The first time I hiked Willard Creek trail was when my husband and I had just moved to Helena. We camped off the trail during archery season, and we were up all night hearing elk bugling and moving not too far from our tent.
Fast forward several years, and I finally took the boys here. I wanted to wait until fall again in hopes of hearing some elk bugle and to enjoy the changing colors. We got both! This trail would be fun in other seasons, too, but I highly recommend it during September for the reasons above.
If you are coming from Helena, it is about a 40 minute drive. Once you are on Warm Springs Creek Road, it is beautiful! There are many boulder outcrops and fun areas worthy of exploration even on the way. Although there is private land scattered throughout, so make sure you are on public lands if you do stop along the way.
Google Maps does recognize the search for Willard Creek Trailhead. It only takes you along Warm Springs Creek Road, though, and not all the way to the trailhead. Follow Warm Springs Creek Road until you see a sign with an arrow for the trailhead (which is where Google Maps takes you). Turn right immediately after the sign, and follow the road until you hit a large parking area. The trail is close to the “trailer” camping area (again, there are signs there).
Whether you have young walkers who are still in the stage of in a backpack, walking, backpack, walking, and so forth or preschoolers hiking on their own, this is a perfect trail! If you have McClellan Creek as the destination, the trail is about 4 miles total (2 there and 2 back). It’s easy, with very little elevation gain (approximately 600 feet over 2 miles). It’s not straight, so there is always something “just up ahead” to go check out. There are small creek crossings, and then the larger McClellan Creek as the destination. But even if you don’t make it the entire way to McClellan Creek (which has been us before!), it’s still a worthwhile hike.
The trail is also very well maintained and marked with signage when needed. It is not, however, stroller friendly. We haven’t done it yet, but I think it could be a fun place to bring the bikes!
I’ve heard reports of moose along the trail, and this is also bear country. Obviously there are also numerous elk here, too! So there are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities!
Have you hiked this trail? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🙂