Trail Overview

Easy graded narrow trail. Lots of pullouts to pass other drivers; some of the corners are steeper with looser gravel. Be alert for people collecting firewood and their trucks parked right in the road as they drag trees from the forest. We encountered horseback riders, dirtbike riders, and SXS's on the trail. There are vast, beautiful views of the Bitterroot Valley. Occasional dispersed camping spots along the way. The lookout tower gate was closed and located and is a half-mile hike to get to the lookout tower. The road continues through the forest and ends at another locked gate where you could continue on foot and hike to the Burnt Fork Lake

Photos of Willow Mountain to Burnt Fork Lake Hiking trail

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Difficulty

Mostly graded with some loose gravel sections on switchbacks Narrow in some places with blind corners. Maybe impassable in winter and spring once the snow comes in.

Technical Rating

Ryan Hansen

Jul 05, 2026

Open

Normal

Open to the lake trailhead some trees still yet to be completely cleared from the road but a beautiful drive.

Tom Quinn

Jul 03, 2026

Obstructed

Downed Tree

We left from Corvallis and went out Willow Creek. Road was recently graded and was in great shape. We made our way past the Willow Mountain Lookout (gate is closed up to the lookout, but plenty of room to park and hike up). Continuing on we ran into a large downed tree that we cut out of the way. There were a few other smaller trees down, we moved them out of the way. We finally hit a section with 4-6 large trees across the road and we didn't have enough chainsaw fuel to work through them. We turned around at that point and doubed back to Gold Creek which we took to the end (locked gate at private property, plenty of room to turn around). All in all a great day and we'll bring more chainsaw fuel next time.

Kyle Trebotich

Jul 14, 2024

Open

Seems the road is recently graded. Very chill drive for a Sunday morning. Could easily drive in a bone stock family wagon. More wildflowers out than I expected for mid July.