Moose Creek Group Use Area

Overview

Moose Creek Group Use Area sits in forested mountain terrain 14.5 miles and about 20 minutes west of Helena, Montana. Moose Creek is on public land managed by the Helena Ranger District and is just below the Continental Divide National Scenic (CDNST) trail. There are spectacular views of surrounding country encompassing meadows, timbered slopes, and mountains. The site is available for rental from June 1 to October 15 each year.

Recreation

Hikers and backpackers can access the CDNST from the Switchback Ridge trail which takes off just north of the site. This is a non-motorized trail with spectacular views and a variety of terrain, open to mountain bikers, stock users, backpackers and day hikers. The trail transitions through thick forest to above tree line and offers spectacular views both east and west of the Continental Divide.

Tenmile creek is a stream located just 11.4 miles from Helena. The creek supports a variety of fish, including redear sunfish, rainbow trout and brook trout. Whether spinning, fly fishing or baitcasting, chances of getting a bite here are good.

Facilities

Moose Creek Group Use Area is a flat, unadorned, undeveloped camping area with a single fire ring and picnic table. The site can accommodate approximately 20 people. There is limited parking, and trailers should not exceed 20 feet in length. Space is available for 1-6 four-person tents. There are no camper hook ups, and water is not available. There is one vault toilet on site. Large groups staying for a longer period often choose to have portable toilet(s) delivered at the start of their stay and pick up at before the end of their stay, at their own expense. 

Natural Features

At an elevation of 4,900 feet, the open area gives views of the forest and its lodgepole pine and Douglas fir trees. Group Site is an ideal setting for large families or groups seeking relaxation and recreation. Nearby rugged ridges, meadows, forests and grasslands provide wildlife diverse ecosystems. Grizzly bear, deer, elk, gray wolf, black bear, moose, mountain lion, all call the area home.

Nearby Attractions

Switchback trail (348) is located just a short walk-through Moose Creek Campground and behind the information Kiosks. It leads to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The city of Helena is about 14 miles away via US Highway12. Note, there is a near Day Use area and campground, and both are well used by the public all summer long. The area is not remote, and user can expect to encounter other people recreating. Motorized day trips include a drive to Park Lake located approximately 6 miles SE on FS Road 299, and Minnehaha (FS RD 527) south and west to the top of the CDNST. Both roads are accessed with a short drive south of Moose Creek Group Use Area.  

From Helena, take U.S. Highway 12, and travel west for 7 miles to Rimini county road. From this intersection, take Rimini Road to the south approximately 4.5 miles to the Group Use area. It is located on the west side of the road just past the entrance to Moose Creek Cabin.