Climb: 3.2 mi, +2,423 feet (From White River trail at Cliff Creek)
Approach: 27.4 mi., +4,544 feet, -4,281 feet (From Benchmark)
This is a very nice mostly on-trail hike in the Bob Marshall Wilderness that is probably most enjoyable as a seven-day backpacking trip. The summit has spectacular views in all directions, including the back side of the Chinese Wall and the Turtlehead – Pagoda range between the White River and the South Fork of the Flathead River. The trailhead is a primary entry point to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex with plenty of parking at the trailhead. The road to the trailhead is an all-weather gravel road that is well signed and suitable for most vehicles. Note that this summit is in the central portion of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and as such, access from other trailheads, particularly from the west or north is very reasonable.
Directions to Trailhead:
From Augusta: Follow the signs west to Benchmark 30.4 miles. The road will pass Wood Lake and the Benchmark airport. Continue north to the end of the road and park at the South Fork (of the Sun River) Trailhead.
Approach:
The approach trail is a heavily used and well-maintained mainline trail that is used by recreational backpackers, CDT hikers, and both recreational and outfitter horse packers. When encountering horses, it is a best practice to exit the trail (downhill if possible) and to remain standing and speaking. This will minimize the chances of a wreck. Note also that this is bear country (Grizzly and Black Bear). It is advisable to carry bear spray and food must be hung when camping. Talking and traveling during daylight hours also decreases the chances of a surprise (and potentially dangerous) encounter. See also the description for W7M/CL-020 – it includes additional photos of the approach up to White River Pass.
1. Follow Trail 202 north for 5.0 miles. The trail will cross two packbridges and meet Trail 203 immediately after crossing the 2nd packbridge, which crosses the “West Fork” (West Fork South Fork Sun River). Turn left (west) on Trail 203.
2. Follow Trail 203 for 6.8 miles to where it meets trail 211 (White River Pass / Indian Creek Trail). Camp where convenient – there are lots of options.
3. Follow Trail 211 9.5 miles west over White River Pass and the Continental Divide to the junction with Trail 112 at the White River. Note that there is a large outfitter camp on the northeast of the trail junction that is used nearly continuously throughout the summer and fall. Follow the trail that skirts around the south and west side of the camp.
4. Turn right (north) onto trail 112 and follow it 6.2 miles to Cliff Creek. The trail will pass two overlooks of the spectacular Needle Falls, a waterfall that is formed where the White River comes out of a hole in the side of a cliff. This portion of the White River was dry in August of 2025.
The Climb:
Make your way up the north side of the Cliff Creek Drainage to the sloping open park on the southeast side of the summit (around 7,000 feet). The summit is most easily attained by proceeding several hundred yards north just past the copse of trees that lay in alcove beneath the cliff band that is south of the summit. There is a sloping grassy ramp that rises in a southwesterly direction through the cliff band, providing access to the southeastern summit ridge. Proceed up the ridge to the summit.
Note that it is likely also possible or even nicer to access this summit from the Brushy Park area if coming from the north. The route around/through the cliff band would remain the same.
Note that it also appears reasonable to attain the summit by climbing directly up the ridge from near Cliff Creek / White River to about elevation 7,600 on the southwestern side of the summit and then climb to the saddle in the summit ridge from the west. The sub-summit that is south of the main summit is best avoided, as it is rather cliffy.
