A Hike with a View

It won't be long before we are snowed out of the high country.  Now is the time to hike up high. One high hike with a great view is Trail 117 to Horsethief Park, over the top of the Elkhorns to 343 over the mountain and connect with Trail No. 301, Casey Meadows.

Directions
For this hike, leave a car at Casey Meadows and ask a friend to drop you off at Forest Service Trail 117. From Helena, take Highway 12 East toward Townsend.  Shortly after Winston, you will see a National Forest Access to Pole Creek.  Use this access.  Follow the road through private property.  There is a ranch near the trailhead.  Both Tr. 117 and 115 start at this point.

Description
This hike is a grunt. It goes steadily and fairly steeply uphill. There is plenty of water along the trail  as you climb because there are numerous springs on the mountain.  Once you get to Horsethief Park, the trail is not quite so steep while you walk through the park to the top of the mountain.  In late June or early July, look closely in the Park for Pygmy Bitterroots.  You enter trees again near the top of the mountain.  There are trail markers near the top also.

The view from the top of the mountain is spectacular.  Stop and enjoy it for an hour or so.  After you cross the top to the other side of the Elkhorns, the hike is an extremely steep down hill.  You may want to pass on this hike if you have bad knees or a fear of heights.  Numerous trails weave in and out on the steep down hill descent.  Keep your eye on Casey Meadows, on your left as you hike down the mountain.  As you descend, watch for a sign directing you to Casey Meadows and Trail No. 301.  Once you reach the meadows it is an easy three mile walk out.