not be able to do a through trip to the west side of the pass due to a cornice at the top of the pass that is not passable on stock.(7/2/22)

Mount Holmes / Grizzly Lake area

• Trail is open and clear of downfall. (7/2/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/2/22)

Purple Mountain

• Trail is snow free. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.(6/29/22)

Monument Trail

• Trail is snow free. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (year round).

Trailheads along Hwy 191 (from north to south)

Daly Creek/Black Butte/Sky Rim Trail/Shelf Lake

• Lower Black Butte, Daly Creek, and cutoff trail are snow free, slightly wet. (6/19/22)
• Black Butte Trail is snowy about 5 1/2 miles from the trailhead.(6/26/22)
• Daly Creek Trail to Black Butte trail is cleared of downed trees (6/24/22)
• Sky Rim trail and Shelf Lake area have areas of snow cover. On the Specimen Ridge trail, hikers heading to Shelf Lake will encounter snow, shortly after the High Lake trail junction.(6/26)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. On the Daly Creek Side(West Side) of the Sky Rim Trail there has been erosion due to heavy rain that is undercutting the trail/ ridge and making it dangerous for stock travel. Not recommended for stock.(6/29/22)

Specimen Creek/High Lake/Crescent Lake/Sportsman Lake

• Specimen Creek is running deep and swift at the crossing on the Specimen Creek Trail approximately 4 miles from the trailhead. The creek may not be able to be safely crossed. (6/19/22)
• Bridge over Specimen Creek on the Sportsman Lake Trail (~2 miles from the Specimen Creek Trailhead) has some damage. Caution advised when using the bridge. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.(7/1/22)

Bacon Rind

• Bacon Rind trail in good condition and cleared of trees. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.(7/1/22)

Fawn Pass/Fan Creek

• Fawn pass trail is open. (6/19/22)
• Fan Creek is running swift and deep. Crossing may be difficult and dangerous. (6/19/22)
• Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area
• Stock Use: Open to stock. (7/1/22)

Bighorn Pass (Hwy 191)

• Fawn Pass to Bighorn Loop cleared of downed trees.(6/15/22)
• Gallatin River is still high and fast. Crossing is possible but not recommended.(6/26/22)
• Expect snow approaching Bighorn pass. There is usually a cornice at the pass that makes it difficult go over. The east side of the Gallatins open. (7/2/22)
• Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
• Stock Use: West side up to the Bighorn Pass is open. No through traffic over the pass due to large cornice that is not passable on stock.(6/29/22)

Gneiss Creek/Cougar Creek

• Gneiss creek trail is open. (7/1/22)
• Gneiss creek trail is "primitive" in nature and contains areas where there is no trail tread and limited trail markers.
• Stock Use: Trail is open to stock.(7/1/22)

Harlequin Lake Trail

• Harlequin Lake trail is snow free. (6/19/22)
• Stock use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Back to Map

 

Northeast Region

Blacktail Deer Creek Trail/Yellowstone River Trail/Black Canyon

• Due to the flooding damage in the area there are several trails that have partial openings in the area. See Map.
• Yellowstone River Trail: Blacktail Deer Creek Trail and portions of the Yellowstone River trail have reopened. On the Yellowstone River trail, heading downstream from the suspension bridge, the trail is closed past campsite 1Y1. There is no access to the Eagle Creek Trailhead. Heading upstream from the suspension bridge, the trail is closed past campsite 1R3. Cottonwood Creek crossing (between 1R1 and 1R2) is not suitable for foot or stock use at this time. Multiple safe locations to cross the creek exist off trail just downstream of where the trail is located. See map. (7/4/22)
• Stock Use: The Blacktail Deer Creek trail and portions of the Yellowstone River trail are open to stock. See above for description of trail closures. (7/4/22)

Wraith Falls

• Open. There is some flood damage to the bridge, hikers use caution.(6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Closed, Not suitable for stock.

Lava Creek Trail/Rescue Creek Trail

• Rescue Creek Trail: Rescue Creek trail is accessible via Blacktail Trailhead up to campsite 1A2. The Rescue creek trail cannot be hiked in its entirety. There is no through traffic due to the bridge being washed out along the North entrance road. No travel past campsite 1A2. The Rescue Creek trailhead along the North Entrance Road near Gardiner is closed. See Map.(7/4/22)
• Lava Creek Trail: The Lava Creek trail from the Lava Creek picnic area and the Blacktail Trailhead have reopened. The entire Lava Creek Trail cannot be hiked due to bridge damage along the Lava Creek trailhead along the North Entrance Road. No travel past/downstream of campsite 1A3. The Lava Creek trailhead along the North Entrance Road near Gardiner is closed.See Map (7/4/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Lost Lake Loop

• Lost Lake can be accessed from the Petrified Tree Trailhead. The section of trail from Lost Lake to Roosevelt Lodge has bridge damage.Users wanting to access Roosevelt Lodge will need to ford the river on foot. (7/4/22)
• Stock Use: Open to Stock.

Hellroaring Creek/Coyote Creek/Buffalo Plateau

• A portion of the Hellroaring Creek Trail is currently closed due to flooding damage, and repair work. Access is open to the Hellroaring Suspension Bridge, and the junctions to Coyote Creek and Buffalo Plateau trails. See Map. No access into Slough Creek from the National Forest Service as Slough Creek is too high to cross.(6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Buffalo Fork

• Buffalo Fork trail is closed. (6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Garnet Hill

• The west side of the Garnet Hill Loop is open up to Hellroaring Creek. The east side of the Garnet Hill Loop trail is closed due to erosion and flood damage. See map.(6/29/22)
• Stock Use: The west side of the Garnet Hill Trail has reopened for stock.

Tower Fall Trail

• Closed.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Slough Creek

• There is limited access to Slough Creek. Intrepid visitors can access trails to Slough Creek via the northern park boundary through the National Forest Service, or the Northeast entrance (accessible via Chief Joseph highway). Visitors will need to start their route on foot from the Northeast entrance, connect with the Warm Creek Trailhead, hike to Pebble Creek then Bliss pass then to Slough Creek. No travel on Slough Creek trail south of campsite 2S3. This is not a trip that is accessible to day use due to long mileages and would likely require an overnight stay in route on Pebble Creek.Backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry and are only in designated campsites.See map.(6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock due to snowy conditions on Bliss pass.(6/29/22).

Pebble Creek

• There is limited access to Pebble Creek trail. Access to the trail is via the Northeast entrance (accessible via Chief Joseph highway). Visitors will need to start their route on foot from the Northeast entrance connect with the Warm Creek Trailhead, hike to Pebble Creek. The trail is closed south of campsite 3P2. See map.(6/30/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Bliss Pass (between Slough Creek and Pebble Creek)

• Bliss Pass is open. See Pebble Creek trail status for access information (6/30/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Trout Lake

• Trout Lake is closed, due to road closure. (6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Closed, Not suitable for stock (year round)

Back to Map

 

Central Region

Due to extensive damage to the road and the backcountry in the Lamar River Corridor much of the area is closed to backcountry use. See map.

Specimen Ridge/Agate Creek/Yellowstone Picnic Area trailhead

• Area is closed. (6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Lamar River Trail - Soda Butte to Mist Creek Pass

• Area is closed. (6/19/22)
• Pelican Valley trailhead is closed until July 4 due to the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area. Beginning July 4, it is expected that the Lamar River Trail will be open from Pelican Valley to Mist Creek Pass. The trails north of Mist Creek Pass will be closed.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Cache Creek/Thunderer

• Area is closed. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Miller Creek

• Area is closed. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Frost Lake

• Area is closed. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Avalanche Peak

• Avalanche Peak open. Conditions unknown. Some snow is expected on upper elevations. (6/19/22)
• The trail ends at the summit of Avalanche Peak. Routes to the east of the summit are unmaintained social and game trails which are not recommended for travel. Visitors have become lost trying to follow these routes.
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Wapiti Lake trail/ Wrangler Lake/ Broad Creek/ Howard Eaton trail

• Open from trailheads along the south rim of the Canyon. (6/19/22)
• Campsite 4W1, Wrangler Lake and Sour Creek trails CLOSED due to carcass. (6/23/22)
• Stock Use: Starting July 1,open to stock. See Wrangler lake and Sour Creek Closure.

Pelican Valley/Turbid Lake

• Pelican Valley Trail is open up to Mist Creek Pass.Trails north of Mist Creek Pass are closed due to flood-related damage. Follow Pelican Valley Bear Management Area restrictions. (7/4/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock up to Mist Creek Pass because of flood-related damage. (7/4/22)

Back to Map

 

Canyon Region

South Rim and North Rim

• Trails open for day use. (6/19/22)
• Trails are mostly snow free. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Mount Washburn

• Trails to the summit of Mount Washburn have reopened. (7/4/22)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Wrangler Lake/ Ribbon Lake

• Wrangler Lake and Sour Creek are CLOSED due to carcass. (7/1//22)
• Howard Eaton trail is cleared 4.7 miles North from Fishing Bridge (6/27/22)
• Stock Use: Artist Point and Point sublime not suitable for stock. Wapiti Lake trail open to stock. See conditions above regarding closed section of trail.(6/30/22)

7-Mile Hole

• Open Sections of the trail descending there are some steep areas of the trail. Visitors should bring hiking poles. (6/3/22)

• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Cascade, Grebe, Wolf & Ice Lake

• Grebe Lake Trail is wet. (6/19/22)
• Gibbon River south of Wolf Lake is high and swift. Crossing not recommended. Wolf Lake not accessible from the Wolf Lake Trailhead due to the ford. (6/19/22)
• Trails to Cascade Lake are clear and wet. Campsites and meadows around Cascade Lake are very wet. (6/19/22)
• Campsite 4G5,4G6, and 4G7 at Grebe and Wolf Lake are closed. Please review closure areas.(6/29/22)
• All the trails along the Chain of Lakes have been cleared of downfall.(6/27/22)
• Ice Lake Trail is wet. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Trails open to stock.

Mary Mountain/Hayden Valley & Cygnet Lakes

• The Crater Hills area near the road through Hayden Valley is closed for wildlife protection. See Map. (6/19/22)
• Cygnet Lakes trail in good condition. A few downed trees. (6/27/22)
• The Mary Mountain trail has reopened. (6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Solfatara

• Solfatara Trail in good condtion. (6/18/22)
• Hikers wishing to access to the Solfatara Creek Trailhead at Norris Campground must park at a pullout nearby the entrance to Norris Campground and hike through the campground 1/2 mile to the trailhead.
• Stock Use: Open to stock.

Back to Map

 

Old Faithful Region

Fairy Falls/Mystic Falls/Fountain Flats

• Fairy Falls and Freight Road Trailheads open. (6/29/22).
• Trail between Mystic Falls and Fairy Falls open. (6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. Not recommended. No travel in thermal areas.

Mallard Lake

• Trail and campsites open.(6/30/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.(7/4/22)

Mary Mountain

• The Mary Mountain trail is open Expect wet conditions through Hayden Valley. Be prepared to detour around bison herds. (6/29/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.(7/4/22)

Summit Lake

• Expect a lot of downfall and along the trail. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. Not recommended, trail has not been cleared of down trees, and likely to have a lot of trees down. (7/1/22)

Back to Map

 

Southeastern Region

Elephant Back, Natural Bridge, Storm Point, Pelican Creek Natural Trail

• Storm Point Trail has been cleared. Pay attention to No Off Trail Travel signs along the lakeshore to protect sensitive vegetation. (6/19/22)
• Elephant Back Trail: upper section of the trail may have lingering snowpack. (6/19/22)
• Natural Bridge Trail open. (6/27/22)
• Pelican Creek Nature trail is snow free. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Open for stock with exception of Storm Point trail (not suitable for stock)

Nine Mile Trailhead: Thorofare Trail / Mountain Creek

• Trailed cleared from 9 Mile trailhead to Park Point and Columbine to Terrace Point. Columbine to Park Point clearing is not finished.Trail cleared up to a mile north of campsite 6D8 on Mountain Creek. (6/21/22)
• Cub, Meadow, and Columbine creek are running 2-3 feet deep and swift. Crossable for experienced hikers.(6/21/22)
• Beaverdam Creek is fordable on foot about 2.5 feet. To cross at its lowest head upstream towards campsite 6B4.(6/24/22)
• Mountain Creek are not fordable on foot as of yet. Rivers South of Yellowstone Lake are all high and not recommended for crossing. (6/26/22)
• Food poles at 5E8 are down. Bear Resistant Containers are required. (6/21/22)
• 5L9 pit toilet is unusable. (6/21/22)
• Trail cleared a couple miles short of Eagle pass. 3 foot drifts on Eagle Pass. (6/26/22)
• No off-trail travel restrictions are in effect in the backcountry areas surrounding Yellowstone Lake. Review Clear Creek and Lake Spawn Bear Management Area restrictions.
• Stock Use: Open to stock. Access trail to campsite 6D3 is damaged,and will not be accessible for stock, when trails open to stock. Also trench 2 feet deep on Mountain Creek Trail a mile north of 6D5 very dangerous for stock.(7/4/22)

Yellowstone Lake

• Yellowstone Lake is ice free. The majority of buoys and hazard markers are in place. (6/27/22)
• Docks at campsites 7L5, 7L6, and 7M4 are installed. Docks at Frank Island picnic area are not installed. (6/27/22)
• Boating Season is open.
• No off-trail travel restrictions are in effect in the backcountry areas surrounding Yellowstone Lake. Review Clear Creek and Lake Spawn Bear Management Area restrictions.
• Campsite 7L7 and surrounding shoreline is closed for Loon Protection . See Map. (6/20/22)

Heart Lake

• The Snake River ford south of Heart Lake between 8C5 and 8B5 is not crossable. (7/1/22)
• The Heart River Ford south of 8J4 is approximately 2 feet deep and crossable on foot.(7/1/22)
• Campsite 8J3, located on the Trail Creek Trail, has been relocated to the Heart River Trail, approximately 0.15 miles south of the junction of the Heart River Trail with the Trail Creek Trail. Please use this new site to reduce your impact. Signage indicates the new location. Lat/long is 44.25091 x -11044230 (WGS84). (7/4/22)
• The composting toilet at 8J2 is flooded. Visitors will need to bring a trowel and dig a cat hole.(7/1/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock, except the section of the Heart Lake Trail between 8C6 and 8B2 which is currently closed to stock (bridge is out). (7/4/22)

South Boundary Area/Snake River/Two Ocean Plateau

• Snake River Ford at the South Entrance is 2- 2.5 feet deep and swift. Experienced parties only.(7/3/22)
• The Snake River at Harbell Cutoff trail is 3 feet deep and swift. Not recommended for foot parties. (7/3/22)
• South boundary Trail cleared south to west ridge of Big Game Ridge. (7/3/22)
• Ford at 9 mile meadow, down from 8C2 is 1-1.5 ft. Ok for foot.(7/1/22)
• Wolverine Creek running 18” deep swift. Experienced parties only.(7/1/22)
• Campsite 8C2 is closed for stock until July 11th due to wet conditions and not enough graze. (7/1/22)
• Campsite 8C6 reminder: The campsite was relocated earlier this season from the north side of the Snake River to the south side. The new site is marked with signs and sits on the east side of the trail about 250 feet south of the ford of the Snake River. Lat/long is 44.17295 x -110.57111 (WGS84). (7/4/22)
• Trails are wet, and not recommended for foot due to Snake River Ford. (6/26/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock, except Big Game Ridge, which is not recommended for stock due to boggy, wet conditions and snow drifts. (7/3/22)

Riddle Lake

• Bear Management Area restrictions active, area closed until July 15.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock

Back to Map

 

Southwest

Shoshone Lake/Lewis Lake

• Shoshone Lake trail is still snowy. From Delacy Creek to about campsite 8R3 trail is snow free, West of 8R3 trail is about 30% snow covered. From the Geyser Basin is snow free but the marsh between the Geyser Basin and 8T1 lis very deep with water and difficult to navigate through, and then snow covered along the South Shoshone Trail to 8M2. 8M2 to 8M1 is about 30% snow covered. (6/24/22)
• Lewis River Channel is deep with a very strong current. (6/15/22)
• Doghead trail is in good condition.(6/22/22)
• Lewis River Channel trail is flooded out 2 miles in and the rest is covered in about 5 inches of water (6/16/22)
• There is a loon closure area in the cove at the mouth of the Lewis River channel. Travel up the Lewis River is allowed, bouys and signs mark the closed area.(6/20/22)
• Boating season is open.
• Stock Use: Stock use is open. No travel on stock West of campsite 8T1. No stock allowed in the Shoshone Geyser Basin, the Horse bypass trail is also currently closed . (7/1/22)

Lone Star Trail & Howard Eaton Trail

• Lone Star Trail and campsites are open. The trail is 40% snow covered South of Grant's Pass. (6/24/22)
• Campsite OA3's foodpole is down. Approved hard-sided bear resistant containers are required. (6/24/22)
• Stock Use: Trail is open to stock. (7/1/22)

Bechler Area

• Bugs are out in force!
• Trails cleared to as far as site 9A1. and from 9A3 to the Buffalo Lake trailhead. Expect very muddy conditions with areas of up to knee-deep water. Boundary Creek ford is estimated 4 feet deep and swift. (6/27/22)
• Grassy Lake Road from Flagg Ranch to Grassy Lake reported to be opened. Conditions unknown (7/1/22)
• The Forest Service campground at Cave Falls is open.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Bechler Meadows and Falls River area

• The trails from the Bechler Ranger Station and Cave Falls to the Bechler Meadows have been cleared. (6/19/22)
• Expect very wet conditions and areas of standing water 1-2 feet deep in multiple places in Bechler Meadows. Hiking not recommended. (6/3/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock until July 15 or later.(6/30/22)

Bechler Canyon/Bechler River trail

• Expect large areas of standing water 1-2 feet deep across Bechler Meadows. (6/19/22)
• Fords of the Bechler River are likely 3-4 feet deep and uncrossable. Hiking to Bechler Canyon not recommended. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.

Boundary Creek/Dunanda Falls

• Trails across Bechler Meadows (including Boundary Creek Trail) are flooded with large areas of standing water 1-2 feet deep. (6/19/22)
• Ford of Boundary Creek expected to be 3-4 feet deep. Hiking to Dunanda Falls is not recommended. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock until July 15 or later.(6/30/22)

Robinson Creek

• Wet conditions. Trail cleared of downfall.Trail north of campsite 9A7 is in poor condition. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock.

Union Falls/Mountain Ash Creek

• Grassy Lake Road from Ashton, ID to Grassy Lake is open. Conditions unknown.(7/1/22)
• Union Falls trail cleared of downfall from Grassy Lake to Fish Lake.(7/1/22)
• Fish Lake trailhead in the Forest Service is closed until July 15th for wildlife protection. (6/20/22)
• Stock Use: Partially open to stock. Trail from Bechler Ranger station to Union Falls via the Mountain Ash Creek trail is closed to stock due to impassable and dangerous beaver dam. Visitors can get from Bechler Ranger Station to Union falls using the South Boundary trail at Cave Falls.

Pitchstone Plateau

• Expect areas of snow on the upper elevations of the trail. (6/19/22)
• Stock Use: Open to stock. Not recommended. The Southern part of the trail isn't regularly cleared of downfall. (6/30/22)

Beula Lake/South Boundary Trail west

• Beula Lake area open, conditions unknown (7/1/22)
• Tanager lake area is closed for wildlife protection. 6/20/22
• Stock Use: Open to stock. (6/30/22)

Back to Map

 

Contact Us

Please email the Central Backcountry Office if you have any questions about specific areas.

 

More Information

• 

  Backcountry Safety

  Best practices for exploring the backcountry.

• 

  Bear Safety

  Best practices for traveling safely in bear country.

• 

  Permits & Reservations

  I need a permit for that? Review this list and avoid surprises.