Lost Creek State Park, Montana

Lost Creek State Park has spectacular grey limestone cliffs and pink and white granite formations that rise 1,200 feet above the canyon’s narrow floor. Lost Creek Falls, in the northwest corner of the park, cascades over a 50-foot drop to provide one of the most scenic and popular spots in the park. Wildlife, especially mountain goats, golden eagles and bighorn sheep are frequently seen on the cliffs above, and pika are often seen and heard in the rock piles in the upper park. Camping, fishing, picnicking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing are available.

Park Size:  502 acres.
Elevation:  6,211 feet.
Campsites:  25 campsites in the park. RV/trailer size is limited to 23 feet.
Reservations:  No – First come, first served.

The Lost Creek Trail starts in Lost Creek State Park. There is an entrance fee for out-of-state residents. After entering the park, drive to the far end of the park to find parking and the trailhead. Just before the campground, you’ll see a larger parking area on the right. The entrance to the trail is another 50 yards up the road on the right.

The first three miles of the trail are on an abandoned roadbed. The width is probably 8-10 feet wide with plenty of rocks. After an initial quarter-mile pitch, the trail levels out somewhat into a steady climb. At the three-mile point, you’ll come to the ruins of an old cabin. Although rocky, good lines exist and this section is good for both hiking and mountain biking.

From this point on, the trail has more single-track qualities, although it is still 2-3 feet wide. The majority of the remaining 4.7 miles of trail were extensively reworked and rerouted during 2014 and 2015 and are quite good trails.

The climbing continues for the next 2.5 miles where you’ll reach the high point of the ride at mile 5.5. If you’ve had enough climbing for the day you can turn around here and hike or mountain bike back down to the trailhead – It’s all downhill.

If you are up for more climbing, you can continue on down a 2.2-mile, ripping descent into the Foster Creek drainage. The trail ends at a three-way intersection with Foster Creek Road and Foster Creek Trail. Now it’s time to turn around and regain that 2.2 miles followed by 5.5 miles of pure descending.

View map of Lost Creek State Park

Montana Residents

• Montana residents who pay the $9 state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration have no daily entrance fees to state parks. For residents who don’t include this in their vehicle registration, non-resident day use fees apply.

Nonresidents

• Day use entrance fee with a vehicle: $8
• Day use entrance fee as a walk-in, bicycle or bus passenger: $4
• With a Nonresident Entrance Pass: Free

Campsites

• Campsite fees range from $4-$34 per night, depending on season and available amenities.

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