Hiking

Wide-open country and endless skies are out there looking to be explored. Whether you want a short day hike or several days of backpacking adventure, look no further than the multiple trails in Jefferson County. These rolling trails will take you through pine forests, along rocky outcroppings, and next to roaring rivers. Whichever route you choose, you are sure to have a hike to remember.

Homestake Picnic Area

Description
Once a flag stop for the Northern Pacific Railroad, the Homestake Picnic Area provides day use of the lake, tables, fire rings, and bathroom services. Scenic trails nearby are great for hiking, ATV riding, and motorcycle riding.

Website
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/bdnf/recarea/?recid=5735

Elkhorn Mountains

Description
Topographic map and information about recreating in the Elkhorn Mountain Range, an inactive volcanic mountain range that is part of the Helena National Forest.

Website
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hlcnf/recarea/?recid=82185

Strawberry Cabin

Description
Explore a magnificent recreation and wildlife resource at the doorstep of Montana's Capital City, taking you from prairie to alpine, mayflies to mountain goats, and scenic driving to expert climbing routes.

Website
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hlcnf/recarea/?recid=82746

Backpack to Casey Meadow

Description
Backpack to Casey Meadow in the Elkhorn Mountains on a trail that follows the creek in the meadow, leading to a steep trail full of switchbacks that takes you up to Casey Peak.

Website
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hlcnf/recarea/?recid=63053

Hike To Casey Peak

Description
On the Hike to Casey Peak, a continuous climb from the road to the meadows, you’ll cover a lot of elevation, crossing a couple of creeks on your way.

Website
https://www.trailforks.com/route/casey-peak/

Maupin/Willard Creek Trail

Description
Willard Creek Trail is a short trail segment providing access into the Elkhorn Mountains and the area burned in the 1988 Warm Springs Fire. With parking capacity for six vehicles, this is a great family trail.

Website
https://www.trailforks.com/route/maupin-willard-mcclellan/

Cottonwood Lake

Description
Information and locator map for Cottonwood Lake.

Website
https://montana.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map,ftc,1,fid,781739,n,cottonwood%20lake.cfm

What People Are Saying

A Great Place to Live

After spending some time in Jefferson County, we discovered it is a great place to live and work and we found it is a place that is more than willing to help others.

Struck by the Beauty

As an avid outdoorsman I was struck by the beauty Jefferson County has to offer. What a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Beautiful Scenery

I take my camera wherever I go and I could not believe the amount of beautiful scenery I was able to capture. I will tell all of my friends who enjoy taking photos, make sure you visit Jefferson County.

Beautiful Place to Visit

As I was driving south through Jefferson County, I passed thru Montana City, Whitehall, and all the little places in between. What a beautiful place to visit in any season. I can see why they call Montana God’s Country.