Just FYI, for those looking for a new trail for a day trip in the Boulder, MT area, I've been working with Citizens for Balanced Use for a while on a case trying to re-open the historic McCarty Creek Road that goes from Muskrat Lane in Boulder to Elkhorn State Park. This was a historic road to Elkhorn, but has been shut off to public access for a number of years. After reaching a settlement with the county and landowner who was agreeable to permit use of a different route across his property to allow the road to re-open, and gaining approval from the state and OK from the forest service, this past weekend a work group did some fencing and road work in the area. This access has been a real cooperative effort by several groups and should be a nice alternate route to the Elkhorn area. The route has not been used much at all for years and I don't know if a totally stock rig will get to the state park with some skilled driving, more likely need at least a lift and some larger tires. Of course from Elkhorn there are FS roads that can be explored and can take the same route back to Boulder or make a loop by taking the usual less-bumpy and less scenic road from Elkhorn. Thought I'd advertise it here and hope that some Toyotas put this access to use.
Newly Re-Opened Road near Boulder, MT
- Thread starter cea1
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bagochips76
SILVER Star
Looks like a good opportunity for getting some folks together for a reconnaissance run. It is Memorial Day weekend. Anybody interested?
Sounds interesting! What's the story with the "permit use"? Who will be issuing said permits?
- Thread starter
- #4
MontanaLax -- no permit is required. I intended the word "permit" as a verb, not a noun, meaning he agreed to let people use another area of his property for access rather than the historic road that went right through the middle of his section. I understand some signage is still in the works but otherwise road is open for use.
Thats great news! I will check it out for sure. I live in the elkhorns not far from said trail. I guess we shall see if a stock 80 will make it on 285,s. Do you live in the area?
- Thread starter
- #6
rifleshooter -- I live in Helena, but worked on the lawsuit to open this road back up so am fairly familiar with the road from that process. I haven't been able to get a day off to head out there recently, but its a nice area and interesting historical route to Elkhorn.
Sounds interesting. My FJ40 project isn't ready for a while. I've got a mildly lifted 4Runner, 3" lift- anyone think I'd make it in that?
This sounds fun and worth checking out. With years of being closed is the road overgrown? Are the biggest concerns ground clearance or muddy spots? Thanks for posting!
FYI I went to check it out last weekend and ran into some folks with Razors. They said the road was to narrow for a truck?? The guy I talked to said he was scraping the side of his razor just to get through. I dont have armor yet so I will have to check it out on the motorcycle first.
Good info, thank you!
bagochips76
SILVER Star
Hey rilfeshooter, did you check this trail out on your bike?
I have not. I do know the country fairly well and am very doubtful anything other than a modified 40 would do well. That side of the elkhorns is rocky as hell. The trails around there are very tight in my 80. With bow season, and then rifle season coming, I doubt I will find time for any scouting.