Cold Lakes Trail

The Cold Lakes Trail is located in the Mission Mountains Wilderness near Condon, Missoula County, Montana. The trailhead is accessible, and the drive to it offers scenic views through the Swan Valley. Parking is typically available at the trailhead itself.

The trail is generally rated as 'Medium' or 'Moderate', but it begins with a steep incline for the first mile, climbing approximately 800 feet. This initial section can be challenging for younger children, individuals with bad knees, or those not accustomed to significant elevation gain. After this, the trail levels out. Consider your group's fitness level for the initial climb.

The main trail to Lower Cold Lake is about 5.7 to 5.8 kilometers (approximately 3.5 to 3.6 miles) out and back. While an estimated hiking time is around 1 hour and 32 minutes, this can vary significantly based on your pace, stops for photos, and enjoyment of the scenery. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to comfortably complete the hike and spend some time at the lake.

The trail is a well-maintained singletrack. It starts with a steep climb through dense old-growth forests. After the initial ascent, it generally levels out, traversing through pines, firs, larch, Engelmann spruce, and Rocky Mountain maples. Some sections can be brushy, especially in the fall, so long pants are advisable. Closer to the lakes, the terrain opens up to parkland meadows and marshland, leading to glacier-carved lakes. The shoreline of Cold Lake is rocky.

Hikers can expect picturesque views throughout the journey. Along the trail, you'll find abundant huckleberries, massive blooms of bear grass, and various wildflowers. Upon reaching Cold Lake, the landscape dramatically opens up to a beautiful mountain cirque and towering cliffs. The lake itself is crystal clear, revealing stunning shades of blue and teal.

The area is home to various birds, and mountain goats may be seen on the towering cliffs near Cold Lake. Importantly, grizzly bears are present in the Mission Mountains Wilderness. Hikers should be diligent about making noise to avoid surprising wildlife and carry bear spray as a precaution.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Cold Lakes Trail. However, as it is within a wilderness area and grizzly bears are present, it's crucial to keep dogs on a leash to prevent encounters with wildlife and ensure their safety, as well as the safety of other hikers.

The trail is best hiked during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall, when the snow has melted and the wildflowers are in bloom. Fall offers beautiful foliage, though some sections can become brushy. Winter hiking is generally not recommended due to snow and potential avalanche hazards.

The Cold Lakes Trail is located within the Mission Mountains Wilderness, which is part of the Flathead National Forest. Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for day hiking on this trail. However, it's always a good idea to check the Flathead National Forest website for any current regulations or alerts before your visit.

While the area is popular for day hikes, camping is generally not permitted within a quarter-mile of the lake shorelines at Cold Lake. If you plan to camp, ensure you are outside this restricted zone and follow all wilderness regulations regarding Leave No Trace principles.

Yes, there is a path that leads to Upper Cold Lake from Lower Cold Lake. However, this path is unmaintained and may involve bushwhacking, making it a more challenging and less defined route than the main trail to Cold Lake.