Buffalo Fork Trail

Buffalo Fork Trail is a 6.4-mile one-way backcountry route between the roadless Buffalo Fork Trailhead (2N3) on Yellowstone’s northern boundary and First Meadow on Slough Creek. This is the Yellowstone segment; the named trail continues into Custer Gallatin National Forest. It is not the separate Slough Creek loop. The north endpoint has no road access, so plan an onward route or a full return. From the Slough Creek road access, First Meadow adds about 1.7 miles each way.

Starting at First Meadow and walking north, the trail crosses deep, unbridged Slough Creek, then climbs about 1,300 feet through sagebrush. Open slopes look back across First Meadow toward Cutoff Mountain. The ford is the key decision: water can be deep, so treat it as a late-season crossing and check current park conditions before committing. Allow about five hours for the 6.4-mile segment, with extra time for the approach or a return to the car.

Beyond the climb, the trail enters spruce-fir forest heavily affected by the 1988 fires and follows the slopes above Buffalo Creek toward the boundary. On a northbound walk from First Meadow, the Wyoming–Montana line is around mile 4.3 and the 45th parallel around mile 4.5. The open burn edge and meadow views are the route’s strongest scenery; framing the narrow tread against the valley shows the slope.

Park beside the vault toilet where the road toward Slough Creek Campground bears left. First Meadow is about 1.7 miles one way on Slough Creek Trail; pets are not allowed on that approach. The boundary trailhead itself cannot be reached by road. Food and drinking water are not listed for the route.