Trail Overview
Magpie Upper is an approachable and scenic route perfect for novice offroaders, high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, and SxSs looking to explore the beautiful Helena National Forest. Spanning approximately 1.0 mile, this easy trail serves as a seamless connection that navigates the upper section of Magpie Gulch down to a private property boundary, dropping about 296 feet from its peak elevation of 6,578 feet down to 6,282 feet. The route is primarily a dirt track that presents a mild technical rating of 2, making it highly accessible during dry seasons for stock sport utility vehicles. However, early spring travelers should remain cautious of lingering snow and deep mud, which can also accumulate quickly after heavy summer rainstorms and increase the trail's overall difficulty.
As travelers wind through the healthy, well-maintained forest, they are treated to spectacular, panoramic views of the surrounding valley and the shimmering waters of Canyon Ferry Lake in the distance. The area is rich in wildlife, and alert offroaders often spot deer, elk, moose, and even black bears roaming through the dense stands of pine. Toward the northern end of the trail, a scenic camping area offers an excellent spot to set up camp, pitch a tent, or enjoy a picnic lunch under the big Montana sky. While the track itself is straightforward, visitors should remain mindful of the private property boundary marking the end of the trail and plan their route to backtrack or connect with adjacent forest roads.
Difficulty
Early spring you may find snow and/or mud, or after a heavy rain, it will be muddy, but otherwise an easy trail.
History
This section of the Helena National Forest is 133K acres. The many settlers' cabins that still stand in this area are a testament to the sturdy, resilient people who came west in the 1800s. Canyon Ferry Lake is a man-made reservoir, built to generate electricity, provide irrigation, and help control flooding. It is Montana's third-largest body of water. The original ferry hauled the stagecoach and residents across the river. The toll was 25 cents for a horse and 50 cents for a team. The ferry was anchored by cables that were strung across the Missouri River. A dam was built in 1896 by the Missouri River Power Company, which made the river below the dam too rough for the ferry, so it was abandoned. Canyon Ferry residents then had to cross the river upstream in rowboats until the first county bridge was built in 1899.
Access Description
This route ends at a private property boundary. Visitors must respect private land boundaries, avoid trespassing, and be prepared to turn around or follow designated public routes. Helena National Forest motorized vehicle regulations and seasonal closures may apply.
