Property Description
The Trail Creek 23 may be one of the prettiest, affordable land listings available with live flowing water in Paradise Valley, Livingston, Montana. Trail Creek is a picturesque, full-flowing creek that features a variety of fish, including small rainbows and some brown trout in the fall. Rich in scenery with an impressive wildlife habitat, the Trail Creek 23’s varied terrain ranging from flat to rolling meadows and steep topography, mature native trees and lush creek bottom provides privacy and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The Trail Creek 23 has approximately 500 feet of both sides of Trail Creek, a drilled well and ample area for a home or cabin.
The general area is nearly surrounded by public land, with access to an extensive trail network ideal for wildlife photography, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or cross-country skiing. North Dry Creek Road, which connects to a national forest service road, is located nearby. Public access points for floating and trout fishing on the renowned Yellowstone River are a short drive from the Trail Creek 23. Downtown Livingston is approximately 17 miles away, while the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park is about 49 miles from the property. The Trail Creek 23 offers an unparalleled opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of Montana’s Paradise Valley.
TRAIL CREEK AREA Popular with both locals and visitors, Bozeman & Livingston Montana’s Trail Creek is located in the Gallatin National Forest. Not only does Trail Creek Road complete a scenic driving loop it also provides access to hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and horseback riding.
Location
Trail Creek, Bozeman, MT can be accessed from Trail Creek Road off of I-90. A few miles east of Bozeman, Interstate 90 enters Rocky Creek Canyon, bordered on both sides by steep rock outcroppings. At mid-canyon you will find the Trail Creek exit (exit 316). Throughout the eastern stretch of Trail Creek Road, take in views of the majestic peaks of the Absaroka Mountains, Yellowstone River, and Paradise Valley.
The Route
From I-90, Trail Creek Road initially follows Meadow Creek from the west, as it winds toward a low mountain pass. On the eastern side, Trail Creek begins, and the road slowly descends into Paradise Valley. Trail Creek Road merges with Divide Road on the left and ends at Route 89. From here, continue north back to Livingston and I-90 or south towards Emigrant and Chico Hot Springs.
Chestnut
Across from Goose Creek Road, there are still visible ruins of coke ovens, once used to refine coal from surrounding mines. There were once a number of small mining towns along this route. Chestnut is the only one that is still somewhat evident.
Fridley Creek Fire
As you approach the end of Trail Creek Road, you will also see evidence toward the south of the Fridley Creek Fire of 2001. This began not far from Yellowstone National Park, devastating over 10 miles of forest in just one day and ending near Trail Creek, Montana.
Trail Creek Area Trailheads
Approximately halfway down Trail Creek from Bozeman, you will pass Goose Creek Road (on right), taking you to a Gallatin National Forest trailhead, just a mile or two to the south. As you head approach the end of Trail Creek Road toward Paradise Valley, there is another road on the right that provides National Forest access at upper Trail Creek.
Trail Creek Cabin
Overseen by the Gallatin National Forest, this cabin is situated along the trail system between Bozeman and Livingston Ranger Districts. The rustic cabin sleeps four and has a wood stove, horse corral, propane lantern (renters should bring their own propane canister) and no drinking water. Inquire at the Livingston District Office for more information and reservations.
Seasons
Hiking, Horseback riding, and Cross-country ski trails are accessible throughout the year in Bozeman’s Trail Creek area. Check with the Bozeman or Livingston Ranger District offices for updates on trail and road conditions.
Eight Mile Trail #132 – https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7048951/eightmile-trail-132
Popular amongst cyclists. The trail starts at the lower North Dry Creek trailhead but can also be accessed at the upper North Dry Creek trailhead. Driving to the upper trailhead is not recommended as the road is pretty bad between the two trailheads.
The trail was rebuilt several years ago to take out the worst of a few damaged sections between the lower and upper trailheads but it is still plenty steep in spots. It is all manageable but don’t be dismayed if you have to stop to catch your breath in the first mile or so – most do and more than once. The grade settles down a bit on the upper section making it easier to appreciate the spectacular country through which you are hiking, before gradually ramping up again along Eightmile Creek as it bends south toward Mud Lake #146.
After you reach the upper trailhead, the trail becomes a bit more rugged and might be difficult to navigate in places.Approximately halfway down Trail Creek from Bozeman, you will pass Goose Creek Road (on right), taking you to a Gallatin National Forest trailhead, just a mile or two to the south. As you head approach the end of Trail Creek Road toward Paradise Valley, there is another road on the right that provides National Forest access at upper Trail Creek.
https://www.bozemannet.com/scenic_drives/trail_creek_area.php
Desirable Livingston Montana
Livingston was established in 1882 by the Northern Pacific Railroad, serves as the original gateway to Yellowstone National Park. The town is situated on the banks of the Yellowstone River and is renowned for its unparalleled recreational amenities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors to Livingston’s charming downtown can enjoy fine dining, shopping, nightlife, and art galleries, all within a down-to-earth cultural atmosphere that is increasingly rare.
The extensive valleys and rugged mountains surrounding Livingston provide residents and visitors with access to pristine natural environments perfect for recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, trout fishing, cross-country skiing, and hunting. The Yellowstone River, the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, spans approximately five hundred miles from its source in Wyoming to its confluence with the Missouri River. Downstream from the Yellowstone National Park border, the river features over one hundred miles of blue-ribbon trout water, home to populations of Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout. As the Yellowstone River flows through Paradise Valley, located south of downtown Livingston, it offers some of the finest fly-fishing opportunities in Montana as well as excellent conditions for kayaking and rafting.
Additionally, the area enjoys three renowned spring creek fisheries: Nelson’s, Depuy’s, and Armstrong’s. These spring creeks provide fee-based fishing on over five miles of premium spring creek water.
https://www.explorelivingstonmt.com/
https://www.livingstonmontana.org/community/page/visitors
Montana Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. Now get out there and fish! Check out the Fishing Times chart to determine when the fish will be most active.
