Overview
Strickland Gulch is a forested drainage on the eastern edge of the Helena Valley, tucked into the foothill terrain that transitions from the valley floor to the ridge systems above. The trail through it is one of the shorter and more accessible routes in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, making it a go-to option for Helena residents who want meaningful elevation gain in a limited time window.
At four miles and 800 feet of gain, this is a genuine hike rather than a walk, but one that fits easily into a morning or evening. The gulch has a quiet, enclosed character in the forested lower sections, with the seasonal creek providing a pleasant backdrop when it flows in spring. Above the forest, the ridgeline opens into the kind of panoramic view that reminds you Helena sits in a mountain-ringed valley where the scale of the landscape is never far away.
The route is straightforward: up the gulch to the ridgeline, views, then back the same way. There are no navigation challenges or technical sections. It is a reliable option for days when you need to be outdoors without planning for a full-day commitment.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1.5: Trailhead to Forest
From the parking area, the trail enters the gulch immediately, climbing through pine and fir forest with the seasonal creek in the drainage below. The grade is consistent in this section not flat, but manageable. By mile 1, the forest thickens and the gulch character becomes more pronounced. Wildflowers in the understory are notable in June when the seasonal moisture is still present.
Miles 1.5 to 2: Ridgeline Approach and Viewpoint
The trail steepens slightly in the final half-mile before the ridgeline, gaining approximately 300 feet in this section. The ridgeline viewpoint at mile 2 provides the open view that anchors the route. The Helena Valley, with the Continental Divide visible beyond, makes clear why the capital was situated where it was.
When to Visit
May through October is the practical window. Spring brings the seasonal stream and lush early-season vegetation. Summer is pleasant in the forested lower sections. Fall color in September and October is worth timing a visit around.
Before visiting, check conditions using the conditions-checking guide.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for this short route:
- 1-2 liters of water (no reliable water source on the trail; carry from the start)
- Layers for the exposed ridgeline viewpoint, which can be windy
- Bear spray (black bears are present in the Helena-area forest)
Individual needs vary. The short distance means minimal supply planning is required.
Practical Details
No permit is required for day hiking as of 2026. No fee at the trailhead. Follow Leave No Trace principles. Dogs must be kept under control.
For information about veteran fee benefits on developed sites in the national forest, see our veteran benefits guide.
Getting There
From Helena, take US-12 east (East Helena), then turn southeast on secondary and forest roads toward the Strickland Gulch drainage. The Helena Ranger District office in Helena can provide current road numbers and trailhead directions. From downtown Helena, allow approximately 20-30 minutes to the trailhead. The trailhead is accessible by most vehicles on the gravel access road.