Some of these provide short easy hikes while others take backpackers deep into the wilderness. Hiking Trails Along the West Fork Rock Creekīesides Wild Bill Lake, there are a number of trailheads along the West Fork Road. However, it’s great to see families with children enjoying the natural world. Don’t expect to find solitude if you visit. Wild Bill Lake sits right on the West Fork Road making it a popular destination for locals. Much of the trail is wheelchair accessible which makes this a great place to take a walk. It’s a short trail that is less than a half-mile total. This is the Wild Bill Lake National Recreation Trail. Hiking at Wild Bill LakeĪ hiking trail follows the lakeshore all the way around the lake.
#WEST FORK TRAIL LICENSE#
Be sure you have a Montana fishing license if you plan to fish here. It’s usually easy to spot these trout swimming in the clear waters of the lake. Most of the trout are about 7″ when stocked. They usually stock more than 3,000 rainbow trout each year, often before major holidays. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks stocks the lake 4 times each year using catchable-sized trout. The sign shows it’s age but is still accurate.
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This map shows the points of interest at Wild Bill Lake. The lake has two fishing docks that are wheelchair accessible and trout can commonly be caught from the docks. Wild Bill Lake is a popular fishing spot mostly used by children and people with disabilities. The dam was rebuilt to create the 2.3-acre lake that exists today. After Kurtzer’s death, the Forest Service took over the lake.
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An obituary was published in the local newspaper that contained details about his colorful life. In fact, it seems that he never even owned the land it was on. Wild Bill Kurtzer died in 1934 and no one took over operating the lake. As Kurtzer became successful he expanded his offerings by constructing a heated “swimming hole” and added a poured concrete dance floor next to the rock fireplace he had constructed. When state officials informed him that it was illegal to charge for fishing he established a boat rental service. He stocked the lake with whitefish and charged for fishing. He built a dam by hand across a natural depression then dug a canal system to fill the depression creating a 2-acre lake. Wild Bill Lake was created in 1902 by the local resident William “Wild Bill” Kurtzer who saw it as a commercial opportunity. Wild Bill Lake features a national recreation trail for hiking and the lake has fishing for stocked rainbow trout. This unique attraction combines history and recreation in a site that is fully accessible. Wild Bill Lake sits just off of the West Fork Road 6 miles from US212 (the Beartooth Highway) at an elevation of 6,800 ft. Click on each sign to get an expanded view for reading. These are the interpretive signs at the roadside pull out. There is also a binocular installation for getting close-up views when the elk are in the area. This site has a few interpretive signs that talk about the Silver Run Wildlife Management Area and its associated elk herds. Roadside Pullout at Mile 2.5Ģ.5 miles from the junction with US 212 (the Beartooth Highway) there is a well-signed roadside pullout on the left (south) side of the road. The three campgrounds are obvious but the small dots that line the road in places indicate dispersed camping campsites.
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The mileage is measured from the intersection of the West Fork Road with US 212, the Beartooth Highway which is 1 mile from downtown Red LodgeĢ.8 Ski Run Road – Red Lodge Mtn Ski Areaġ3.0 End of road & West Fork Trailhead This map shows the general layout of the West Fork Rock Creek area. Here are some points of interest along the West Fork Road as you head away from Red Lodge. Notable West Fork Rock Creek Points of Interest However, as you move upstream it quickly becomes wild country and the road ends at the edge of the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness. There are a few developments close to Red Lodge and some housing and the Red Lodge Ski Area are accessed from the West Fork road. The West Fork is primarily accessed from the West Fork road which runs along the stream.
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Notable West Fork Rock Creek Points of Interest.