Elk Mountain is a short scramble off a good US Forest Service road.  The scramble is mostly on a ridge through an old clearcut that has in places heavy ceanothus brush.  Wood ticks can be abundant in the spring. 

There are scattered trees on the summit to suspend wire antennas.

At the parking area there is a game trail paralleling and on the north side of an old skid road.  It provides good access through the ceanothuse bush field after it crosses the old skid trail.  From there it is a steeper scramble to the summit. 

Elevation gain: 700’

Off trail miles: 1 mile round trip

Water:  There is no water source.       

Bear Pepper Spray:  Highly recommended in all Montana summits. 

Maps:  US Forest Service, Lolo National Forest, Missoula Ranger District

Directions:  From Missoula take the upper Miller Creek Road onto County Road 37 to its end and then follow FS roads 364 to 4245 to Holloman Saddle in approximately 5 miles.  At Holloman Saddle continue on road 4245 for approximately 3.5 miles to a saddle with ample parking.  Begin hiking here up the ridge to the summit.