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CDT: Seymore Lake Campground to Homestake (Interstate 90)

Explore the remote Mount Haggin WMA then enjoy convenient access to and from Butte, MT, on this section of the CDT.

Hiking Difficult

Distance
125 km
Ascent
3.1 km
Descent
3.3 km
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
1.7 km
High Point
2.6 km
Gradient
CDT: Seymore Lake Campground to Homestake (Interstate 90) Map

Exiting the rugged and wild Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, this leg of the CDT begins at the Seymour Lake Campground. Seventeen campsites are available, and its lower elevation makes it a destination for outdoorsmen, but usually just a quick stop for thru-hikers. Restrooms, drinking water, and overnight parking are available for all.

Description

Crossing Deep Creek Road, you'll pass through one quaint trailhead at American Creek before you begin your journey into Mount Haggin WMA. "Affected by gold mining and logging industries in the late 19th and 20th centuries," this source notes a healthy assortment of "aspen and willow communities with nearby conifer stands for security." It's also noted how a particularly large timber sale in 1906 even led to a visit from Gifford Pinchot himself, one of the early forest chiefs of the freshly-founded Forest Service. Other memorials and textbooks around the country document his important work at the time.

In addition to the CDT passing through, fishing, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and many other activities are open to the public throughout various parts of the year. As you hike, you may discover remnants of flumes, trestles, and cabin remains scattered through the area, as well as a notable population of moose. Other wildlife sightings could include bear, wolf, coyote, bobcat, beaver, and wolverine, among many others.

Unique from much of the CDT to the south, this area hosts a peculiar concern for hikers. As many of the roads and portions of the trail have changed over time, there are large discrepancies among modern maps - especially around Burnt Mountain. Consider cross-referencing the official CDT Map but know this track follows as close as possible to the route published in late-2021.

Divide Creek marks the end of the WMA and the start of a road walk that crosses Interstate 15 not long after. Rejoining singletrack, trailheads are available before and after the highway, including overnight parking. Other trailheads such as Moose Creek, Highland, Blacktail, and Pipestone all dot the path as you continue to Homestake.

As such, this area offers excellent options for point-to-point hikes on the trail, as well as other areas of interest, including nearby Ringing Rocks, a unique rock formation that "chimes" when tapped with a hammer. The trailhead is located just east on Interstate 90, the northern terminus for this segment. Direct access to Butte is also available should you need to resupply in town.

Source: https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/landsMgmt/siteDetail.action?lmsId=39753374 https://www.blm.gov/visit/ringing-rocks

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between May and October

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Historical
  • Picturesque
  • Dog friendly
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features
  • Family friendly
  • Forestry or heavy vegetation

Guidebooks in this area