Montana
Rock Lake
Length: 5 one_way miles
Low Point: 2960'
High Point: 4960'
Season: Spring/Summer/Fall
Low Point: 2960'
High Point: 4960'
Season: Spring/Summer/Fall
Scenery: 4/5
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Difficulty: 3.5/5
Submitted by: Chic
Directions
From Sandpoint, Id drive east on Hwy 200 into Montana. About 2 miles past the Noxon, Mt. bridge turn left (N) on Rock Creekroad #150. At about 5 miles turn right on 150A to trailhead.
Trail Description
Rock Lake trail starts on an old mining road and is a low angle trail through an area frequented by bear. At about 2.5 miles the trail climbs moderately to a nice waterfall just below the lake. Be sure to stop and photograph this falls. The lake is a short walk further up an easy grade. There are a couple of campsites at the lake. To continue the hike further, hike the left side of the lake to the north end for great views of Ojibway Peak 7303\'. With a little bushwacking a hiker can continue up towards St. Paul Pass. The upper sanctuary is calm and very scenic. This upper \"trail\" can take a hiker to St. Paul Lake.
Comments
This is a great trail. Things you need to keep in mind are the weather. There are several creeks you have to pass through and if you go too early in the Spring you won't be able to cross them due to snow melt. In the Fall keep an eye on snow conditions... Especially starting around the end of October. There are times that the path gets fairly steep. We had to stop at the waterfall at the bottom of the lake. There is a ton of old mining equipment there and my fellow hiker tripped over a large bolt left in the ground and gashed her knee open, requiring stitches. So be careful and watch where you walk around this stuff. I also had my 2 and 5 year old with me. The five year old was tired at the end of the hike, but generally did well...the 2 year old was in tears a quarter way into the hike back down. So I'd suggest this is for 5 and up :)
2009-06-25 10:21:40