Avalanche Gulch Summary

A new landowner has closed off access to two USFS trails historically used in the bottom of Avalanche Gulch, Bilk Mountain Trail and Doolittle Gulch. The USFS has an established right of way for the road, but not for the trails. They have pursued negotiations with the landowner on several options (i.e.. buying the property or purchasing an easement) to regain access, but the landowner is not amenable.

A survey was completed for the 30ft road easement and it was determined that previously used dispersed camping sites up Avalanche Gulch are located on private property. Bilk Mountain Trailhead it located 35ft away from the easement. In order to re-route the trail for public access, it would have to move a mile downstream. Doolittle Gulch Trailhead accesses many other motorized Forest Service trails and would need to be moved a short way to reestablish public access.

PLWA is working with the Forest Service as a supporting partner for grants and projects to move the trailheads and restore public access.

UPDATE: June 2023

PLWA received word that the Forest Service and their partner/applicant, Capital Trail Vehicle Association, were awarded the full amount via the Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program to re-route Doolittle Gulch and Bilk Mountain Trails back into the public right of way. Work was is anticipated to start in late July or early August.