The there-and-back hike up to Hub and Hazel Lakes with an optional summit bid to Eagle Peak is a quiet but challenging adventure in the Great Burn Area of Lolo National Forest near Sant Regis, Montana. Expect old-growth cedar forests, a relentless incline (especially up to Eagle Peak), and beautiful spots to pitch a tent if you’re looking for some backcountry camping.
To get to the trailhead, take the hairpin exit 26 off Interstate 90 (it’s easy to miss!), and follow the dirt forest service road for 10 miles until reaching the Ward Creek Trailhead with a few spots for parking. The road is well-managed and easy to navigate for almost all types of vehicles. There’s additional parking along this road if the trailhead is occupied.
The route begins by meandering nicely through an old-growth cedar forest with Ward Creek ambling throughout. It doesn’t take long for the route to start ascending, shortly after passing an inaccessible waterfall on Ward Creek, and the incline remains steady throughout. At roughly 2.5 miles, you’ll arrive at a steep trail descending to the banks of Hub Lake. Just a mile away is the much more accessible Hazel Lake, featuring an easy-to-access shoreline perfect for refilling water bottles and lounging.
Hazel Lake makes for a great destination in itself, and plenty of shoreline offers places to relax and access the water. But for more of an adventure, you can continue around the western edge of the water to start ascending the steepest part of the trail so far to Eagle Peak. It’s roughly a mile up to Eagle Peak and steep the entire way, first passing a long abandoned mine entrance and then switchbacking all the way up.
The trail up to Eagle Peak passes through a scree field, making it challenging to find the correct route. Keep toward the tree line once you’re well above the abandoned mine, and soon enough, you’ll make it to a ridgeline. Head west on the ridgeline toward Eagle Peak, once again traversing steep terrain, and a giant rock pile and cairn mark the top, where a fantastic view of The Great Burn rewards the efforts.
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