Picture Ridge

This is a free trailhead site located 67 miles south of the town of Hungry Horse on the gravel East Side Reservoir Road #38. The trailhead is located at an elevation of 4,000 feet and is open from May 15 through November 30. Meadow Creek Trailhead is situated 100 feet above the Meadow Creek Gorge of the South Fork of the Flathead River. The 28 parking spots are divided into stock and foot use areas. The site is located in a second growth stand of trees. It is a high use site. It is mostly used as a major trailhead to access the Bob Marshall Wilderness on the Main East Side South Fork Trail #80. In the summer backpackers, stock users, and floaters access the wilderness. The trailhead is used for access to the early season and late season hunt in the wilderness from September 15 through late November. It also is used to access Picture Ridge Trail #107. A 60 foot long stock trail bridge crosses Meadow Creek Gorge 100 feet above the river and offers impressive views of the river. There are no tables or metal fire rings. There are vault toilets. There is no water on site, but water is available from a small creek crossing the road about 2 miles west further up the Meadow Creek Road. Water must be treated prior to consumption. Stock is allowed at the site. There are hitchrails, an unloading ramp, and feed bunks that stock may be tied to. Weed Seed Free Feed is required on all national forest lands. There is no garbage service and visitors need to plan to Pack It In, and Pack It Out. There is a food storage order in effect on all national forest land that requires that human and stock food, garbage, and other attractants be kept unavailable to bears. Your stay may not exceed 14 days. This is a remote location and there is no cell phone service in the area. The closest public phone is located 15 miles north at the Spotted Bear Ranger Station. Phone, gas, and food are located 67 miles north in the town of Hungry Horse.