Overview
Slough Creek is well-known to fly fishers, and for good reason. The creek runs clear and cold through meadows just north of Yellowstone's boundary, holding impressive populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The trail that follows it is correspondingly easy a gentle, flat-to-rolling walk through riparian meadow and open timber that rewards any level of hiker.
The Custer Gallatin National Forest section of this trail sits in one of the most productive wildlife corridors in the lower 48 states. Wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995 have expanded northward into this drainage, and grizzly bears are regularly active in the meadows. This is not the place to leave bear spray in the car. Wildlife-watching is a legitimate reason to be here, and the open meadow terrain makes sightings more common than in denser forest.
The trail's four miles and 300 feet of gain make it a full contrast to the demanding plateau routes elsewhere in the forest. This is a walk, not a climb. The creek provides a soundtrack and the meadows provide the view, and the total effort is modest enough that it is one of the few trails in the southern Custer Gallatin that works as an afternoon option rather than an all-day commitment.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2: Trailhead to Upper Meadows
From the parking area, the trail follows Slough Creek upstream through a series of open meadows. The grade is gentle throughout, with most of the modest elevation gain occurring in the first half-mile before the terrain flattens into the main meadow corridor. The creek is visible and audible for most of the route, with multiple access points to the water along the bank.
By mile 1.5, the trail passes through a particularly wide meadow section where wolf activity has been observed in early morning hours. Elk and bison use these meadows seasonally, particularly in spring and fall. The turnaround point at mile 2 is at a second meadow opening with a good creek viewpoint.
When to Visit
This trail opens earlier than most in the forest, typically by late April or early May, and remains accessible through October. The creek runs highest during snowmelt in May and June, making wading and crossing more challenging then but also supporting the largest fish populations. Late summer and fall bring lower water and excellent dry-fly fishing conditions.
Before visiting, check for any seasonal wildlife management closures in the Slough Creek drainage. The conditions-checking guide has resources for current closures in this area.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for this trail:
- Bear spray, immediately accessible (not in a pack pocket)
- 1-2 liters of water; filter available from the creek
- Insect repellent in late spring and early summer
- Fishing gear and valid Montana license
- Binoculars for wildlife watching
- Dog leash (required in wildlife-active areas)
Individual needs vary. The easy terrain means this is a low-exertion walk, but wildlife awareness is a genuine priority throughout.
Practical Details
No permit is required for hiking in the national forest as of 2026. The trailhead does not charge a day-use fee. Dispersed camping is permitted in the national forest area; camping within the park boundary requires a Yellowstone backcountry permit. Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout, particularly near the creek.
Bear spray is the USFS-recommended precaution for all activities in this drainage. Store food in bear-resistant containers if camping; see our bear canister guide for requirements and recommendations.
Getting There
From Gardiner, Montana (north entrance to Yellowstone), drive east on US-89 and then turn onto the road to Slough Creek the turn is approximately 5 miles east of Gardiner. Follow Slough Creek Road north (outside the park) to the national forest trailhead. The road is gravel and suitable for most vehicles. Total distance from Gardiner: approximately 12 miles. From Billings, allow approximately 3 hours.