West Fork Fishtrap Creek Trail - Wise River

Length: 8 miles

Use: Light

Difficulty: Low

Trail Begins: Just off Road 1203, 2 miles up from junction with Road 1223

Trail Ends: Junction with Trail 9

West Fork Fishtrap Trail is fairly level following dry benches on the north side of Fishtrap Creek but it crosses a few small creeks. Most of it passes through dry stands of lodgepole pine. Many wildflowers grow in the open areas along the trail, including lupine Sego lily, and water hemlock. After the Wilderness boundary the trail steepens slightly and becomes wetter with lush vegetation along the sides. In general the hike is gentle most of the way to Trail 9 with a few moderately steep uphill pitches and a steady but not to steep climb until it reaches the Continental Divide Trail. You may see moose or other wildlife such as deer or grouse in the meadows.

The trailhead has a stock ramp and hitch-rails plus bulletin board and trail registration box. Parking area is not large, just a wide spot in the road but is usually empty. Use is restricted to foot and horse travel in the Wilderness. The West Fork Fishtrap Trail provides access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail 9. Hiking Trail 9 either direction, it is possible to reach some popular destinations. To the west lays Rainbow Lake and Johnson Lake. To the east is Warren Lake, and further on either Cutaway Pass or West Fork La Marche Creek Trail 126. For those folks wanting to climb West Goat Peak, the highest peak in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness at 10,793 feet, this is a good access route to the peak. Trail 130 is regularly maintained and easy to follow.



Area Map: Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Map

USGS Maps: Warren Peak, Long Peak