Overview
Fish Creek Trail reaches one of the Lolo National Forest's most pristine and least-visited drainages, a western-slope canyon south of Lolo and west of Missoula where old-growth western redcedar and western larch grow in forest stands that feel genuinely untouched. The 8.8-mile round trip gains 1,600 feet gradually through Montana's cedar country, arriving at an upper basin with good fishing and exceptional solitude.
The Lolo National Forest is known for its Missoula-adjacent recreation, but Fish Creek represents the other side of the forest: remote, quiet, and visited primarily by hunters, anglers, and hikers who actively seek the least-trafficked routes. Cell service drops immediately from the trailhead and stays out for the entire hike.
The Route
Trailhead to Lower Cedar Zone (0 to 2.0 miles)
Fish Creek Trail begins in open conifer forest and transitions quickly to dense old-growth western redcedar within the first mile. The cedar-filled lower canyon is one of the most distinctive forest environments in the Lolo. The trees grow large and the canopy closes completely overhead, creating a cool, shaded atmosphere even on hot days. The creek is accessible throughout this section.
Middle Canyon (2.0 to 3.5 miles)
The trail continues through a mix of cedar and western larch, climbing gradually as the drainage narrows. Moose tracks are frequently visible in the mud along the creek margin. The forest floor is dense with ferns and shade-tolerant shrubs in the moist cedar sections. Several informal creek crossing points allow anglers to access both banks.
Upper Canyon (3.5 to 4.4 miles)
The canyon steepens in the upper section and the cedar transitions to Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. The creek narrows to a series of cascades and the gradient increases. The conventional day-hike turnaround is at a natural bench near a distinctive cascade at mile 4.4. Backpackers can continue on the trail into the upper drainage.
When to Hike
June through October is the accessible season. The lower cedar canyon is walkable from late May most years, but the upper canyon trail can hold snow and mud into June. The creek level is highest in June and manageable for the rest of the season.
Summer weekdays are the quietest time. Even on summer weekends, Fish Creek sees a fraction of the traffic of the Missoula front-range trails.
October brings gold to the western larch in this drainage, one of the finest fall color destinations in the Lolo. The lower canyon cedars provide green contrast against the gold larch, creating a distinctive two-tone fall palette.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water, using Fish Creek as a mid-route filter source. Bear spray is important in this remote drainage, which sees significant black bear activity and occasional grizzly presence. The cool cedar forest stays damp, so a water-resistant layer is useful even on dry days.
No restroom is present at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. Arrive with full water as the trailhead has no source.
Trailhead Access
Fish Creek Trailhead is on Fish Creek Road, accessed from Highway 12 west of Lolo. The forest road is gravel and suitable for most vehicles in dry conditions. No permit or fee is required (as of 2026). No restroom is present. The small pull-out parking area accommodates 8 to 10 vehicles.
Dogs are welcome and the low-traffic environment suits dogs well. Keep dogs under control in moose habitat, as moose can be aggressive when surprised.
Nearby
Fish Creek is one of the Lolo's most remote accessible drainages. Lolo Peak Trail is in the same general Highway 12 corridor and provides the high-elevation summit experience. Big Creek Trail to the north is another quiet canyon option in the Lolo. The Missoula-area front-range trails (Rattlesnake Creek, Pattee Canyon) offer contrasting busy-but-convenient options.
Review conditions before visiting using the USFS guide. The fish-and-wildlife-rich drainage warrants careful attention to Leave No Trace principles.