Other riding areas ???? / Missoula, Anaconda, Butte ???

[FatDogX]

Our riding group has typically goes to Cooke, West Yellowstone, Island Park, and the Big Horns on occasion. Last month we ventured down to Alpine WY. for a clinic and had a great time, not only with the clinic but exploring a new area as well.

I've been looking into Seely Lake for something new and would love any information on this area, if anyone has any recommendations. Anything from places to ride, places to stay and any other general info would be great!!

This also got me wondering, does or is there any decent riding in the Missoula, Anaconda or Butte area or any areas in this general vicinity ???

Thanks!!!

 

[FatDogX]

I should clarify, not looking for your secret stashes, just general information or if these areas are even rideable and maybe places to stay. Kinda like if someone asked me about West Yellowstone, I'd give them a basic run down and some suggestions where to stay.

Thanks

 

[Scott]

Most of the places in Seeley are fine to stay.
The BEST is proably Double Arrow. They have a main lodge. You can also rent a house and they are nice.

If you're also into the VRBO, try that.
The Chicken Coop is great for lunch.


Lindey's is a GREAT steak house. I DO reccomend them. I get there about once a year. They only have 3 menu items: rare, medium and well for $30.
TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've taken a couple of Olympic wrestlers there a couple times. They ordered the 16oz. One of them had TWO of them. LMAO. No lie.

LOL

The best riding is to go west up Fawk Creek toward Marshall Lake, Dinah Lake, Elsina Lake.

 

[MTSledder94]

Gold creek isn't to bad, haven't been up there in a while though
This thread has more info:
http://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=387066

Gold creek is between missoula and seeley on hwy 200

 

[litenitro]

The West fork of the madison ( its between Ennis and West Yellostone) is by far my favorite place in MT to ride! Located in the Gravelly mtn range. There is something for everyone there.... Climbing, huge powder parks, and tree ridding. My best advice for your first trip in is to ride with someone that knows the area... it is huge country but not marked all that well... its not bad on a sunny day but if you get caught in the open country at 10, 000 ft in a white out it can be a bugger to find your way out! If you decide you want to try it give me a shout and I'd be glad to show you around..

 

[FatDogX]

The West fork of the madison ( its between Ennis and West Yellostone) is by far my favorite place in MT to ride! Located in the Gravelly mtn range. There is something for everyone there.... Climbing, huge powder parks, and tree ridding. My best advice for your first trip in is to ride with someone that knows the area... it is huge country but not marked all that well... its not bad on a sunny day but if you get caught in the open country at 10, 000 ft in a white out it can be a bugger to find your way out! If you decide you want to try it give me a shout and I'd be glad to show you around..

It's funny you mention this area, as we have talked about riding this area.

About how far from West Yellowstone is this ????

Thanks again!!

 

[mtbroncrider]

there's some trail/boon docking to be had in Elk park (just north of Butt)...nice area but not huge


an hour north of butt, is Helena....Marysville, Remini and canyon ferry riding area's....around 350 miles of trail and a ton of off trail....Helena Snowdrifters can get you a map

I love Seeley.....something for everyone in the group!

go to great falls and hang a right to Armington Junction, head south to kings hill......not a great place for novice's, some of the bowls can get to be a major PITA

 

[litenitro]

It's funny you mention this area, as we have talked about riding this area.

About how far from West Yellowstone is this ????

Thanks again!!

The west fork is around 35 miles or so N.W. Take highway 287 north twards Ennis. The madison river will be on the west side of the highway. Turn at the lyons bridge. Parking lot is a stoes throw from the river... its just across the river and can be seen from the highway. I havnt been there since Jan but I have talked to a few that have... The trail in isn't very good... 10 miles of ice and rough trail but good ridding after gaining elevation.

 

[CATSLEDMAN1]

west fork madison

several ways to get in:

the obvious parking area at the west fork madison bridge then on to the outhouses and follow the sticks, or hard right an into BlackButte cabin

check in Ennis for directions to Johnny ridge at the mine, eliminates bumpy trail ends up at Black Butte cabin

we ride in good snow late spring no fooling around and bring gas from Reynolds pass through elk , have guide go early stay late, did I say bring gas.


Great great spot, perfect day / perfect snow, unforgettable, bad light fog and lost and you won't forget that either.