Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Welcome Creek Wilderness (map) in 1978 and it now has a total of 28,135 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Montana and is managed by the Forest Service.

Description

The Welcome Creek Wilderness lies in the Rock Creek drainage about 25 miles east of Missoula, Montana. This 28,135 acre wilderness measures about nine miles by seven miles. The ridges are so steep and the valleys narrow and uneven that even finding a flat tent spot can be tough in much of the area. Most of the land is heavily timbered with pine, fir and larch (although the south-facing slopes have a few open but very steep grassy slopes) and is extremely rocky and rough.. Welcome Creek flows south and east, providing a home to native trout. Elk hunters, bear hunters and a few adventurous fishermen from Rock Creek are the most common visitors.

About 25 miles of steep trails provide foot and horse access, but overnight backpackers are few and far between. The main travel route is the Welcome Creek Trail, a brushy, rocky trail which crosses the area southeast to northwest for approximately seven miles, passing no lakes (this Wilderness has none).

Planning to Visit the Welcome Creek Wilderness?

• Print a fact sheet
• General things to consider when visiting any wilderness
• Regulations
• Contact the Forest Service

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Welcome Creek Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.