CabIn Creek Trail

Cabin Creek Trail – Custer Gallatin National Forest

Cabin CreekTrail is located 20 miles northwest of Yellowstone National Park and offers the outdoor enthusiast an intimate opportunity to experience the wild without battling the national park crowds. While hiking this trail you will have the opportunity to see most of the same animals as found in the Yellowstone including Grizzly Bears, Mountain Lions and a slight possibility to see Wolves. The only thing you won’t need to deal with is elbow to elbow people and lack of parking. This is a unique area which boasts one of the highest concentrations of Grizzly Bears in the lower 48 states. With that said stay alert and be prepared incase you encounter one of these giants.

Trail Overview

Cabin Creek Trail is a 4.9 mile out and back trail that provides an abundance natural diversity and solitude. Elevation gain for this hike is minimal (736feet), gradual and found mostly at the beginning of the hike. Cabin Creek trail runs parallel to Cabin Creek, for which the trail is named, the entire length of the trail.

The creek provides soothing sounds and ample opportunity for wildlife viewing along its edges. At times the trail is high above the creek, while at other times you will literally be waking along its banks.

Cabin Creek Trail Description

At the trailhead the trail immediately begins a gradual and steady climb. The trail is mostly exposed allowing an unimpaired view of the large cliffs that frame both sides of the valley. The cliffs are unique in shape and is evidence that a great geological force pushed them from a horizontal to vertical position.

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Once through these giant formations the trail meanders in and out of forested areas. This is where I began seeing my first signs of wildlife and was reminded that I am not alone. I am not a scat (poop) expert but I believe the originators of these treasures below were Elk and Sheep (maybe Mountain Goats).

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Brillant Fall Colors

It was September so wildflowers were scarce. However, with the absence of flowers the door open wide for the fall foliage to take center stage. Typically I arrive in this area in early spring or summer so the fall colors on this trip was a completely new experience.

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Once through the forest, the trail reaches its high point and opens up into several meadows. With each meadow the anticipation of an animal encounter grew. However other than 2 mule deer scampering up a hillside the meadows and trail were void of large animals.

After walking and watching the edges of the meadow, the trail reaches a point where a stream crossing is required. It is a simple crossing with stones placed strategical to keep your feet dry but I decided this would be my end point and would return to the trailhead.

Beyond this point Cabin Creek Trail eventually intersects with 2 additional trails. One leads in front of Boat Mountain (west) to Beaver Creek Road. The other hooks south to US 287. Either route would provide awesome hiking but would also add big miles to your hike. It would make a great route for an overnight adventure. Maybe next time.

Diversity and Solitude

Although the Cabin Creek Trail is well established, activity on this trail seems to be minimal. I spent most of the day on the trail and did not have a single human encounter. It was perfect solitude and an opportunity to enjoy natural diversity on your own terms.

This is a great trail. As I returned to the trailhead the trail with its long shadows gave me a completely different perspective and beauty. It was almost as if I was hiking a completely different trail.

If visiting Yellowstone take a day or two and adventure outside the park. There are many attractions, area trails and recreation opportunity to enjoy such as museums, fishing, boating and good dinning. Odds are you will immediately fall in love with this area and find yourself returning year after year.

Getting there

Getting there is easy and is only a short drive from West Yellowstone, Montana. Once in West Yellowstone follow US 191 north till you reach US 287. Turn left on to US 287 and in 14 miles you reach Cabin Creek Campground on your right. While traveling on US 287 you will be treated to excellent views of Hebgen Lake and the world famous Madison River.

Once at the campground take a short walk and see the earthquake scarp area which will show you just how far the land dropped as a result of the 1959 earthquake. Hope to see you on the trail!

~Slow-LEE Hiking