Rock Creek near the Hogback
One of many Rock Creeks, but The only blue ribbon
There are several Rock Creeks in Montana. However, our Rock Creek is the only one that has been designated a Blue Ribbon trout stream, boasts two world famous herds of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and brings hunters, anglers and recreationists from all over the country every year to enjoy its natural abundance. That certainly sets it apart from the rest.
The stream has its origins in the high peaks of the Anaconda-Pintlar Wilderness in the extreme southern portion of Granite County. The headwaters streams join and tumble for more than 50 miles through the beautiful valley and canyons of Rock Creek before joining with the Clark Fork River 20 miles east of Missoula. A road runs next to the stream for almost its entire length. The first 11 miles south from the Interstate exit are paved and the rest is gravel. The gravel portion through the middle reach that is almost entirely on the Lolo National Forest is generally only passable when the snow melts. Although one can drive through the whole valley in the summer time and connect with state highways to either Phillipsburg or Anaconda, one must plan to take about 3 hours to travel the 30 miles. The valley is generally narrow with mountains rising up on either side until it opens up into a broader area of old, established family ranches above Stony Creek and continuing to the general area of the confluence of the West Fork, Ross Fork and East Fork.
Although much of the stream flows through the Lolo National Forest and the Deer Lodge National Forest, there are numerous home sites with both full-time and part-time residents, and a number of larger ranches in the upper reaches. The residents of Rock Creek and many visitors value the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of forests, mountains, and the abundant wildlife that it all harbors. It is a special place to live or visit and the residents wish to make sure that it is protected for the future.