Bitterroot Mountains Poker Creek Road
Abandoned gold camps and Continental Divide views
Poker Creek Road climbs from the Bitterroot Valley through some of Montana’s thickest timber toward the Continental Divide, following an old mining supply route to the abandoned Poker Creek gold camp. The first 12 miles are gravel logging road, but the final push to the mine ruins gets gnarly—steep switchbacks, loose rock, and deadfall that requires a chainsaw more often than not. At mile 18, you’ll hit the remains of the stamp mill and scattered cabin foundations where miners scratched out a living in the 1890s. Views from the high country stretch across the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
This is a difficult route requiring high-clearance 4WD and recovery gear—the grades hit 20% in places and there’s no cell service for bailouts. Pack a chainsaw; fallen trees are guaranteed, especially early season. July through September only due to snow, and even then expect muddy conditions after rain. No permits needed but check fire restrictions during dry spells. The payoff is complete solitude and some of the best dispersed camping in the Northern Rockies, with creek water and enough firewood to last decades.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7800 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Darby, Montana |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| 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 4Runner or Tacoma handle Poker Creek Road, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD high-clearance rig can complete this trail, but it'll be working hard. Rock sections and rutted climbs toward the divide will scrape low-hanging skid plates — a modest lift and all-terrain tires will save you headaches, but aren't mandatory.
When does Poker Creek Road actually open for the season?
July through September is your window. Snowpack at 7,800 feet can linger well into June, and early-season mud turns the dirt sections into a mess that'll swallow you. Check with the Darby Ranger District before heading out if you're pushing the calendar.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp along it?
No permit required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed under standard US Forest Service rules — 14-day stay limit, 200 feet from water sources and trails. No fee, no reservation.
What's the hardest section and what makes it genuinely difficult?
The upper climb toward the Continental Divide is where it gets real — loose rock, off-camber shelf road, and no room to turn around if you lose your nerve. At 28 miles over two days with 3,400 feet of gain, fatigue compounds the exposure. Downhill on wet rock is where most people get into trouble.
Are the water crossings on Poker Creek Road deep enough to be a problem, and how many are there?
There are multiple creek crossings throughout the route, and depth varies significantly by season — early July can push axle-deep after snowmelt. By August they're typically manageable for high-clearance stock rigs, but scout on foot before you commit. Darby is your last chance for fuel and supplies, roughly 60+ miles from the remote sections of trail.
Trail track
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