Trail Overview
Badger Creek is an easy, scenic point-to-point trail in the Elkhorn Mountains of the Helena National Forest, perfect for beginners and those seeking stunning mountain vistas, historical remnants, and abundant wildlife. Extending just under 3 miles, this route connects Indian Creek Road Trail on its northern end with Merrel Springs Trail to the south, climbing to a peak elevation of 7,353 feet before descending to 6,400 feet. The trail winds through a healthy, well-maintained forest ecosystem home to deer, elk, moose, and bears. Along the way, offroaders can spot historic miners' cabins and old mining sites that tell the story of the 19th-century settlers who braved this rugged Montana landscape.
With a technical rating of 2, the route is highly accessible but can become quite muddy and slick during early spring or after heavy rainfall, with lingering snowpack occasionally blocking the path into the early summer months. Four-wheel-drive is recommended to navigate these seasonal conditions safely, though high-clearance SxSs, ATVs, and stock SUVs will find it comfortable during dry periods. While the trail crosses sections of private land, access is fully permitted as long as travelers remain strictly on the designated trail. Dispersed camping opportunities are scattered nearby, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the surrounding mountain wilderness.
Difficulty
This trail may be muddy in the early spring, you may encounter snow, and it will be muddy after a heavy rain. Otherwise, it's an easy trail with beautiful scenery.
History
This section of the Helena National Forest covers 115,000 acres and is rich with history, as evidenced by several standing settlers' cabins and historic mining sites from the 1800s. Nearby, Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana's third-largest body of water, is a man-made reservoir built to generate electricity, provide irrigation, and help control flooding. Before a permanent bridge was built in 1899, a cable-anchored ferry transported stagecoaches and residents across the Missouri River for a toll of 25 cents per horse and 50 cents per team.
