Moose Creek Group Use Area

Moose Creek Group Use Area sits in forested mountain terrain 14.5 miles and about 20 minutes west of Helena, Montana. Managed by the Helena Ranger District, it lies just below the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, with spectacular views of surrounding country encompassing meadows, timbered slopes and mountains. The site is available from June 1 to October 15 each year. Hikers and backpackers can access the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail from the Switchback Ridge trail (348), which takes off just north of the site behind the information kiosks. This is a non-motorized trail with spectacular views and a variety of terrain, open to mountain bikers, stock users, backpackers and day hikers, transitioning through thick forest to above tree line with views both east and west of the Continental Divide. Tenmile Creek, a stream 11.4 miles from Helena, supports a variety of fish including redear sunfish, rainbow trout and brook trout; whether spinning, fly fishing or baitcasting, chances of getting a bite are good. Motorized day trips include a drive to Park Lake, roughly 6 miles southeast on FS Road 299, and Minnehaha (FS Road 527) south and west to the top of the Continental Divide trail. The group use area is a flat, unadorned, undeveloped camping area with a single fire ring and picnic table, accommodating approximately 20 people. Parking is limited and trailers should not exceed 20 feet in length. Space is available for one to six four-person tents. There are no camper hook-ups and water is not available. There is one vault toilet on site; large groups staying for a longer period often choose to have portable toilets delivered at the start of their stay and picked up before the end, at their own expense. At an elevation of 4,900 feet, the open area gives views of the forest and its lodgepole pine and Douglas fir. Nearby rugged ridges, meadows, forests and grasslands provide diverse ecosystems for wildlife: grizzly bear, deer, elk, gray wolf, black bear, moose and mountain lion all call the area home. Note that there is a day use area and campground nearby, both well used by the public all summer long. The area is not remote, and users can expect to encounter other people recreating.