These are general alerts/cautions or links to published alerts/projects that affect the drive to the trailhead, the trails / routes or the lakes themselves. Examples could be road construction projects on forest roads, campground issues/closures, trail closures or a result of my observations while hiking. Examples could be logging activity, road maintenance or significant trail blockages due to deadfall.
• Cedar Creek Logging Activity: In the past couple years there has been consistent logging activity up Cedar Creek heading to Cascade Pass (Missoula Lake). This will continue into 2025 with significant log truck and support vehicle traffic up Cedar Creek, over Miller Saddle and within 3-4 miles of Missoula Lake. In addition, there was a private sale going on the Cedar Creek side of Freezeout Pass above the Gildersleeve Mine. I talked to a couple FS Employees in 2024 and they said that sale is in limbo for now. I drove over Freezeout Pass from the Trout Creek side in 2023 and the road was not in the best condition at the time. There has been signage indicating logging activity the past couple years at the end of the pavement up Cedar Creek. Take it a little slower, be aware of the traffic and take note of available turnouts.
• West Fork Fish Creek Bridge Replacement: The bridge across the West Fork of Fish Creek at the 3-mile mark from the Clearwater Crossing is scheduled to be replaced this summer. This is the bridge by the swimming hole and campsite. The work would begin around July 15th and take up to a month, requiring hikers to use the horse crossing. Helicopters will be used to bring in materials and help set the bridge spans so the trail will probably experience some temporary closures during those times. I was told by the Ninemile R.D. to check back with them closer to the start date or when I would be hiking the trail during the operation. There is a chance that the project might be postponed until next year, but as of now it is on the schedule. Here is the link to the project page: West Fork Fish Creek Trail Bridge Replacement
