Black Cat Gulch (FR 5465) in MT -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Montana

A 7.6-mile stretch of gravel National Forest road in Missoula County, MT. The road serves Edith Peak Trailhead. The road is open seasonally, May 16 to October 14.

Lolo National Forest, Ninemile Ranger District records no overnight restriction here.

2.7 of the 7.6 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly gravel, with 2.6 miles of dirt. Climbs 2,800 ft over 7.6 miles -- sustained grades near 18%, with pitches to 37%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~180 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 12 switchbacks. Gates 5 and 5.8 miles in.

Fournier Creek runs 0.3 mi off. A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. Charity Peak stands 3,379 ft above the site, 5.0 miles northeast. Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.1 miles off. Night skies measure Bortle 3 -- a dark rural sky. The nearest town, Frenchtown, is 2.3 mi off.