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Bass Creek Trail

Bitterroot National Forest, Montana · 4 min read

Distance
8.4 mi
Elevation Gain
1,100 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Series of natural swimming holes along Bass Creek in the lower canyon
  • Old-growth ponderosa pine and Douglas fir throughout the lower trail
  • Good westslope cutthroat fishing in Bass Creek
  • Wilderness boundary access for multi-day backpacking
  • Reliable water throughout the canyon season

Overview

Bass Creek Trail runs through one of the most accessible canyon drainages in the Bitterroot National Forest, offering a classic combination of old-growth forest, clear creek walking, and wilderness access without the elevation demands of the higher summit routes. Located north of Hamilton in Montana, the trail follows Bass Creek for 4.2 miles to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary, gaining 1,100 feet gradually along the way.

The trail is popular with families in the lower sections and with anglers throughout the season. The swimming holes pooled in the lower canyon between half a mile and 2 miles make this one of the few Bitterroot canyon trails with easy water access from the first mile. Backpackers use the trail as an entry to the wilderness interior, continuing past the boundary on unmaintained routes.

The Route

Trailhead to Swimming Holes (0 to 2.0 miles)

Bass Creek Trail begins in open ponderosa pine forest and descends briefly to the creek level within the first quarter mile. The trail stays close to the creek for much of the lower canyon, and several swimming pools appear between the 0.5 and 2-mile marks. These are the most-used sections of the trail, busy on summer weekend afternoons. Old-growth ponderosa pines with their distinctive plated bark and rust-red trunks line the canyon walls in this section.

Middle Canyon (2.0 to 3.2 miles)

Above the main swimming holes, the trail enters a quieter section of the canyon with denser Douglas fir and some western larch mixed in. The creek narrows and the canyon walls rise more steeply. Several informal campsites are scattered along creek benches for backpackers. The elevation gain becomes more noticeable through this stretch.

Upper Canyon and Wilderness Boundary (3.2 to 4.2 miles)

The trail climbs to reach the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary through increasingly remote-feeling terrain. Old-growth stands with large-diameter larch and fir trees appear in the upper canyon. The wilderness boundary sign marks the conventional day-hike turnaround. Backpackers can continue on the Bass Creek Trail into the wilderness interior, though the route requires navigation and the trail is not maintained past this point.

Return (4.2 to 8.4 miles)

Return on the same route. Afternoon light illuminates the canyon walls in the lower section on the return trip.

When to Hike

May and June bring high creek flows and the season's first wildflowers on the canyon floor. Swimming holes are cold and some creek crossings run high. The trail is typically snow-free in the lower canyon from early May.

July through August is peak season. Swimming holes are in their prime, the forest is fully leafed, and the route sees its highest traffic. Early morning starts are recommended on hot days.

September and October offer quiet trails and excellent fall color in the larch and aspen. Many hikers consider this the best time for Bass Creek. Bring layers for the cooler upper canyon in the morning.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry water for the approach since the creek requires filtering. A water filter is standard kit for any water taken from Bass Creek. Sun protection helps in the open lower canyon sections. Sandals or quick-dry footwear suit the swimming hole sections well in summer.

Fly fishing gear rewards those who time their visit to avoid the weekend swimming crowd. Early mornings on weekdays see much less traffic and better fishing opportunities. A Montana fishing license is required (as of 2026).

Trailhead Access

Bass Creek Trailhead is on Bass Creek Road, accessible from the west side of Hamilton via Eastside Highway. The road is mostly paved. No parking fee or permit is required for day use (as of 2026). A vault restroom is present at the trailhead. Dispersed camping is permitted within the national forest boundary and not permitted at the trailhead itself.

Dogs are welcome and the trail's creek access makes it a favorite for dog owners through the summer.

Nearby

Bass Creek is one of several canyon trails in this section of the Bitterroot. Blodgett Canyon to the south is the most dramatic canyon in the forest. Sweathouse Creek Trail offers a shorter, gentler option further south. Saint Mary Peak is the area's best summit hike if you want to pair a canyon day with an elevated viewpoint.

Check current conditions at the USFS Bass Creek site using the checking conditions guide. Practice Leave No Trace principles especially at the heavily-used swimming holes where camp waste and food scraps can harm the creek ecosystem.

Trailhead Parking

Gravel lot at the Bass Creek Trailhead off Bass Creek Road, 8 miles northwest of Hamilton. Parking for approximately 30 vehicles.

← Back to Bitterroot National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bass Creek Trail take?
The 8.4-mile round trip typically takes 3.5 to 5 hours at a relaxed hiking pace, or longer if you stop at swimming holes. The trail is well-graded with moderate elevation gain spread over the full distance.
Is Bass Creek Trail dog friendly?
Yes, Bass Creek Trail is popular with dog owners. Dogs enjoy the swimming holes as much as their owners. Keep dogs leashed or well-controlled near the creek where cutthroat trout are present in spawning areas.
Is fishing good on Bass Creek?
Bass Creek supports a healthy population of westslope cutthroat trout, a native species present in this drainage. A Montana fishing license is required (as of 2026). The lower canyon stretches near the trailhead see the most angling pressure.