Lake Plateau Backpacking

5 out of 5

A week-long backpacking vacation into a popular hiking area with a myriad of side trip opportunities. Nicely suited to backpackers who like to set up a base camp. Most locals consider the Boulder River the dividing line between the Beartooths to the east and the Absaroka Range to the west. Boulder River Road ends 48 miles south of Big Timber at Box Canyon Campground. The Boulder River is a popular place. The road is lined with dude ranches and church camps in addition to numerous summer homes. During the early hunting season in September dozens of horse trailers may be parked at Box Canyon Trailhead. The Lake Plateau region of the Beartooths is as popular as any spot in the entire wilderness. The Boulder River trailheads (Box Canyon and Upsidedown Creek) attract many backpackers. Few backcountry horsemen use Upsidedown Creek, but many hunters and outfitters use the Box Canyon trailhead to access the Slough Creek Divide area. The Lake Plateau is a unique and spectacular part of the Beartooths accessed by four major trails.