National Forest Trail
Rock Creek Trail
About
Rock Creek Trail (580) offers a nice view of the mountains. There is a variety of trees and plant growth. The hiker will also view wildlife along the trail. This trail is open to horseback travel. During periods of high water in May and June, hikers may have trouble safely crossing Little Rock Creek about 3 miles from the trailhead.
Rock Creek Trailhead has parking areas, accessible toilet, accessible loading ramp, no water. This trailhead access the south half of the Lake Como National Recreation Trail. Stock allowed on south side of lake only.
Como Lake North Trail is a 4-mile trail paralleling the north shore of Lake Como. This trail is heavily used by hikers. It offers a wide range of opportunities and many scenic views. The elevation is 4,180 feet and will only climb 100 feet.
Together Trail 502 and the 4 miles of Rock Creek Trail form a 7.1-mile National Recreation Trail. Remember that horses are not allowed on Trail 502 on the north side of Lake Como.
Length: 7.1 miles. Low difficulty.
Trail Begins: Stock loading ramp near the boat launch on the southeast side of Lake Como.
Trail Ends: Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
USGS Map: Darby, Como Peaks 14
Lake Como dam was constructed in 1905 to provide late season irrigation for the Bitterroot Valley. The lake is typically at full pool from early spring through mid-July.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day all vehicles parked within the recreation area must display a valid Recreation Pass. Recreation Passes are $2/day per vehicle or $20/season. Golden Passports are honored at all day use fee sites.
The Lake Como Recreation Area has a variety of day, overnight, extended backpacking, motorized, and non-motorized use. Below are a descriptions of the other facilities at Lake Como:
Rock Creek Horse Camp has 11 sites, 4 of which are pull-through. Hitch rails, feed troughs, accessible toilets, garbage, no water. One group site with large fire ring, parking for 5 vehicles.
The Boat Launch at Lake Como Recreation Area has 40 boat and 8 passenger vehicle parking spots, accessible toilets, dock, no overnight camping or water. Water adequate for boating mid-June through mid-August depending on the water level.
Creekside dispersed area is an overflow overnight/day area with one fire ring and outhouse.
Lower Lake Como (RV) Campground has 11 pull-through paved sites with electrical and water hookup, one group site, and accessible toilets.
Lake Como Beach has two parking areas for a total of 83 vehicles, accessible toilets, dressing room, picnic tables, garbage, water, and designated swim area. No dogs allowed on beach.
The Picnic Area has parking for 17 vehicles, accessible toilet, picnic tables, pedestal grills, and a fire ring.
Woods Cabin is a rental cabin that sleeps a maximum of 15. Day use maximum of 40. Accessible toilet, water, wood heating stove, and propane cook stove. No power.
Lake Como National Recreation Trailhead has parking for 17 vehicles, accessible toilet, picnic tables, pedestal grills, and water. Trailhead access a paved ¼-mile interpretative trail (1/2 mile after that is unpaved), lakeside picnic sites, and the 7-mile Lake Como National Recreation Trail. Trail is popular for hiking, day use, and mountain biking.
Upper Lake Como Campground has 11 tent and smaller trailer campsites, accessible toilets, water, garbage service, and native surface roads. Campground has two short trails, one near the campground and one along a small pond.
For more information please contact the Darby Ranger District at 406-821-3913.
Contact
MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 388
Darby, MT 59829
Darby, MT 59829
CONTACT
406-821-3913
FAX
406-821-4264
Details
SEASON
Sring - Fall
SPECIAL DIRECTIONS
Access 1: Follow Highway 93 south from Hamilton for approximately 12 miles. Turn south on Lake Como Road 550 and drive .5 mile, then west for 3 miles. Turn on the south fork towards the boat ramp. The trailhead is located by the stock loading ramp. Access 2: Travel north from Darby on Highway 93 for .5-mile. Turn northwest on Old Darby Road. Continue 3 miles to Lake Come Road 550. Turn on the south fork towards the boat ramp. The trailhead is located by the stock loading ramp.
SERVICES
ACTIVITIES
Hiking
