Belly River Trail

The opening ridge looks over the Belly River Valley; pause here before the descent. The trail loses about 740 feet in its first two miles, winding through mixed pine and aspen. After rain, that tread can be slick. It then levels through open meadows, aspen groves, and pine as it follows the river corridor south toward the station. The walk back reverses the long descent, so the climb out is the day's hardest stretch.

The route ends in a large open meadow at Belly River Ranger Station. A wooden fence marks the open area, and nearby junctions continue toward Gable Pass and the Mokowanis River valley. Those are longer backcountry routes; the Elizabeth Lake and Helen Lake extensions also continue beyond this walk. This entry stops at the station, keeping the mileage to the same clear endpoint.

Park in the large lot at Chief Mountain Customs Trailhead, just before the U.S.-Canada border crossing at the end of Chief Mountain Road. The trail starts on the U.S. side; you do not need to cross the border. I could not verify drinking water or restrooms at the trailhead. Some creek crossings use seasonal bridges, and the park warns that crossings can be cold, swift, or deep; check current trail status before setting out. Pets are not allowed on park trails. A day hike does not require a wilderness camping permit, but overnight camping does.