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| Home > Montana > Chain Of Lakes Trail |
Chain Of Lakes Trail
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
| Other Names | Bitterroot National Forest, Sula Ranger District, Martin Creek Campground, Bitterroot Mountains, Rocky Mountains, Moose Creek, Anaconda-pintler Wilderness, Fish Lake, Faith Lake, Hope Lake, Charity Lake |
| Last Known Status | Closed |
This seven mile long at one time was open to ATVs but is now permanently closed to motorized use. The trail was originally a fire line that was constructed during the Sleeping Child Fire of 1961 and provided visitors scenic views of the Bitterroot Mountains and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. There was no fee to ride but machines had to display a current Montana OHV Registration Sticker.
The Martin Creek Campground will remain open which has seven sites that can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 50 feet. The camping season varies each year but generally runs between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Nearby riding alternatives include Gold Creek Ridge, Blue Mountain and Pipestone OHV Area. This listing will remain up for historical purposes and to save you a wasted trip.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | No | |
| Dates Open | Closed | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | No | A non-resident temporary registration sticker is required. (As of March 2020, Montana no longer honors stickers from any other states.) |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Prohibited | |
 ATVs | Prohibited | |
 UTV & SXS | Prohibited | |
 4x4 & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | Prohibited | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for persons under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) |
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | riders must stay on trail |
| Rule Enforcement |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | National Forest |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $10.00 RV: $10.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 Martin Creek Campground Fee |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Sula, MT | ||
| Address | Martin Creek Road, Sula, MT 59871 | ||
| From: Missoula, MT
1) Take US-93 South about 70 miles 2) Turn left (north-east) on East Fork Road/CR-472, continue 16.5 miles 3) Turn left (west) on Martin Creek Road/FS-726, about 4 miles toward trailhead. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Bitterroot National Forest - Sula Ranger District 7338 Hwy 93 S. Sula, MT 59871 (406) 821-3201 mailroom_r1_bitterroot@fs.fed.us www.fs.usda.gov |
ADD PHOTOS
TERRAIN
| Miles Of Trail | 7 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 6000 to 8000 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Some | |
| Hard Pack | Some | |
| Sand |  None | |
| Mud |  Little | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees |  Many | |
| Steep Hills |  Few | |
| Small Jumps | None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | None | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | None | |
| Intersections | Few | |
| Rider Traffic | Some | |
| Shade | Many | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice |  Mostly | |
 Amateur | Some | |
 Expert | Little |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Mr T's Food & Fuel (406) 821-1940 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Mr T's Food & Fuel (406) 821-1940 |
 Water | On Site | Martin Creek Campground (406) 821-3201 |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Sula Country Store & Resort (406) 821-3364 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Sula Country Store & Resort (406) 821-3364 |
| Campground | On Site | Martin Creek Campground (406) 821-3201 |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (SW) | Sula Country Store & Resort (406) 821-3364 |
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS