Slough Creek Trail

Overview

This classic Northern Range hike follows a historic wagon road along Slough Creek through broad, wildlife-rich meadows. After a short, steady climb out of the gate, the grade mellows and the walking is easy. The full out-and-back is about 19.8 miles total with roughly 1,500 feet of cumulative gain and an average completion time just over 7 hours. It’s a serene, open-country walk with big sky, meandering water, and frequent animal sightings—especially at dawn and dusk.

Route options

Most day hikers aim for the meadows. A quick out-and-back to First Meadow is about 3.4 miles total after the initial climb and descent. Pushing on to Second Meadow makes it about 8.6 miles round-trip and delivers the best balance of effort and reward. Beyond, the trail continues past backcountry camps toward the park’s north boundary (roughly 20 miles round-trip). Along the way you’ll pass a historic patrol cabin and junctions with the Buffalo Fork and Bliss Pass trails, with the tread staying mostly gentle.

Wildlife and scenery

If you’re here for wildlife, you chose well. Expect bison and elk in the meadows, with strong chances—especially early and late—for wolf activity. Grizzly bears frequent the area; moose and a variety of birds work the creek’s oxbows and ponds. The meadows themselves are the star: long, open vistas, a sinuous creek, and intermittent forest patches that break up the walking. Anglers prize this corridor for fly fishing; regulations apply.

Logistics and access

The trailhead sits along the dirt road toward Slough Creek Campground; when the road bends left, park near the vault toilet before the campground. You may encounter horses or even horse-drawn wagons—this is still an active stock route—so be ready to yield. Numerous designated backcountry campsites line the corridor; an advance permit is required for overnight use.

Best time to hike

Late spring through fall offers the best access. The short climb is more pleasant in the cool of morning, which also doubles your odds of safe, distant wildlife viewing and reduces mosquito pressure. Fall often brings lower creek levels and quieter meadows; summer can be buggy, especially after recent stock use. In winter the access road closes to vehicles; the area becomes a ski/snowshoe approach.

Safety and etiquette

You’re in prime bear and wolf country. Carry bear spray and know how to use it, hike in a group, make noise in brushy sections, and give carcasses or bone piles a wide berth. Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife. Yield to stock by stepping to the downhill side of the trail and standing still until they pass. Expect mosquitoes in early to mid-summer and muddy patches after rain. If you try the optional loop from the campground that uses a ford, water levels and route finding can be real factors—save it for low water and bring proper footwear.