Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
2,570.00 ft (783.34 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
7.70 mi (12.39 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The trail to Glen Lake first starts with a gradual climb through an old burn over the first ridge. After about 2 miles in you will begin to descend down a steeper part of the trail for a short period of time until you start to climb up toward the second ridge. There are views to either side of the Bitterroot Wilderness and valley, and the openness from the burn only helps with visbility. You eventually will hit a fork in the trail, which is ultimately a loop option to Glen Lake. Go to the left at this fork, and in about a mile of downhill travel you will hit Glen Lake. It can be pretty windy at this point due to the lack of coverage. You have an option to keep hiking around the loop that will take you to two ponds/smaller lakes, and the hike back up to the second ridge is steep and a bit overgrown down by the water. If you go the loop route, which is recommended, eventually you will hit the fork again. Stay left to head back to the trailhead.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Lake. Views. Wildflowers and wildlife. Dirt trail.

Cons

Exposed to sun and wind. No restroom. Unmarked trail.

Trailhead Elevation

6,650.00 ft (2,026.92 m)

Highest point

8,608.00 ft (2,623.72 m)

Features

Family friendly
Near lake or river
Wildlife
Fishing
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Missoula + Bitterroot Mountains, Montana
Missoula + Bitterroot Mountains, Montana

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.