Elk Lake

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5/5 (8 reviews)
West Yellowstone, Montana (Beaverhead County)
Last Updated: 12/03/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Elk Lake is one of those out of the way mountain lakes that many of us know for great fishing and some old school social distancing. Hidden Lake and Elk Lake below are both spring-fed with crystal clear waters. Whether you're planning a wedding at Elk Lake Resort or want to escape the crowds and enjoy some fishing at these remote lakes, this trail has something for you. The first part of this trail is located in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. This area is popular for birders and photographers wanting to photograph the once nearly extinct Trumpeter Swans. The remaining half of this trail is in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest national forest in Montana, covering 3.35 million acres.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (8)
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Official Crew
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38400
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 12/03/2023

Closed for the season, see you next year!
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Official Crew
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38400
Not Reported
Visited: 05/28/2023

Many trails have remained closed longer than usual due to lingering snow. The status of these trails has not been reported.
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38400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/18/2022

The snow on the mountains and flower covered fields made for a beautiful drive. We hiked to Hidden Lake and caught a couple of nice rainbows, but left early due to the incredible amount of flying insects. The trail is is a bit more rutted than previous years, but still easily passable.
Trail Review: Elk Lake - Cory Wooldridge
Trail Review: Elk Lake - Cory Wooldridge
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Official Crew
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38400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/03/2021

We took a drive to view the changing colors in the Red Rock Lakes area and the surrounding mountains, then up to Elk and Hidden Lake to check out the aftermath of the Goose Fire. It was a beautiful day, so we hiked the loop trail on the southwest side of Hidden Lake. The fire was hit and miss, but the majority of the Hidden Lake Campground burnt. Be cautious if you decide to hike or travel this trail on a windy day: there are quite a few leaning and burnt trees that could come down at any time. The road itself hadn't changed and its still a pretty drive. Plus, we saw eight deer on our hike and drive between Elk and Hidden Lakes.
Trail Review: Elk Lake - Cory Wooldridge
Trail Review: Elk Lake - Cory Wooldridge
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Official Crew
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38400
Open
Visited: 09/14/2021

The Goose Fire area closure order was rescinded on October 7th, allowing the reopening of the following trails: Cliff Lake Bench Conklin Lake East Bench Elk Lake Jackknife Jackpine Gulch South Bench The condition of the affected trails is unknown and will be updated soon.

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