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Description
Get ready for an adventure on the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail System, a renowned off-road playground nestled in the Flathead National Forest near Kalispell, Montana! This isn't just any trail; it's a designated National Recreation Trail and a Jeep Badge of Honor recipient, famous for its exciting mix of natural terrain and man-made challenges. The system features three main legs – Blacktail (Forest Road 917), Upper Dayton Creek (Forest Road 918), and Wild Bill (Forest Road 919) – each offering unique obstacles like rock ledges, deep mud holes, strategically placed tractor tires, and large log crawls. Don't worry if you're not looking for extreme challenges on every section; many of the tougher obstacles have bypasses, allowing you to tailor the ride to your comfort level and vehicle capability. Maintained with passion by local 4-wheel drive clubs, this trail system offers fun for various off-road vehicles, including 4x4s, ATVs, and dirt bikes. While it can be tackled in winter by experienced snow wheelers, it truly shines in summer and fall, offering stunning views, including glimpses of Flathead Lake from certain points.
Directions
The Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail System has several access points. A common starting area can be found near GPS coordinates 47.9896, -114.4295. To reach the trail system:
- From Lakeside: Head up Blacktail Road (off U.S. Highway 93) for approximately 12 miles into the Flathead National Forest. This typically leads to the Blacktail leg (Road #917/917a).
- From Kila: Access is about seven miles off U.S. Highway 2. This route can lead you towards the other legs, potentially involving Truman Creek Road (#213) or Road #2990. The system consists of three main interconnected legs:
- Blacktail (Road #917 or #917a): One leg begins off Blacktail Mountain Road.
- Upper Dayton Creek (Road #918): Intersects with the other trails.
- Wild Bill (Road #919): Intersects with the other trails. Look for signage for these road numbers and 'Eagle Junction,' the meeting point for all three legs. As always in National Forests, having a good map (like onX Offroad or a Forest Service map) is highly recommended as trail access and conditions can change.
Difficulty
This trail system offers a 'choose your own adventure' level of difficulty, thanks to bypasses around many of the tougher spots. Overall, it's a playground for 4x4 enthusiasts!
- Easier Sections/With Bypasses: If you stick to the main forest roads and use the bypasses, the trail can be relatively easy, suitable for stock high-clearance 4x4s.
- Challenging Obstacles: For those seeking more thrills, the trail delivers! You'll encounter natural rock ledges, deep machine-dug holes, large tractor tires to crawl over, and hefty log obstacles. Some sections feature steep climbs and drops, and constant 'break-overs' (where your vehicle's belly might scrape if you're not careful). Careful tire placement is key.
- Specific Legs:
- Blacktail (Road #917): Known for deep dips and those tricky break-overs.
- Upper Dayton Creek (Road #918): Considered more technical with its mix of obstacles.
- Wild Bill (Road #919): Generally regarded as the hardest leg, with more intense challenges. Some obstacles here have been described as 'insane' for less modified vehicles (e.g., a Jeep TJ on 31-inch tires). The trail can be tight in places, with steep and rocky terrain. It's definitely not for 2WD or low-clearance vehicles. In winter, deep snow transforms the trail, making it significantly more difficult and often requiring specialized snow-wheeling setups.
Trail Uses
- Off-Road Vehicles
- 4x4 Vehicle
- All-Terrain Vehicle
- Motorcycle
- Snowmobile
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
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