0.25 miles, 374 ft
Crater Mountain is a quick, but rewarding off-trail hike. The summit has nice 360-degree views, including the Scapegoat Wilderness to the North. Trailhead access is suitable for most vehicles so long as it isn’t too snowy. This would also make a nice winter summit – with an additional 2.6 miles of skiing from Stemple Pass – much of which is along the “North Meadow Loop” ski trail.
Directions (From Stemple Pass – North of Helena):
· Drive northeast 0.6 miles on FS-1827
· Turn left (north) & drive 1.9 miles on FS-1825. The road will pass through an open saddle before entering the trees and passing a turn-off to the left (don’t take this road). It will eventually begin grading downwards to a fork with two USFS gates. Park at a wide spot in the road just before (west of) the fork.
· Hike past the upper (left) gate, and climb the hill to the summit. Bushwacking can be kept to a minimum if you initially keep to the right on the ascent, then sweep to the left & ascend through the open meadows.
