(2.8 miles, +2,200 feet)
Haystack Mountain is a nice hike up a well-maintained trail. The summit is a large rockpile that has the scattered remains of an old fire lookout (“L-4” type lookout constructed in 1936 & destroyed on 1977). Although there is room to setup on the summit rockpile, there is a more comfortable flat area about 20-feet below the summit that is well within the activation zone. The trail may be accessed as follows:
Treasure Mountain is a non-descript forested summit that is located south of Elliston, MT. Head south on the Little Blackfoot road (which leaves the highway east of Elliston) and trend left up Telegraph Creek 3.0 miles later when the road forks. Follow the Telegraph Creek Road SSE for 4.9 miles, and take the major turn to the right (westerly). Continue across Telegraph Creek, and follow the road 0.6 miles to where it intersects the Treasure Mountain Road. The Treasure Mtn. Road may be driven at least another 1.8 miles, except Oct.
The Loneman hike is long but rewarding. The trail is 7.4 miles long with 3,900 feet of vertical elevation gain. It is necessary to ford both the Middle Fork of the Flathead and Nyack Creek. The hike is most feasible in August or September once streamflows have subsided and the NPS has had time to clear the trails. Wading shoes and a trekking pole or a sturdy stick are advisable for the crossings. The flow in the Middle Fork was about 2,300 cfs for our crossing, which was about hip deep for me (6’-2” tall). The crossing would become quick
The Scalplock Lookout Trail is 4.7 miles and 3,100 vertical feet on a very nice trail that begins at the Walton Ranger Station near Essex, MT. This is a less visited side of the Park. No entrance fees are required and it is much less crowded than many other park trails. The following link offers an excellent trail description:
W7M/CL-023 may be climbed easily climbed from the Scapegoat Plateau. The approach is 17 to 21 miles – depending upon which route one chooses to access the plateau. The southeast ridge of the mountain is a good approach and offers great views of the plateau. The Plateau is prime grizzly bear habitat – so be “Bear Aware”!
Walk up the relatively gentle northwest ridge from the Scapegoat Plateau to attain the summit. The approach is 17 to 21 miles – depending upon the route that one chooses to access the plateau. The summit ridge has an interesting and fragile rock outcropping that is decaying to become talus. The summit offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the magnificent Scapegoat Plateau. The Plateau is prime grizzly bear habitat and the grassy meadows at the base of this summit are a favorite foraging area – so be “Bear Aware”!
Flint Mountain may be easily climbed up its southeast sloping ramp from the Scapegoat Plateau. The approach is 17 to 21 miles – depending upon which route one chooses to access the plateau. The cliff band that guards the eastern side of the mountain slopes downwards to the left (south) and can easily be topped towards the left. After topping the cliff band, walk along the bench northwards until you reach a trail (visible in photo) that ascends the steep side-slope towards the summit ramp. Follow the grassy ramp to the summit.
This is a very nice hike (3.3 Miles, 2,900 ft.)
Drive west from Augusta towards Nilan Reservoir and Benchmark. Continue for 14-miles, turning right (Northerly) on the Willow Creek road towards Gibson Reservoir. Continue another 1.2 miles and turn left immediately after passing Scoutana – an old Girl Scout Camp. The turn is also signed as “USFS Administrative Site”. Follow this road and park where it is blocked by a gate.