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Fish Lake |
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This trail saw more activity during the summer of 2008, since so many of the higher altitude trails were still snow covered until August, then it normally does in multiple years.
2.9 miles elevation gain 1,000 feet. Fish Lake Trail shares the first two miles of it's trail with Mount Brown Trail, Snyder Lake Trail and Sperry Chalet Trail. Fish Lake Trail is usually a very peaceful trail. This trail's primary attraction is not Fish Lake but the old growth forest that the trail passes through on the way to Fish Lake. Park at the large parking area to the east of Lake McDonald Lodge. Follow the signs to the Sperry Chalet Trail. The trail passes near the horse barn before it starts to climb. Except for one short steep section just after Crystal Ford the first two miles are the steepest part of this trail. Mount Brown Trail, which is the first trail that branches off the Sperry Chalet Trail is the steepest of the day hikes in Glacier National Park! After passing Mount Brown Trail you will come to the Snyder Lake Trail, keep on the main trail. At this point the trail goes down to Crystal Ford. | |
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Important after crossing the bridge: go straight!
Sperry Chalet Trail goes to the left. Fish Lake Trail is a secondary trail, there were several dead falls across the trail that had been there for a long time. In the spring this can be a very wet trail.
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When you get to the lake there is no view other then the lake and surrounding forest, unless you wade over to the far shore. I use this as a conditioning hike in late spring. There are NO views on this trail, but there usually is an abundance of peace and quite, old growth forests, plus lots of small creek crossings after leaving the shared trail. During early summer this should be a good location for low elevation wildflowers. The earliest wildflowers bloom just after the snow melts. Fish Lake as seen from Mount Brown Lookout! If your intrested in quite forest hikes without views of the surrounding mountains then this trail a good choice. |
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