Bob Marshall Wilderness/Sun River

Hike Name: Bob Marshall Wilderness/Sun River Location: northwest MT Length: 25-30 Submitted by: Mark Daski Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Montana trail reviews Montana national parks Montana state parks
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Description
Relatively easy hiking with spectacular scenery. From parking area, follow the Gibson Lake trail the length of the lake. Turn north on Arsenic Creek Trail, over divide and drop into Circle Creek trail and head west to North Fork of Sun River. Take side hike to top of Elk Hill for terrific vista of the entire North Fork valley. Ford the North Fork and head south along the west bank of the Sun. Stay to west side of Sun Butte and hit the South Fork of the Sun, head back east, through the K Bar L lodge and back along the Lake to trailhead.
Good drinking water everywhere. Beautiful 80 degree days 1st week of September. North Fork ford was not quite knee-deep. Other creeks can be crossed on stepping stones. Lots of horse manure everywhere.
Elk bugling at night. One night we heard a wolf pack howling! Saw elk, white tail, mule deer; saw no bears--but they're there.
Hang your food at night. Some well-used campsites have hanging poles--probably built by hunting parties. Due to drought, campfires were prohibited while we were there, but usually they are permitted.
Most of the hike is in open country with great views. Remains of 2005 forest fire in Circle Creek area.
Sun Canyon Lodge, about 3 miles east of trailhead is a good place for a shower and meal, but no groceries. There's not much in Augusta either. Stock up in Great Falls.
Read my trail journal at http://home.comcast.net/~mdaskilewicz

Directions to Hike
Fly into Great Falls. Drive 60 miles west to Augusta, then about 25 miles of gravel road west to Rocky Mountain Front. Follow signs for Gibson Dam/Lake. Road becomes paved within the NF. Trailhead is at end of the road adjacent the dam.

Contact Information
Lewis & Clark National Forest
Augusta Information Station
Augusta, MT 59410
Phone: (406) 562-3247

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