Top 17 Lakes in the Bitterroot Range

For easily accessible and popular options, Lake Como in Montana is a top choice, attracting many visitors annually for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. It features a sandy swim beach and a 7.1-mile loop trail. Another option is Twin Lakes, one of the few alpine lakes accessible by vehicle, though the road can be rough. It's great for fishing, canoeing, and serves as a trailhead for longer hikes.

Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. Lake Como is particularly family-friendly, offering a sandy swim beach, picnic tables, changing rooms, and restrooms. Hayden Lake and Lake Coeur d'Alene are also noted for their family-friendly areas and recreational opportunities.

The Bitterroot Range offers a wide spectrum of hiking experiences to its lakes. You can find moderate trails like the 5.4-mile out-and-back to Camas Lake, known for wildflowers and good fishing. For more challenging and rigorous hikes, consider Canyon Lake, which involves a 9 to 11-mile round-trip with steep ascents, or Bass Lake, reached via a 7.7-mile trail through a scenic glacial valley.

The best time to visit generally depends on your activity. For wildflowers and crystal-clear waters, early summer is ideal, especially for alpine lakes like Twin Lakes. Water levels at irrigation reservoirs like Lake Como are typically highest from spring through late July, making it perfect for water activities during that period.

Yes, many lakes in the Bitterroot Range are excellent for swimming and fishing. Lake Como has a dedicated swim beach, and alpine lakes like Hoodoo Lake are known for their refreshing waters. Fishing is a popular activity across many lakes, including Baker Lake, Twin Lakes, and Camas Lake.

Camping opportunities are available near several lakes. Twin Lakes has the nearby Schumacher campground with designated campsites. Hoodoo Lake and Upper Siamese Lake also offer camping, providing a chance for solitude and immersion in nature, potentially even with mountain goats as companions.

The lakes are set amidst stunning natural beauty. You can find rugged peaks, dense forests, and impressive glacial valleys, such as the U-shaped valley leading to Bass Lake. Viewpoints are abundant, with highlights like Higgens Point offering great views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. The area around Stevens Lake and Lone Lake is characterized by jagged crags and stunning waterfalls, with Stevens Peak as the tallest mountain.

Beyond hiking, the Bitterroot Range offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking and horseback riding around Lake Como. Canoeing is popular at Twin Lakes (non-motorized). For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous gravel biking routes in the region, such as those found in the Gravel biking in the Bitterroot Range guide, and running trails like those detailed in the Running Trails in the Bitterroot Range guide.

Yes, the Bitterroot Range is home to several remote alpine lakes that reward strenuous effort. Baker Lake, while a relatively short hike, requires a long drive on a dirt road. Canyon Lake is known for its rigorous and challenging hike. Upper Siamese Lake and Copper Lake are also examples of alpine gems that offer a sense of solitude after a significant trek, often involving ascending to the Idaho/Montana stateline for sweeping views.

Yes, some lakes offer loop trails. Lake Como features the 7.1-mile Lake Como National Recreation Trail, which is a loop. The larger Siamese Lake Loop is also celebrated for its diverse flora and features, including rainforest-like areas and terraced waterfalls.

While many alpine lakes require moderate to strenuous effort, some trails offer easier access. The 5.4-mile out-and-back trail to Camas Lake is considered moderate and shorter than many other alpine lake hikes. For generally easy hiking options in the region, you can explore routes mentioned in the Easy hikes in the Bitterroot Range guide, which includes trails like the English Point Red Loop Trail.