Hiking Project Logo

A gorgeous trail to a series of alpine lakes nestled in a granite cirque.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

10.4

Miles

16.7

KM

Out and Back

9,022' 2,750 m

High

5,653' 1,723 m

Low

3,391' 1,034 m

Up

3,391' 1,034 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Overview

Getting to Pine Creek Lake makes for a long day filled with lots of climbing, but the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness delivers with waterfalls and lakes tucked into a rocky basin.

Description

From the parking lot, the trail starts off passing through a mix of old, burnt-out forest and some thick stands of trees. About a mile in, you come to the first waterfall which is where most parties turn around.

The next mile switchbacks its way up the hill until you come to a broad alpine valley that is filled with flowers in the right season. Rock hop across the river and don't follow the trail that stays to the right. Continue pushing uphill, gaining 1,800 feet in a 1.3 miles until the trail flattens out as it hugs a pretty stream.

You arrive at the first of lakes (it can be buggy it the right season and without wind) which lies at the base of a waterfall and large stone wall. More switchbacks head up the side of the cliff until you top out at a small pristine lake. Pass along the right side to arrive at Pine Creek Lake proper.

Contacts

Shared By:

Russell Hobart

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 19 votes

#522

Overall
  4.7 from 19 votes
5 Star
74%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#13

in Montana

#522

Overall
12 Views Last Month
6,636 Since Jul 19, 2018
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
12%
18%
71%
0%

Photos

Standing on the edge of Jewel Lake
Jul 21, 2018 near Livingston, MT
Dead trees never looked so beautiful!
Dec 23, 2019 near Livingston, MT
The trip back down
Jul 30, 2021 near Livingston, MT
Don't get wet!
Dec 23, 2019 near Livingston, MT
View of the valley
Dec 23, 2019 near Livingston, MT
Get there in the morning and you'll get some great sunbeams through the trees!
Dec 23, 2019 near Livingston, MT
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.