One of the greatest aspects of hiking is the opportunity to explore new areas, even places near your home. Camas Lake is just one of those places…close to home and never explore. That was true until today when Vida and I made the hike to the lake and we were awarded with spectacular views and a great trail. The first stream crossing was…well, let’s say bracing.

There are few lakes in the Bitterroot Mountain Range as accessible as Camas Lake with a moderate climb to the lake at about 6 miles out and back. The beginning of the trail winds around the mountain before entering the canyon in a shaded thick timber, and then crossing Camas Creek on two separate footbridges. The pyramidal Camas Peak rises beyond the lake and there are two upper lakes as well.

Getting There:

On Hwy 93 approximately 9 miles south of Hamilton, turn west onto Lost Horse Rd. After a little more than 2 miles veer right at the Forest Service sign for Camas Creek and Coyote Coulee. Follow the dirt road six miles to the marked trailhead.

The first and coldest stream crossing View down into the Bitterroot Valley north of Darby Higher, higher, higher Nearing the end of the path

The wildflowers were not in full bloom yet, but they were still great.

Labrador Tea (Ledum glandulosum) Lyall’s penstemon (Penstemon lyallii) Round-leaved Yellow Violet (Viola orbiculata) Cushion phlox (Phlox pulvinata)

And, finally, the star of the show, Camas Lake.

Camas Lake in panorama The water is so smnooth …and so clear