Russell Creek Trail

Overview

This is the Beartooth Highway side of the classic Beaten Path, climbing from the Clarks Fork Trailhead along clear, rushing Russell Creek to the broad Beartooth Plateau near Fossil Lake. It’s a 10.3‑mile one‑way segment with about 1,942 feet of ascent, forming the west half of the 26‑mile point‑to‑point traverse.

What you’ll see

Expect a quick taste of meadows and boardwalks near Kersey Lake before the trail tucks into lodgepole forest—some of it showing old burn from the 1988 Yellowstone fires. The path then hugs Russell Creek into a narrowing canyon, reaching busy-but-pretty Russell Lake about 6–7 miles in. Above, the grade carries you through a marshy bench and past a string of lakes (Ouzel, Bald Knob, Skull) as the scenery opens to granite walls, boulder fields, and big alpine views on approach to the nearly 10,000‑foot plateau around Fossil Lake.

Distance and difficulty

From Clarks Fork to the plateau is 10.3 miles one way with roughly 1,942 feet of climbing and high elevation throughout. It’s a steady, moderate-to-strenuous ascent at altitude—easier overall than starting from East Rosebud, but no pushover.

Best time to hike

The prime window is July through September, when snow has mostly pulled back from the high country. Earlier in summer, expect lingering snow patches, swollen creeks, and voracious mosquitoes; late season can bring cold mornings and fast-moving storms even on bluebird forecasts. Wildfire smoke can reduce views some years.

Tips and logistics

• If camping, know that Russell Lake is a popular first-night target and fills fast; pushing a bit higher can buy quieter sites. Near the bridge just north of Russell Lake, short scrambles to Wand and Marianne Lakes make rewarding side trips.
• No campfires are allowed from Twin Outlets Lake to Fossil Lake; standard Wilderness rules apply (no mechanized travel, stock allowed, practice food storage and Leave No Trace). This is active bear country—carry bear spray and store food properly.
• Doing the full 26‑mile traverse? A shuttle or key swap is common. Otherwise, this segment makes an excellent out‑and‑back to the plateau for a big alpine day.