Place · 8.1 mi away
Overview
This Absaroka–Beartooth Wilderness classic eases you from shady forest and a lively creek to broad, flower‑spotted meadows with mountain walls on all sides. As a day hike, most people turn around at Quinnebaugh Meadows for roughly 9.0 miles total out‑and‑back; ambitious hikers can add Lake Mary or push toward Sundance Lake or even the pass.
Route options
- Waterfall sampler: Calamity Falls (1.3 mi one way) and Sentinel Falls (1.8 mi one way) arrive early, making a quick out‑and‑back worthwhile if you’re short on time.
- Meadows day hike: Quinnebaugh Meadows sits about 4.5 miles one way; linger for views and easy creek access, then head back.
- Add‑on: From the meadows, a 1.4‑mile side trail (one way) leads to Lake Mary.
- Big push: Continue up‑canyon toward Sundance Lake (~8 miles one way) or all the way to Sundance Pass (~11 miles one way) with about 3,000 feet of cumulative gain—the grade steepens and the alpine exposure ramps up.
Scenery and geology
Expect a greatest‑hits mix: rumbling cascades, spruce–fir–pine forest, and a clear creek that flips between calm pools and frothy whitewater. The meadows open to long views toward Medicine Mountain, Castle Mountain, and Sundance Mountain. Look for glacial polish on bedrock and broad U‑shaped canyon walls—textbook Beartooth icework in a range famed for preserving an immense sweep of Earth history.
Wildlife
This drainage sees regular wildlife activity—moose in wet meadows, mountain goats and bighorn sheep on high walls, and elk moving through forest edges. Give animals space, keep dogs leashed, and pack food smart in this prime habitat.
Best time to hike
March through October is the typical window, but early‑season snow can linger high, and monsoon‑style afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Late summer into early fall usually offers the firmest footing and fewer bugs. Start early for easier parking, cooler temps, and softer light on the waterfalls and meadows.
Know before you go
- Trail is well‑traveled but can be muddy in spots; expect a steady grade to the meadows and a steeper, rockier climb beyond.
- Weather turns fast at elevation—carry layers and a shell. Navigation off established paths can be tricky in this steep country; a GPS app helps if you wander.
- This is designated Wilderness: no bikes, leash your dog, and follow food‑storage and group‑size rules. Camping spots can fill up in season; arrive early if you’re staying out.
Getting there & parking
From US‑212 near Red Lodge, turn onto West Fork Road and follow it to the signed West Fork Trailhead (the last stretch is dirt/gravel). The approach road can be rough and occasionally muddy after storms. The lot serves hikers and stock; it fills on fair‑weather weekends—another reason to roll in early.
Pros
- Two photogenic waterfalls arrive within the first two miles.
- Easy add‑on to Lake Mary from the meadows for extra payoff.
Cons
- Approach road is dirt and can be rutted or muddy after storms.
- Crowded camps and busy trail on summer weekends near the meadows.
Parking
Park at the West Fork Trailhead at the end of West Fork Road off US‑212; the final miles are on dirt/gravel and the lot fills early on weekends.
Caution
Rapidly changing alpine weather and afternoon thunderstorms; steeper, more exposed terrain beyond the meadows; bears and large ungulates active in the drainage; rough dirt approach road—check conditions and leash dogs.
