Stillwater River Trail

Meriam and I decided to investigate another Forest Service campground before we left the Red Lodge area. A number of individuals said this campground was very beautiful so we decided to give it a try. It’s about 60 miles from Red Lodge.

While the Woodbine Campground is ok, it was not as scenic and “comfortable” as Parkside Campground. However, the trip was definitely worth it. Seems Meriam had discovered a hiking trail in this area which got great reviews. So, after a leisurely breakfast, we packed up and headed over to Stillwater River Trailhead…and boy are we glad we did! This hike might rank in the top five hikes we have ever taken.

Located on the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and Custer National Forest, this trail extends for over 32 miles. The 920, 377-acre, Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness was established in 1978 and contains some of the West’s most rugged mountains. Elevations range from 5,300 to 12,799 feet. The wilderness derives its name from the Absaroka and Beartooth mountain ranges. The Absaroka Mountains were named after the Crow Indians who inhabited much of south-central Montana prior to European settlement. Absaroka is a Crow Indian word for crow. The Beartooth Mountains were named after the resemblance of the craggy mountain range to a bears tooth.

Now, we don’t want to give you the impression we did the full 32 mile hike. In fact we probably only went a couple of miles up the trail. This part of the trail was not particularly difficult and according to Meriam’s sources, is the most beautiful section. It follows along the edge of the Stillwater River…and the scenery was incredible.

We first encountered the Stillwater River just 50 feet from our campsite at Woodbine Campground.
The Stillwater River at the trailhead.
During its lifetime, this poor tree had many difficult times, but still survived.
Not too far up the trail, we came upon this fisherman. Checkout the size of the trout he had just hauled in. Made us want to return to the camper and get our rods. We suspect you might be wondering why we have not posted any photographs of our fishing this trip. We had planned to fish the Slough Creek in Yellowstone. Unfortunately, Yellowstone closed the Slough Creek Campground and its access after we left Jefferson.
For most of our hike, the river ran through solid rocks on both sides. You can see the scale from the fisherman on the right by the tree!
Going up on the trail, I encountered this beautiful river nymph.
Checkout the size of boulders that form this river.
This, and the following photograph, show some of the force generated by the water. Just imagine what it’s like during spring thaw. If you look closely at some of the photographs you can see the highwater marks.
For most of the hike, we could feel the spray from the surging water.
It was really hard sorting out, from the many photographs we took, the ones to include in this posting. I particularly liked this one because of the contrast created by the red in the dead tree near the top.
Yet another breathtaking view.
We liked the contrast of the green of the trees, with the water and rock face. Note the trail on the left.
No hike would be complete without Meriam’s flowers. Horse-mint.
So several things are worth noting in this photograph. First, as we were hiking along the trail, we noticed a significant amount of horse manure. We obviously suspected the source but had it confirmed as we encountered these young ladies coming up the trail behind us. Second, note how narrow the trail is where the horses are walking!
We encountered this ole coot blocking our way on the trail!
On our drive to and from Woodbine Campground we encountered some of the magnificent scenery which gives Montana its name “The Big Sky Country”!


We leave you with this panorama.

Posted in 2020 - The Mountains Call...Again!
27 comments
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  • maoI bet you will miss the Big Sky country.  Your photos are wonderful.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldWe will definitely miss Montana and Wyoming…at least during their warmer weather…give us Texas during the winter!ReplyCancel

  • Weldon NashAs usual, wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing. ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Weldon. BTW did you see my response to your question about closures on our posting “On the Bighorn”?ReplyCancel

  • SylviaBeautiful.  So sad about your trip being cut short.  Thanks 🙏 & do keep safe.   ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Sylvia. It’s disappointing but we are not complaining. We’ve had a great time.ReplyCancel

  • StacyGorgeous scenery! Ashame you couldn’t complete your trip as planned-so close and yet so far. See you soon.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldNot a problem. This way we get to see all our Jefferson friends sooner 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Joseph G HuntAwesome scenery ReplyCancel

  • LisaGorgeous!  Sorry to hear about Yellowstone… but am happy you have remained safe.  🙂ReplyCancel

    • HaroldLisa, as I mentioned to Stacy, not a problem. We had a great time and now ready to return to friends in Jefferson!ReplyCancel

  • PeggySo sorry your trip was cut short.  Your photos are just beautiful.  We always enjoy your travels and commentary so much.  Be safe coming home.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Peggy. Your comments mean a lot to MB and me and we are most pleased you enjoy the blog.ReplyCancel

  • Charles KempThanks for the photos–the river and Meriam were both beautiful, but I suspect the river is the wild one.  We have enjoyed your trip!!!!  Charlie ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Charley. One more posting. They provide some great scenery of the Beartooth Parkway…stay tuned!ReplyCancel

  • KayReally enjoyed this beautiful post.  It even made me feel cooler!ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Kay. Well, since we are back in Jefferson, we wish we were back in the mountains!ReplyCancel

  • Fran & JimBEST pix are the lovely sea nymph & fusty old coot.Like amazing views of rock piles carved by coursing water, leaves US breathless too!ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks Fran. It’s very impressive what flowing water can do!ReplyCancel

  • MARSHA DESSOMMES Absolutely Breathtaking! Thanks! And not getting to Camp at Yellowstone, Bummer…ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Mardee. Yeh, we really wanted to camp and fish at Slough Creek, but we had a great time anyway.ReplyCancel

  • Laura Pace OmerWonderful photos and some good memories from the Big Sky ReplyCancel

    • HaroldThanks, Laura. The Big Sky Country is definitely one of our favorites also.ReplyCancel

  • Adam & Susan BurksHi H & M – gorgeous photography of stunning scenery!  Once again, the Blair’s have inspired us to check out a new area & specifically that trail. Thanks for sharing. Can see why this would rank high on your list of favorite hikes. Happy Trails to you two, until we meet again. 🙂ReplyCancel

    • HaroldYes, when you are in the area, it is a great hike. The campground nearby is nothing to write home about but the hike makes it worth camping there.
      P.S. we are planning another trip to Wyoming and Montana for next spring/summer. We did not get enough of the area this time. We still want to spend at least a week at the Slough Creek Campground in Yellowstone. Hopefully, Covid has mitigated somewhat.ReplyCancel

  • SherryThese pictures are breath taking – miss you but glad you’re having so much fun!ReplyCancel