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Kootenai Canyon
Montana
> Northwest Region
Access Issue: Only public access on USFS land. No deeded easement for public access via Kootenai Creek trailhead.
Details
The only publicly-accessible areas are to the south of Kootenai Creek (left when traveling westbound) approximately 0.6 miles, 1 km, or 1,090 yards from the USFS Kootenai Creek Trailhead. More details here. There is no deeded easement for public access from the Kootenai Creek Trailhead along the Kootenai Creek Trail for the first 0.6 miles so continued access is contingent on visitors staying on the established Kootenai Creek Trail until on Forest Service land. Leaving the established trail and trespassing on private property is not permitted.
Closed areas include, and are not limited to:
First Buttress, Second Buttress, Identity Wall, Sick Bay, Shuffle Buttress, Practice Rock, Spiderhang Buttress, and adjacent rock outcrops on the north side of the canyon. Failure to follow these closures may lead to restricted or complete loss of access.
Description
- The climbing north of the main trail is now private. The forest service boundary marks the end of the private land. The climbing on the south side of the Canyon is on public land.
- Please pack out both human and pet waste, along with any trash you produce or find
- Be respectful, polite, and helpful, especially to new climbers and those not familiar with the area.
Granite sport and trad climbing. This was the closest crag to Missoula. Access across Kootenai Creek, once on Forest Service land, is only possible during low water flows. Otherwise, the creek crossing is difficult and dangerous - especially not suitable for children. The accessible crags on the south side of the canyon are shady in the summer, requiring upwards of 30 minutes on the approach.
Getting There
Take Highway 93 south out of Missoula for about 25 miles. Just before entering Stevensville, take a right on Kootenai Creek Road. Follow this for a few miles to the trailhead parking lot. The main Kootenai Creek #53 Trail is located on the north side of the canyon. The only crags on USFS land that are accessible to the public are on the south side of the canyon.
Walk 0.5 miles on the Kootenai Creek Trail. You will pass a sign indicating you have entered Forest Service land and are no longer on private property. At this point, you may cross the creek to the other side and backtrack until you reach the crag.
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