Piper Lake

The Piper Creek Trail #119 offers a challenging hike through dense pine forests, following Piper Creek as you steadily ascend. You will experience a true wilderness atmosphere, with views opening up as you approach Piper Lake, the trail's destination. This difficult route covers 10.4 miles (16.7 km) and involves a significant elevation gain of 2086 feet (636 metres). Plan for a duration of around 6 hours and 29 minutes to complete the journey, with the final mile before the lake being particularly steep.

To plan your visit, be aware that the trail is typically clear of snow and blowdown by mid-July. This makes late summer the ideal time to hike, allowing for the snowmelt. Prepare for a genuine wilderness experience; the area is home to grizzly bears, black bears, and mountain lions. Always carry bear spray and make noise to alert animals to your presence for your safety.

This trail leads you deep into the Mission Mountains Wilderness within Montana's Flathead National Forest. As you hike, you will pass through diverse pine forests of cedar, spruce/fir, larch, and lodgepole pines. While views are limited for much of the journey, the destination at Piper Lake rewards you with scenic vistas. You might also find abundant wildflowers in late summer, adding to the natural beauty of this remote area.