Chiefs (FR 16309) in MT -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Montana
Chiefs (FR 16309) in MT
A 2.1-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Missoula County, MT. The road serves Edith Peak Trailhead.
Lolo National Forest, Ninemile Ranger District records no overnight restriction here.
All 2.1 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (2.1 miles). Climbs 610 ft over 2.1 miles -- sustained grades near 16%, with pitches to 27%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~130 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 4 switchbacks.
Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.1 miles off. Edith Peak stands 3,247 ft above the site, 5.5 miles north. Edith Creek runs 0.9 mi off. Night skies measure Bortle 3 -- a dark rural sky. The nearest town, Frenchtown, is 1.2 mi off.
September normals 40–71°F, 1.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Lolo National Forest, Ninemile Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov