EXPLORE

Located at the end of the forest access road that Nye Rd leads into, Sioux Charley Lake Trail offers some of the most stunning views of the Beartooth Mountains in the area.

Technically, this trail can eventually hike you all the way to Cooke City (about 23 miles away), but most come just to visit the lake, which is only about 4 miles into the trail.

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The 2022 flooding has closed the scenic gorge path for now but an alternative (and steeper) trail to the lake is still accessible.

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More trail info on AllTrails

Leading out from the Woodbine Campground, the Woodbine Trail winds through scenic forest and mountain views until it reaches its end at a viewing area next to the powerful Woodbine Waterfall.

The hike is about 40 minutes on average and crosses about 1.4 miles.

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The 2022 river flooding destroyed a foot bridge on the trail leading to the falls and a new bridge has yet to be installed. It is still possible to cross the stream without the bridge but many hikers warn that it may be difficult or impossible during the river's run-off in late June.

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More trail info on AllTrails

A couple of miles before reaching the Stillwater Mine and the Forest Access, you'll find Old Nye just off the road. This spot has great views of the surrounding Beartooth Mountains and is commonly used as a launching point for rafts floating down the Stillwater River.

Aside from the Rainbow Trout often found in the water here, you can also sometimes spot Big Horn Sheep, Eagles, Geese, and Beavers in the area.

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There are many more fishing spots in the area connected to the Stillwater - each with their own charms. If Old Nye is crowded, try Buffalo Jump or Castle Rock.

Following a gravel switch-back road tucked behind the Stillwater Mine, across Horseman Flats, and through some rocky road next to the West Fork Stillwater river, you can find Initial Creek Campground. 

The campground only has a handful of dedicated camping spots but offers vault toilet access and some bear-safe storage boxes. The surrounding area offers great views of the mountains and surrounding forests and is treasured for its remote location. 

Just a little further down the road, you also have access to the West Fork Stillwater hiking trail, an extensive trail that follows the river as it cuts between high mountain ridges and through remote meadows.

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More campground info on the official Forest Service website

The West Fork Stillwater Trail extends deep into the forests of the Beartooth Mountains and - much like the nearby Sioux Charley Lake Trail - connects with many other trails that scatter for miles across the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

Taking a while to drive out to on gravel road (off of Nye Rd), once you've traveled across Horseman Flats and have passed Initial Creek Campground, the road ends at the trail head of the West Fork Stillwater Trail.

You'll hike along the West Fork Stillwater River as you are guided through charming forests of pine trees and small remote clearings that are wedged between the grand mountain ridges that the river meanders through. The challenge of this hike is fairly dependent on how far in you wish to go - there isn't much of any challenge from elevated terrain here.

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More trail info on AllTrails

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This fishing access is connected to a small camping area (only 2 sites) with access to a vault toilet. You can find it just off of Nye Rd as you enter Nye from Fishtail/Dean.

Known for good fishing, the Buffalo Jump access offers a nice view of the Stillwater River running under the Nye bridge.

In the summer season, many fly-fishers try their luck here and those who float the Stillwater River by raft from the Old Nye access usually land here hours later.

In the off season, the river lowers and exposes a large bank of river rocks and boulders - a cool place to hang out next to the river and do some rock hounding. The fishing still remains reasonable until the winter.

This page is still pretty new and while there are plenty more things to do in the Nye/Fishtail area, we're still putting together information and images to extend this page with. Check back in the future for more.