Mount Powell to Deer Lodge Mountain Loop

Mount Powell is the highpoint of the Flint Creek Range, a relatively unknown range just west of Deer Lodge, MT along I-90. This one has a nice combination of everything you'd look for in a good adventure. It's incredibly scenic, there's a healthy mixture of on-trail and off-trail travel, and there's even a nice side quest that you can easily incorporate into the day if you're feeling extra adventurous. The road to the trailhead gets rough in spots so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended although not entirely needed. The trailhead also provides access to Dempsey Basin, a collection of beautiful sub-alpine lakes, which flanks Powell to the southwest. Deer Lodge Mountain is a great side quest which will take you along the edge of giant cirque known as "The Crater".