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Basin Trailhead

National Recreation Trail to Two Beautiful Lakes

Trailhead on West Fork Rock Creek, Basin Creek on Basin Lakes Trail in Custer NF, Rocky Mountains near Red Lodge, MT

This National Recreation Trail follows routes used for horse logging in the early 1900’s and gains 2,000 ft. over 4.8 miles.

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Getting There

From south end of Red Lodge, MT take the West Fork Rd 2.8 miles west. Stay on this road (left) at the junction with the ski hill road. The trailhead is on the left at 4.1 miles.

Hiking

Basin Creek Lakes Trail is a strenuous 2,000 ft hike but offers great rewards with a waterfall, log ruins, and two mountain lakes. The trail begins alongside Basin Creek for .5 mi. to a beautiful waterfall. It then leaves the creek to begin a steep climb through burned timber, giving great views down the West Fork of Rock Creek. Returning to the timber, the trail crosses the creek on a pile of logs. There is a sign marking the crossing, but it is small, weathered gray, and not easy to see. This crossing may be difficult during high water. Continuing up through the timber, the trail passes the ruins of an old logging cabin. Shortly after the cabin, Lower Basin Creek Lake appears. Logs along the edge of the lake make a great place for a break. Another 1.5 mi. through dense timber, Upper Basin Creek Lake sits at 9,000 ft. just below Silver Run Plateau.