To get here, you can go through Phillipsburg, or Hamilton. I chose Hamilton, as driving down the Bitterroot is beautiful and makes me a happy girl! Just past Hamilton, take 38 towards Skalkaho Falls. After the falls, it's another 7 miles to the trailhead. It's on the left and marked by a sign that just says 12. There's plenty of parking. I believe it may be shorter coming from Phillipsburg, by just a little bit.
There is little elevation gain as you go, so it isn't difficult. However, it is a pretty rocky trail, so running would be a ridiculous thing to do to your ankles! Make sure you bring your fishing pole, because this is, from what I've read, one of the few places in Montana that has grayling in it. And they were jumping all over the place, in the middle of the day! Jeff tells me it's the first time he's ever caught a grayling, so he was pleased. Not very big, but squirmy little guys! There are also several camping spots, so I may have to revisit this for an over-nighter.
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| I just love seeing these on my hikes. I wish I could bring a bunch home with me! |
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| One of the camping spots |
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| The firepit amongst some stone seats |
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| Xena, thinking Jeff is throwing a toy for her |
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| You know you're at a Montana mountain lake when the water is this crystal clear |
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| Reeling in the first grayling |
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| Check out that dorsal fin! |
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| Me, doing my usual goofy thing |
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| Don't know where this other trail comes from, but may be another to try |
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| Maybe, don't walk around the lake without shoes, all this pitch ended up sticking to my socks! |
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