Hiking
Location: Near St. Regis, Montana
Duration: Duration
Season: Spring - Fall
Distance: ~ 3 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Cascade Falls Overlook Trail is located in the Lolo National Forest of western Montana. At 2.1 million acres of spectacular mountainous country, this forest is estimated to be the third largest National Forest in the northern region of the USDA Forest Service and contains several major tributaries to the Clark Fork River of the Columbia River Basin.
The Cascade Falls Overlook Trail is an easy day hike to an overlook above Cascade Falls. Cascade Falls is a 250ft waterfall that eventually runs into the Clark Fork River.
The trail follows the old Iron Mountain Road, an old mining road. It is well maintained and incorporates a 27 station interpretative trail. The hike is constantly climbing but holds a reasonable gradient. There are several benches along the way to take a rest and enjoy beautiful vistas.
You also have the option of continuing up the trail all the way to Nine-Mile Divide, which is a 14-mile round trip. Also, there's a trail to the base of the falls that is steep and wet for a bit more adventure.
You may want to stay at the campground that is located at the trailhead. This is a beautifully maintained campground with approximately nine sites and one group site. Each site offers a fire ring with a grill, picnic table, parking and even chopped wood.
Overnight stays cost and groups of 10 and up cost more. There is a self-pay station located at the obvious information sign with day use and parking free. Bears do not seem to be a significant problem, but they do inhabit the area. However, the squirrels on the other hand, may make off with you lunch if you do not pay attention.
Directions: LocationTake I-90 to the St. Regis exit #33. Drive North on Highway 135 for 16.5 miles. There is a well-marked sign on your right.
The Cascade Falls Overlook Trail is an easy day hike to an overlook above Cascade Falls. Cascade Falls is a 250ft waterfall that eventually runs into the Clark Fork River.
The trail follows the old Iron Mountain Road, an old mining road. It is well maintained and incorporates a 27 station interpretative trail. The hike is constantly climbing but holds a reasonable gradient. There are several benches along the way to take a rest and enjoy beautiful vistas.
You also have the option of continuing up the trail all the way to Nine-Mile Divide, which is a 14-mile round trip. Also, there's a trail to the base of the falls that is steep and wet for a bit more adventure.
You may want to stay at the campground that is located at the trailhead. This is a beautifully maintained campground with approximately nine sites and one group site. Each site offers a fire ring with a grill, picnic table, parking and even chopped wood.
Overnight stays cost and groups of 10 and up cost more. There is a self-pay station located at the obvious information sign with day use and parking free. Bears do not seem to be a significant problem, but they do inhabit the area. However, the squirrels on the other hand, may make off with you lunch if you do not pay attention.
Directions: LocationTake I-90 to the St. Regis exit #33. Drive North on Highway 135 for 16.5 miles. There is a well-marked sign on your right.
For a map, pictures and more info click on Cascade Falls Overlook Trail
See you on the trail,
--Greg
"Please notify me of any new Trails"
No comments:
Post a Comment