Blackfoot River to Lincoln Backcountry Road
Follow miners' tracks along Montana's famous river.
The Blackfoot River to Lincoln Backcountry Road traces the same route miners used in the 1860s to haul gold and silver ore from the Helena National Forest. You’ll follow the river through dense lodgepole pine and meadows where Norman Maclean wrote about fly fishing, crossing multiple creek fords before the road climbs into the Continental Divide country around Lincoln. The route passes abandoned mine shafts and the remnants of Stemple Pass, where ore wagons once struggled over the divide.
This is a moderate high-clearance route that’s doable in a stock truck with good ground clearance, though the creek crossings can be tricky during spring runoff. Best tackled June through September when water levels drop. No permits needed, and dispersed camping is excellent along the Blackfoot. Fuel up in Lincoln or Helena before heading out. You’re here for the solitude, the trout water, and a genuine taste of Montana’s mining heritage without the crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5200 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Lincoln, Montana |
| Land manager | Helena National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or high-clearance 2WD truck run this trail?
Yes. The minimum requirement is high-clearance 2WD, and a stock Tacoma or similar truck handles this route fine in dry conditions. 4WD isn't mandatory but is useful if the dirt surface is wet or soft near water crossings.
When does the trail open in spring and is it snow-free by June?
Best season is June through September. Snow and mud can make sections impassable before mid-June, and early-season runoff raises the water crossings. Check with Helena National Forest before heading out if you're going before the 4th of July.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on this route?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed under Helena National Forest rules — 14-day stay limit, 200 feet from water, and pack out everything you pack in.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The water crossings are the biggest variable — depth and flow depend heavily on snowmelt and recent rain. At peak runoff these can be axle-deep; by late summer they're typically shallow and straightforward. The rest of the route is rutted dirt with nothing technically extreme.
Is there any gas or services between the start and Lincoln?
No. The route is 45 miles through remote wilderness with zero services and no cell coverage. Top off your tank before leaving and carry extra fuel — Lincoln is a small town with limited amenities when you arrive.
Trail track
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