West Beartrap (FR 7980) in MT

Road corridorKootenai NF, Rexford Ranger District

9.2 mi from Eureka

Maps 5,211 ft

Dispersed camping generally allowed

U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.

Stay limit: 16 consecutive days · 32 days total per calendar year · then move 0.5 mi

VerizonNONE

AT&TNONE

T-MobileNONE

StarlinkFAIR

Difficult

1.3 of this road’s 7.8 miles are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, mostly gravel with 1.3 miles of dirt.
Near Helmer Mountain.
Estimated climb: 900 ft over 7.8 miles through 4 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 12% and pitches to 20%.
Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side.

Fairly secluded

National Forests in Montana: … 1.1. Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 16 consecutive days within a calendar year. 1.2. Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 32 cumulative days within a calendar year.
Camping rules

October normals 31–47°F, 2.5″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

West Beartrap (FR 7980) in MT -- Camping Rules & Access