Although this was hiked in July, there was still lots of snow on the high mountain terrain, and with the mountains diving sharply into the lakes, it looked more like Switzerland than Montana. Then it’s snow and snow melt running down the trail. Location: Montana / Wyoming Area: Jackson Hole Area Trip type: Llama Trek Llama Treks are backcountry excursions on which trail llamas carry the bulk of our supplies and equipment. All hikes on hike.io listed in alphabetical order. /* [1], Rock an It is important to not drop down to Lace Lake but stay high, which will lead you to Turquoise Lake. Saturday, September 12th (Late Season) Glacier Lake occupies a vast cirque, the smooth granite shelves at the far end sheltering a handful of high tarns; a trail that splits off from Glacier Lake’s approach goes to Turquoise, the largest of the pools. The sun was rising as we headed for the trailhead so we stopped for some photos of the mountains all lit up in the golden light and reflected in the still lake. The Mission Mountains are located in the Northwest part of Montana, south and east of Flathead Lake, more or less mid-way between Kalispell and Missoula. The trail is easy to follow, if you get lost just look for the other 100 or so people out there and follow them. There were lots of huckleberries so bring a container! The clear waters are full of fish, the views are spectacular and the air crystal clear. Started late. Beautiful, difficult hike. Road is good to the trailhead, trail is good out to 5 miles. Mosquitos are out but not too horrible. Turquoise Lake Elevation: 6,550' Trailhead. Whether you hike in for the day, or backpack in for the night, make sure to take ample time to explore all of the area's alpine lakes. Consider camping a night or two: There are flat spots for tent sites and a few rock rings for fires. Stats. She suggested all sorts of crazy bushwacks … The trail is well-maintained though and there are many switchbacks, making the grade so gentle the climb is barely noticed. For the first three miles, as you hike along a forested ridge to Goodwin Lake, you’ll encounter plenty of other hikers making a pleasant and fairly easy hike to that lake. Be warned, the water looks inviting but is extremely cold. One great hike! called and asked if I'd like to go for a hike. Walked 11/1/20. We'll set up camp along Granite Creek the first night, then make our way to beautiful Turquoise Lake on Day 2, where we'll spend two nights. See more ideas about glacier lake, glacier national park, lake. The Holland Lake Campground and Group Site are located on the shores of Holland Lake in the Swan Valley of northwest Montana. There is a stream several miles into the hike and a small lake nicknamed … */ Date of experience: February 2016 If you have time for only a hike or two this summer, Lake of the Hanging Glacier should, arguably, be at the top of your list. The trail offers endless mountain views and picnic opportunities, or even backpacking if you want to stay and fish. This gorgeous turquoise-colored glacial lake is surrounded on three sides by cathedral-like towering mountains, making this beautiful lake even more spectacular. Set up basecamp lakeside (there are several campsites; you can’t go wrong) after a 6.4-mile hike, and—if you can tear yourself away from the unobstructed, cast-friendly shore—explore some of the Missions’ highest glacial cirques. Turquoise Lake is found on the eastern side of the Mission Mountain Wilderness. It’s an awesome series of lakes, but extremely disappointing to see how others are treating it. This trail is not meant for beginners -- it's lengthy, and you'll face an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet. Pushed it too hard and had severe cramping. The trailhead is located 61 miles from Bigfork. Turquoise Lake is a beautiful out and back hike north of Missoula, off of Hwy 87, deep in the Mission Mountains ... cast-friendly shore—explore some of the Missions’ highest glacial cirques. Grinnell Lake is accessible via the Grinnell Glacier Trail and is 3.2 miles (5.1 km) from the Many Glacier Hotel.. Gallery "Glacier National Park in Montana is a pristine and gigantic park that covers one million acres and features parts of three mountain ranges, ... "There was also bear activity which stopped me on a tail or two but I was able to ascend the Glacier Lake Trail and was able to get within a mile of the Grinnell Glacier and the hike was well worth the trip regardl ..." "We also traveled the Grinnell Glacier trail which … A little off the beaten path, it is nestled deep within dramatic rocky spires and steep mountain peaks on the western edge of the Mission Mountain Wilderness just across the highway from the Bob Marshall Wilderness. I will definitely agree with alot of other reviewers, this is definitely a moderate hike. Turquoise Lake is a 11.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Condon, Montana that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The views are spectacular and the little lakes before the main attraction are beautiful. The spur hike to the lake turns away many hikers because the trail can be hard to find at times and crosses a large boulder field. Owing to a history of heavy use, the Forest Service prohibits camping within a quarter mile of the shore. Gary and Betsy's Outrageously Fun Grueling Hike August, 2006 . The lake can be reached by a 6.1 mi (9.8 km) trail from the Piegan Pass with 1400 ft (427 m) elevation gain. Trailhead very busy but not crowded on the trails. The 6.1 mile (12.2 roundtrip), hike to Cracker Lake includes wooded forests, grand views of lakes and mountains, creek crossings, distant waterfalls, mining ruins, possible wildflowers and wildlife, and a swim in turquoise water. This lovely small lake was created when the glacier started retreating, and it is often filled with large icebergs that have broken off from the glacier itself. Nov 29, 2020 - The Treasure State is full of little-known attractions to cross off your bucket list. Pristine valleys and high ridges Off-trail hike on a stunning alpine ridge Classic views & rejuvenating solitude Have potential to see wildlife Pristine campsites Fantastically vivid night skies Refreshing Granite Hot Springs Description. your own Pins on Pinterest Originating just 45 minutes from Jackson Hole, our hike takes us up majestic Granite Creek, where we'll soak up incredible views of the high country. The spur hike to the lake turns away many hikers because the trail can be hard to find at times and crosses a large boulder field. This is a Wilderness area, be sure to check any fire restrictions, road closures, or updates on the area with the Swan Lake Ranger Station before going, 406-837-7500. A relatively easy 12.8 mile hike from the trail head and Many Glacier Hotel parking lot to the very end of the lake. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The trailhead to Glacier Lake also serves as the trailhead for Crescent Lake, Heart Lake and Turquoise Lake. Follow #690 3 … Totally worth it with the views and the lake. Nowhere embodies this slice of Montana better than Glacier National Park. She has a, ummm, bit of a reputation as a hiker. Definitely would do this hike again. Aug 15, 2013 - This Pin was discovered by Sunshine Bartlett. The mountains themselves run for over 40 miles north to south, … The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Owl Creek Cabin is a rustic, single-room dwelling that can accommodate up to four guests. It is available to reserve for up to seven days. A hike through dense forest along a creek to turquoise Grinnell Lake in a towering glacial cirque. */ Date of experience: February 2016 If you have time for only a hike or two this summer, Lake of the Hanging Glacier should, arguably, be at the top of your list. Climb down from Turquoise to Lace Lake for some excellent fishing and for the adventurous, clamber up the cliffs on the Southwest shoreline for an invigorating jump into the cold water. Top Montana Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Montana, United States on Tripadvisor. Be careful as some of them may be pooping on the ground or chucking garbage into the woods. Get there: Approximately a 2-hour drive from Vancouver. Whether you hike in for the day, or backpack in for the night, make sure to take ample time to explore all of the area's alpine lakes. Hike to 6 alpine lakes nestled in one valley with amazing fishing opportunities! This was taken on an overnight trip to Turquoise Lake, a beautiful gem in the southern Mission Mountains of Montana. At the 1.4-mile mark, after gaining 800 feet, the trail breaks out of the trees at Crescent Lake. “ Go early and enjoy a Moderate walk along a singing creek for 3-3.5 miles , up to Broadwater. The 6.1 mile (12.2 roundtrip), hike to Cracker Lake includes wooded forests, grand views of lakes and mountains, creek crossings, distant waterfalls, mining ruins, possible wildflowers and wildlife, and a swim in turquoise water. The Crescent Lake-High Lake Trail begins on the Specimen Creek Trail, 6.1 miles north of U.S. Highway 191, It starts with a steep 1000-foot climb through spruce-fir and lodgepole forests. Lake Alva Campground is situated at the north end of Lake Alva in northwestern Montana. Located at the head of a canyon, Cracker Lake is framed by Mount Siyeh, Cracker Peak, and Allen Mountain. Fairly easy to find the right lines, but was nice to be able to reference AT to make sure I was still heading the right direction. “ The Lake Fork Trail offers several excellent forest trails in the mountains very near Red Lodge, MT, including the main trail along a scenic river. I actually spotted the lake on google earth due to its vibrant turquoise colour and found out we could hike the 20km in one day. Sitting deep in the forest to the west of Leadville, Turquoise Lake takes its name from the Turquoise mines that produced the semiprecious stone in Leadville's not too distant past. Once on the Avalanche Lake Trail you will quickly come upon a series of waterfalls which are beautiful to see and photograph. For the more adventurous, there is cliff jumping at Lace Lake. The trail is very gradual switchbacks until you get to about the last mile or so. From there, you’re only 3 more miles to the beautiful turquoise waters of this pristine glacial lake. Total hiking distance to Turquoise lake is 6.1 miles one way with an elevation gain of roughly 1,500 feet. It took my group about 7 hours and we clocked in at 13 miles all around. So amazing and worth the rocky climb into it!! Andy Edelstein / alltrails.com You'll have to drive from Highway 83 down Kraft Creek Rd for more than 11 miles before you even reach the trail. Well worth the hike. The Turquoise Lake loop is a good training ride or introduction to singletrack riding. At this point along your Glacier Park hike, you'll begin to understand why the hike to Cracker Lake is one of our favorite Glacier Park hikes. Otherwise it's pretty gradual grade changes. The Mission Mountains are hard to miss when seen from the west in the lower Flathead Valley - the mountains have a vertical rise of over 6000 feet from the valley floor below with no foothills. Endless bear grass and rocks on the hike – Carrie K Driving Directions from Nearest Town or Landmark Turquoise Lake is in the Lakes category for Missoula County in the state of Montana. The trail down to the lake basin then has some lingering large but passable snow crossings and then does a steep drop to the basin (meaning a steep climb out of the basin). At just six miles one way, it's a relatively short overnight hike, but not exactly easy, as there is an elevation gain of nearly 2500 feet. Definitely need good, waterproof shoes with the melt-off, stream crossings, and mud still present on the trail. A trio of sedimentary peaksstands guard over Turquoise Lake’s expansive waters and long shorelines as though to keep them hidden. Saturday, September 12th (Late Season) Cracker Lake Trailhead, Glacier National Park, MT. Save. Love this hike. There is parking and a vault ... About 2 mi. Turn right (north) on CR 5 immediately after the bridge over the Arkansas River. Turquoise Lake is the last of six gorgeous lakes on this stunning six mile hike (one way) based in Montana's Swan Valley. Ho... Overview Hidden within Montana’s picturesque Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness lies Black Canyon Lake, an incredible turquoise glacial lake. Owing to a history of heavy use, the Forest Service prohibits camping within a quarter mile of the shore. south of Condon, MT, take Rumble Creek Road east to Cooney Lookout and park at the trailhead at 4550 ft. The scenery along the way is real nice. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Just past mile marker 38 south of Condon, turn right onto Kraft Creek Road. Decently challenging backpacking hike up to the lake. Not much in water sources once you get away from Glacier Creek at the start but plenty at the end. A trio of sedimentary peaksstands guard over Turquoise Lake’s expansive waters and long shorelines as though to keep them hidden. If you are camping at Turquoise Lake, be prepared to be kept up most the night by the mountain goats . … Turquoise Lake - CANCELED. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Plenty of shade, so good for doggos. Turquoise Lake is a stunning gem in the southern Mission Mountain Wilderness in Montana. For photographers, I suggest going later in the day as the side with the two waterfalls … Turquoise Lake is one of Montana's true hidden gems, located on the western edge of the Mission Mountain Wilderness near the town of Condon. Plan on adding another mile round trip to the hike as you will probably have to park a ways down along the road from the trailhead parking area. This 15-acre jewel sits in an impressive geologic cirque. Cracker Lake Hike. Your hard work will pay off when you dive into the icy waters aptly named for their turquoise color. Hikers are able to bring their dogs on the trail. Follow the trail for about 1 mi. It ends at a beautiful turquoise lake with view of huge peaks and a 1,000 foot waterfall. When you think of Montana, you probably think of towering mountain peaks jutting jaggedly against a huge blue sky while waterfalls cascade over cliffs, wildflowers bloom in gorgeous colors and glacial lakes shine in hues of teal and turquoise. A spot prized for its fishing, camping, and hiking, Turquoise Lake provides some of the most beautiful views on the Leadville Ranger District. … Spooky cemeteries, off-the-beaten-path breweries, and remote restaurants are just some of the hidden gem travel destinations Montana has to offer. Glacier Lake Trailhead is a popular trailhead, and the parking lot can fill up quickly on hot summer weekends since it provi... Drive on 83 through the swan until you reach the turnoff for Holland Lake. In the Swan Valley, head south on Highway 83. This photo from Montana, West is titled 'Turquoise'. I highly recommend biking the first 3 miles. When we asked people about the trail to … Below are weather averages from 1971 to 2000 according to data gathered from the nearest official weather station. ). Montana (MT) Glacier National Park ; Glacier National Park - Things to Do ; Cracker Lake Hike; Search. This hike is 12.2 miles roundtrip and gains 1,400 feet of elevation, it’s classified as a moderate hike mostly because of the distance. My friend Elizabeth McDonald . From Hwy 83 in the Swan Valley, south of mile marker 38, turn west onto Kraft Creek Rd also called Forest Service Road #561, the trailhead is about 11.5 miles at the end of the road. Turquoise Lake trail #708 starts 3 miles up the Glacier Creek trail #690. Hellroaring Road to Hellroaring Reservoir. We easily "shooed" him off by clapping. The switchbacks were gradual, making the ascent feel very manageable. Also saw a used tampon in a bush near the lake. Cory, Brian, and Terry venture out on a day hike to Turquoise Lake and Glacier Lake on the east side of the Mission Mountains in western Montana. This one is for all that love the turquoise blue of a mountain lake. Once there, not many flat spots to camp so you have to get there early or get a little creative. 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