Hiking in Shadow Lake, Montana

A trip to Shadow Lake, Montana, will offer you the chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains and its surrounding wilderness. While hiking around the lake, you can take advantage of the many scenic viewpoints in the area. You can also take a break from your hike on one of the nearby boulders.

The location of Shadow Lake is unique, as it is situated in the middle of a mountain range. The lake is 7113 feet in elevation, and is adjacent to Lost Lake and Fan Mountain. There are a couple of things to know before you visit the area, and HTL Address Research can help you get an idea of how this area compares to others.

The West Fork Rock Creek Approach leads to Shadow Lake, a small lake with a stream running through it. It is the perfect base camp for any north or east facing snow climb. The lake itself is not particularly large, but it is surrounded by some of the most scenic views in the area. The lake is also home to a number of marmots, which can be very aggressive early in the season.

After a quarter-mile of hiking, the trail curves slightly east and starts climbing. It avoids the boulder field that lines the shoreline, but you’ll enjoy intermittent views of the jagged peaks that rise to the north of Shadow Lake. Rock cairns mark the trail as it climbs.

The West Fork Rock Creek Approach starts at Shadow Lake and leads up the valley towards Sundance Mountain. After a short distance, you’ll gain over 1,500 feet of elevation, and there’s also a small scramble to Silt Lake. There are 10 small streams to cross along the way, but you’ll often be able to find a faint trail to follow.

Search efforts are continuing, but the area around Morell’s base camp is largely unexplored. The ground crews haven’t given up hope. Their search has been aided by infrared cameras, thermal imaging equipment, and search dog teams. The Red Lodge Fire & Rescue Department has joined forces with other agencies, including the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, the National Guard, and the air rescue team.

The combined trail rises over a low knoll, then climbs up the valley on easy grades. At 3.7 miles, it passes a small waterfall. After the waterfall, the combined trail curves to the right and crosses a creek on boulders. There are rock cairns along the way, indicating the trail’s continuation.