North Fork Howard Trailhead

The North Fork Howard Trailhead route is a short, bumpy two-track trail in the Lolo National Forest that serves as a gateway to single-track backcountry trails for dirt bikes and hikers. Spanning approximately 0.8 miles, this route climbs gradually from about 3,924 feet to 4,100 feet along Forest Road 4233, making it an excellent connector for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles and SxSs. The trail features an easy technical rating of 2, primarily consisting of an unpaved, dirt surface with occasional bumps and tight sections. While the trail begins wide enough for most off-road rigs, it quickly narrows as it winds north through the dense forest from Howard Creek Road. As drivers approach the end of the route, the corridor tightens significantly, requiring careful navigation around narrow trees. There is a single, tight turnaround spot featuring a stone fire ring at the terminus, where the road transitions directly into a motorized single-track trail. Due to the limited turning space, larger vehicles should exercise extreme caution, and drivers must be prepared to utilize the occasional turnouts to allow oncoming traffic to pass. Cell service is non-existent in this remote mountain drainage, so adventurers should download maps beforehand and prepare for self-recovery.