Crystal Lake Trail

Saint Regis, Montana

2 Reviews

Summary Trail Guide Topo Map Reviews Photos GPS

DESCRIPTION FROM:

Best Hikes with Dogs: Inland Northwest

by Craig Romano & Alan L. Bauer (The Mountaineers Books)

The hike to Crystal Lake is short but steep—in elevation and in history. It’s not a terribly difficult hike, just a bit of a grunt for short-winded dogs and their owners. At least the trail, which utilizes an old mining road for most of the way, is shaded, and there’s no shortage of water.

Crystal’sdeep waters invite a swim, and its rocky shoreline is a great place to soak up the sun. A former mining town site will interest two-legged visitors,while hounds will enjoy sniffing out the faunal past.

View Guide Topo Map

Trail Statistics and Information


Activity Type:	Hiking
Nearby City:	Saint Regis
Distance:	3.5
Elevation Gain:	1,400 feet
Trail Type:	Out-and-back
Duration:	3 hours
Season:	Best June through October
Trailhead Elevation:	4,100 feet
Top Elevation:	5,500 feet
Accessibility:	Dog-friendly
Local Contacts:	Lolo National Forest, Superior Ranger District
Local Maps:	USGS Haugan SW
Driving Directions:	Directions to Crystal Lake Trail

Recent Trail Reviews

Beth/Greg P.

Rating:

Date of Trip: 7/7/2012

Whew...what a climb. Beautiful lake at the top....glad we did it but won't be making that hike again anytime soon. Words of advise: Good sturdy shoes, lots of drinking water, start out in the cool of the morning, either Avon Skin-So-Soft Bath Oil to rub on (mosquitos don't like it) or a bug spray...as they are pretty think on this trail and a blow up floaty to play on the lake...oh and leave your toddler and grandma at home for the day.

patty L.

Rating:

Date of Trip: 7/5/2012

Keep in mind that this trail is up hill the WHOLE way to the lake. We're not athletes by any means but have done numerous hikes and we found this one pretty tiring. Perhaps it was the altitude we aren't used to either. But it is beautiful and there was lots of shade most of the way. The lake was beautiful and the potty at the top was clean and newly built. There was still a little snow on the mountain when we went. When we got back to the car, there was a big family starting up and said they heard the trail was easy enough for toddlers. Not sure where that trail guide came from. Make sure you take lots of water and wear shoes that can handle the constant uphill and downhill. Two of our group lost the soles of their tennis shoes coming down. We just hadn't planned for that strenuous of a hike.