Directions
64 Miles from Bozeman, MT. 100 Minutes

Head east on I-90 towards Livingston. Turn north on Highway 89 at the Clyde Park exit eventually turning right onto Cottonwood Bench Road soon after you hit town.

From here, follow Forest Service signs for Cottonwood Road to the Cottonwood Creek Trailhead.

Difficulty Strenuous

This hike is long, has poor trail conditions, and includes a ridge, making for a difficult hike.

Round Trip Distance 6.9 Miles

Averaging about 2 miles per hour, you'll get to the lake in 3 1/2 hours. With Some time at the lake, and another ridge hike, plan on a full day of 8 to 9 hours.

Net Elevation Gain 1491 feet

This route starts at 6759 feet above sea level and ends at 8250 feet.

However, since you climb to a ridge and descend down the other side, you reach a maximum elevation of 9528 feet, and your total elevation gain will feel more like 4047 feet.

Destination Quality 5 (out of 5)

The view upon ascending the ridge and looking down at Campfire Lake will take your breath away.

Food

This hike is long and hard, you'll need some energy. Bring a meal and a snack.

Trail Conditions Dicey

The trail starts out wide and well maintained. Once you turn onto Trespass Creek Trail the conditions become poor. Lots of downed trees and brush cover large sections of the trail. The sections of trail not covered in debris are rocky.

Dog Friendly Friendly

If your dog is in good enough shape, it will enjoy this hike.

Road Condtions Rough

Cottonwood Road becomes very narrow with lots of ruts and potholes. It's recommended to take a high clearance vehicle.

Map Recommendation

Beartooth Publishing's Crazy Mountains Map covers this whole trail as well as some road leading to the trailhead.

Trailhead Bathroom Nope

Foot Traffic Light

Don't expect to see too many other folks on the trail, especially after turning north on Trespass Creek.

Suggested Clothing

You'll spend some time in the shade and some time exposed on this hike. Long pants will protect your legs while climbing over downed timber. Dress in layers and prepare for changing conditions.

Footwear:

Hiking Boots.

Bugs Medium

There can be light mosquitoes and flies near creek crossings, especially early season in the wet basin.

Tree Cover Moderate

The trail starts in dense forest but thins out as you get higher. As you descend down onto Campfire Lake, you'll re-enter some light forest just below the treeline.

Cell Service 1 (out of 5)

Overnight Potential Yup

The hike to Campfire Lake is long. Unless you hike fairly fast, this is a good hike to consider for a one night stay. If you choose to, there are places both at the lake and all throughout the drainage while you're heading towards the ridge.

Trail Connections

Middle Fork Sweet Grass Trail
Keep heading east past Campfire Lake on the Middle Fork Sweet Grass trail. After roughly 4 miles you'll hit an intersection with plenty of connection options.

North Fork Elk Creek Trail
When you attain the ridge, you'll have a chance to head west and drop down into the Elk Creek drainage. WARNING Do not attempt to reach the North Fork Elk Creek trailhead or the Porcupine cabin from here. Private land access has been closed off and is not accessible to hikers.