The Hawkeye patent is within a large "road less" portion of the Elkhorn Wildlife Management Unit and Crow Creek is the largest watershed in the unit. Crow Creek Falls is a major natural feature and the area a sanctuary for many wildlife species including the threatened Canadian Lynx, the sensitive Goshawk and Westslope Cutthroat Trout.
From the trailhead you switchback down to Hall Creek , then crossing over and into Crow Creek drainage. Not very far along the trail becomes rocky and steep in places. At the confluence of Dewey Creek you start climbing out of the draw up to hillsides of Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Signs of old gold mining activities can be seen along this historic trail as you swing back to the creek and the faint roar of the falls. At the end of this 3.5 mile hike is Crow Creek Falls flowing over an ancient rock formation dropping 40 feet into a crystalline pool. |
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From Townsend travel north on US Highway 12 for one mile. Turn left on Indian Creek Road driving up west into the Elkhorn Mountains for 11.5 miles to FR 4031. Turn left on Wave Road (FR 4031) for 2.5 miles to a junction. The trailhead is a mile up the road straight ahead. Take a right at the junction going .5 of a mile to Eagle Creek Guard Station.. |
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Crow Creek drainage is fifty million plus year old Mesozoic rock layered with Cretaceous sandstone and shale.
Crow Creek Falls was part of historic Hawkeye Placer mine which was patented in the 1920's. In 2002 a non-profit group, American Land Conservancy purchased the parcel. They in partnership with the Montana Mining Association and the Montana Wilderness Association are now in the process of cleaning up the old mining debris and equipment and reclaiming this unique recreational destination.
Eagle Creek Guard Station was built in 1895 by Richard Owen for him and his family, during the time of a booming gold rush. Somewhere between1905 and 1908, the U.S. Forest Service took it over for administrative use. Eagle Guard was used by the Forest Service steadily up into the early 1950's. The cabin was restored from 1991-1993, by volunteers and donated materials, with special care taken to restore the cabin's original features.
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There are undeveloped campsites about 1.5 miles from Crow Creek Falls trailhead. At the trailhead is another undeveloped campsite area with toilet facilities.
Eagle Creek Guard Station is one of eight cabins and guard stations that are available through Helena National Forest rental program. To stay at Eagle Guard Station cost $25/day for up to six people with the maximum stay of 5 days.
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