Williams Pass

Williams Pass, also known as Trail Creek Road (FS Road 341), is an exciting mountain route for intermediate offroaders, dirt bike riders, and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts looking for scenic, narrow shelf-road driving in the Lolo National Forest. Spanning roughly 6 miles, this route climbs and descends a prominent saddle, offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks, including Williams Peak and Cyr Peak. Drivers will navigate a narrow dirt track that features steep climbs, loose dirt, deep ruts, and rainwater runoff mounds, particularly on the northern face of the saddle. Dirt bikes find an excellent flow here, though the steep drop-offs along the shelf road demand constant attention from all vehicle operators. The route's elevation ranges from approximately 3,091 feet near the Clark Fork River to a high point of 4,241 feet, with over 1,110 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Due to its narrow nature, vehicles must utilize occasional pullouts to pass oncoming traffic, making it less suitable for wider rigs but ideal for compact four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and motorcycles. Offroaders should remain alert for fallen rocks and debris rolling down the steep hillsides above. Cell service is highly unreliable, with no Verizon coverage on the south side and only weak signals on the north side, so downloading offline maps is essential before departing. A nearby hiking trail near the summit leads to a historic lookout tower, providing an excellent spot to stretch your legs and take in panoramic views of the Montana backcountry.