Russel Creek Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Russel Creek Trail makes up the west half of The Beaten Path which is one of the most brilliant point to point runs in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. From Cooke City, Montana make your way from the trailhead and instantly find yourself in big, bad, wild country.

The trail meanders through tall, widely spaced coniferous trees that tower over your head, wavering in the wind. It begins to climb short steep section after short steep section with little gaps of flat in between. Approaching the height of its length you are on the edges of the Beartooth Plateau, one of the largest expanses of land with an elevation higher than 10,000 feet in the world.

Camp, fish, and relax, but be prepared for a storm of winter-like proportions no matter what time of year you run this trail. Retreat back down to the start or continue The Beaten Path on the East Rosebud Trail.

Grizzly bears, mountain lions, elk, deer, moose, and a plethora of small game coexist this huge Wilderness with you as you make your way into some of the most remote backcountry in the lower 48.