Hiking near Lincoln
Trailheads into the Scapegoat Wilderness and the Continental Divide Trail, all within a short drive of camp.
Hiking
Lincoln sits right at the edge of the Scapegoat Wilderness, with miles of the Continental Divide Trail just east of town. Choose an easy walk through Sculpture in the Wild, a historic climb to Lewis and Clark Pass or a full day to a wilderness lake.
Local tips from Matt and Nichole, owners of Lost Moose Meadows.
Quick facts
- Scapegoat Wilderness
- About 240,000 acres, just north of town
- Easy hikes
- Sculpture in the Wild, Lewis and Clark Pass, Morrell Falls
- Favorite lake hike
- Heart Lake, about 9.6 miles round trip
- Continental Divide Trail
- Rogers, Flesher, Stemple and Lewis and Clark Passes
- Bring
- Bear spray, water and layers
The Scapegoat Wilderness
About 240,000 acres of wilderness sit just north of Lincoln, sharing a long border with the Bob Marshall Wilderness. In 1972 the Scapegoat became the first citizen initiated wilderness in the nation, thanks to local people led by Cecil Garland, who owned the hardware store in Lincoln.
It’s named for Scapegoat Mountain, whose 9,204 foot limestone cliffs are an extension of the Bob Marshall’s famous Chinese Wall. The high point is Red Mountain at 9,411 feet. Expect alpine lakes, rugged peaks, wildflower meadows and quiet trails where you may not see another person all day.
For each hike below, “Getting there” is the drive to the trailhead and “Hiking distance” is the walk on the trail.
Close to camp
Sculpture in the Wild
Just east of townAn easy walk among large outdoor sculptures in a woodland setting. Free, open dawn to dusk year round, and leashed dogs are welcome.
- Trailhead
- 1500 E MT Highway 200, Lincoln
- Hiking distance
- Main loop about 0.8 mile
- What to expect
- Easy and mostly level
- Link
- Visitor information
Stonewall Mountain Lookout
North of townOne of the most popular trails in the Lincoln Ranger District. A steady climb from Sucker Creek Road to a fire lookout that’s still staffed in summer, with views of the Scapegoat Wilderness and the Blackfoot Valley. Keep an eye out for mountain goats near the top. The ridge is dry and often windy, so bring water and a layer.
- Trailhead
- Sucker Creek Road, about 2.5 miles north of the east end of town, trails 418 and 417
- Hiking distance
- About 6.6 miles each way, 13.3 miles round trip
Into the Scapegoat
Heart Lake
Indian Meadows TrailheadA beautiful wilderness lake tucked in a glacial cirque, home to Arctic grayling and westslope cutthroat. Pack a lunch and a fishing rod.
- Getting there
- Highway 200 east about 6.2 miles to Copper Creek Road, then about 10.2 miles to Indian Meadows Trailhead
- Hiking distance
- About 4.8 miles each way, 9.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Arrastra Creek
About 10 miles northwestFollows a narrow creek valley through forest and open meadows into the wilderness, with wildflowers from late spring into midsummer. Mostly gentle grades.
- Trailhead
- Arrastra Creek Trailhead, trail 482
- Getting there
- Highway 200 west about 2.5 miles, then north on Beaver Creek Road, Forest Road 4106, about 8 miles to Reservoir Lake and the trailhead
- Hiking distance
- About 8 miles one way into the wilderness
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate
- Good to know
- Two creek crossings without bridges, so take care in high water. No toilet or water at the trailhead.
Landers Fork
Indian Meadows TrailheadFrom the same trailhead as Heart Lake, this trail crosses the Landers Fork and follows it north deep into the Scapegoat. A great choice for a longer day or a backpacking trip.
Continental Divide Trail
The Continental Divide Trail runs along the mountains east and south of Lincoln, with several easy places to hop on for a few miles.
Continental Divide Trail maps and hiking information
Lewis and Clark Pass via Alice Creek
About 19 miles northeastOur pick for history lovers. The trail climbs through wildflower meadows to the pass where Meriwether Lewis crossed the Continental Divide on July 7, 1806, on a route tribes had used for generations. Remnants of that old Road to the Buffalo, including rock cairns and travois ruts, can still be found along the way. You’ll meet the Continental Divide Trail at the top.
- Trailhead
- Alice Creek Trailhead, trail 493
- Getting there
- Highway 200 east about 9 miles, then Alice Creek Road about 8.6 miles
- Hiking distance
- About 1.7 to 2 miles one way
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Good to know
- Hikers and horses only. Restroom at the trailhead, no water.
Rogers Pass
About 25 minutes eastStep onto the Continental Divide Trail right from Highway 200. This is also where the lowest temperature ever recorded in the lower 48 was set, 70 below on January 20, 1954.
Flesher Pass
On Highway 279 toward HelenaAnother easy place to hop on the Continental Divide Trail, with a vault toilet and an information kiosk at the trailhead just west of the pass.
Stemple Pass
South of LincolnThe road over the pass is open year round, and the trailhead has a vault toilet. Trails wind through meadows and forest, with good chances to see moose, deer and elk.
Granite Butte Lookout
About 16 miles southeastThe Continental Divide Trail runs right past this historic 1932 lookout on the Divide. You can drive most of the way and hike the rest, or hike in on the CDT.
Worth the drive
North Fork Blackfoot Falls
Near Ovando, about an hourA beautiful hike up the North Fork of the Blackfoot into the Scapegoat, past the historic North Fork cabin to a waterfall in the canyon. A big day hike or an easy overnight. The falls are at their best during spring runoff.
- Trailhead
- North Fork Trailhead near Ovando
- Getting there
- Highway 200 west toward Ovando, then north on the North Fork road. Check a current map.
- Hiking distance
- About 7.8 miles each way
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Morrell Falls
Near Seeley Lake, about an hourAn easy, popular trail through the forest and past Morrell Lake to a 90 foot double waterfall. A short, steep side trail near the end gives you a view from above. Wildflowers bloom from late spring into fall.
- Trailhead
- Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail 30
- Hiking distance
- About 2.7 miles each way, 5.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty
- Easy
There are plenty more trails around Lincoln. Stop by the office and we’ll share some of our favorites, or check with the Lincoln Ranger District for current conditions.
When to hike
Valley walks like Sculpture in the Wild are good all season. Higher trails into the Scapegoat and along the Divide usually open up in early summer as the snow melts, and July through September is prime hiking season. Fall brings cool, clear days and quiet trails.
Before you go
- Check current trail conditions and trailhead access.
- Carry a map and save it before you lose service.
- Bring water, food and layers.
- Tell someone your route and when you’ll be back.
- Carry bear spray where you can reach it and know how to use it.
- Follow food storage rules and bear aware guidance.
Keep exploring
More to see and do
Open April 15 to October 15
Trailheads, then a hot shower.
Spend the day on the trail and come back to your RV at Lost Moose Meadows.