Hoodoo Pass Road (Forest Road 5135)
Continental Divide backcountry with serious creek crossings
Hoodoo Pass Road climbs through dense lodgepole pine and subalpine fir before breaking treeline at 7,800 feet, offering expansive views of the Continental Divide. This remote forest service road connects the Blackfoot River drainage to the South Fork Flathead, threading between designated wilderness boundaries with multiple creek crossings that can turn nasty during spring runoff. The route passes abandoned mining claims and CCC-era structures near Hoodoo Lake, where old-growth larch stands survived the 1988 fires.
Stock 4WD vehicles handle most sections, but articulation and decent ground clearance are essential for the rocky descents and creek fords past mile marker 12. Best tackled July through September when snow clears the high country – winter access is impossible due to avalanche danger. No permits required, but dispersed camping follows Leave No Trace principles. Fuel up in Ovando or Seeley Lake; the nearest services are 40+ miles away. This is serious backcountry with zero cell coverage and weather that changes fast above treeline.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7800 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Ovando, Montana |
| Land manager | Lolo 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 4Runner handle Hoodoo Pass Road?
Yes, any stock 4WD with high clearance can make it. The creek crossings are the main challenge, not rock crawling or extreme grades.
Is Hoodoo Pass Road open in winter?
No, it's closed from October through June due to snow. July through September is your window, with August being the most reliable.
Do I need permits for Hoodoo Pass Road?
No permits required for driving or dispersed camping. It's national forest land managed by Lolo NF with standard forest service rules.
How deep are the creek crossings on Hoodoo Pass?
Expect 18-24 inches deep in normal conditions, but can be much higher during spring runoff or heavy rain. Several crossings get progressively deeper as you climb.
How far should I plan to drive for gas before hitting Hoodoo Pass?
Ovando is your last fuel stop, about 20 miles from the trailhead. Bring extra gas - you'll burn more than expected on the 28-mile climb to 7800 feet.