Lid Creek Trail
The Lid Creek trail (National Forest Development road 2817) is a moderately easy out and back with high quality views of Great Northern Mountain and Hungry Horse reservoir from a bench near the midpoint of the ride. The trail is entirely uphill on the way out, making for a fun return trip. The trail is an unused logging road which receives yearly maintenance and is suitable for both front and rear driven handcycles.
The trail starts across the paved road and about 75 yards down from the entrance to the Lid Creek campground. After passing to the right of the vehicle gate the trail begins a gradual 2 mile long climb (Adaptive level 4) running counter-clockwise around an un-named hill. The first portion of the trail often contains significant amounts of bear grass in early summer. The trail continues wrapping around the hill until the 2 mile mark where views of the reservoir and the mountains beyond it suddenly come into view. From here riders can continue another 0.2 miles to the end of the trail, where the Forest Service has decommissioned the road and further passage is not possible without significant levels of assistance.
Enjoy a snack from the bench while enjoying the views, then strap on your helmet for the fun and safe ride back downhill. Thank you to Jet Turner for the Downride Video
More Information
Trail Name: Lid Creek Trail
Location: Hungry Horse, Montana | Map
Type: Wide trail (≥ 30″), Start and end at the same point (Out-and-Back)
Rating: Adaptive Level 04
Length: 4.5
Steepest Section: Mild – under 10º
Most Off-Camber Section: Flat
Terrain: Mostly hardpack, minimal loose sections
Obstacles: Brush and/or other growth, Baby heads and/or rock gardens
Help Needed? Nope
Directions to Trailhead
From the town of Hungry Horse, follow signs for Hungry Horse Dam. Cross the dam and proceed 12 miles on West Reservoir road (Forest Service road #895) to the entrance to Lid Creek campground. Park near the campground entrance and look for the trailhead across the road and about 75 yards further down the road.
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