Beartooth Mountains & Pine Creek Lake Trail, Montana

National Parks, Photographs, Road Trips, Travel July 8, 2012

Discovering The Picturesque Beartooth Mountains & Pine Creek Lake Trail, Montana

A lesser known and spectacularly rewarding hike through glacial pools and waterfalls outside of Yellowstone National Park, Pine Creek Lake Trail in the Beartooth Mountain range, Montana.  Take bear spray.

 

WORTH THE TRIP?

Yes.  Beautiful, surreal setting with clearly marked trail.  Pretty difficult for rushed or inexperienced hikers though.

ACTIVITIES

  • ATHLETES:  trail running, hiking, exploring
  • ADVENTURERS:  climbing, camping, hiking, exploring
  • PHOTOGRAPHERS:  incredibly detailed photo/video scapes, landscapes
  • FAMILIES:  too remote for most families, but offers an incredible backdrop for picnicking for more diehard outdoor adventurers
  • KIDS:  not recommended

WHAT TO BRING?

  • CLOTHING:  Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes.  A warm rain jacket since the weather can change quickly year round.  Swimming trunks since you’ll likely be more than tempted by the crystal clear frigid glacial pools, waterfalls and solitude.
  • CAMERA:  Phone and DSLR.
  • LENSES:  Wide angle at a minimum.  You might also want to add a telephoto or midrange zoom.
  • BACKPACK:  A light to midrange backpack with ample water supply.  Pack lighter if you’re an experienced hiker.  Plan to bring more food/water if you usually stick to shorter/easier day trips with lower elevation gains.

WHEN TO GO?

Summer and fall.  Does not see nearly the traffic of most National Park trails (particularly as-compared with nearby Yellowstone National Park) so you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the feeling of isolation amidst the grandeur of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

SUMMARY

All the essentials.  LOTS of water, food/snacks, bear spray, clothing for potentially rapidly changing mountain weather conditions (wet/dry and/or hot/cold) and a good camera.  You’ll definitely get plenty of photos and videos you’ll want to capture when you make it to the upper plateaus and lakes.

THE EQUIPMENT WE USED:

 

GALLERY

 

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO PACK:

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Recent Comments

  • Richard
    December 26, 2015 - 5:27 pm · Reply

    Sorry, but I’m pretty sure that isn’t Pine Creek Lake. I’ve been there many times. I’m pretty sure it’s a Lake on the Beartooth plateau. That little pointy peak on the right side of the picture is the Bear’s Tooth. You are looking West Northwest.
    R Holmquist
    Missoula

    • Jesse Vachon
      January 4, 2016 - 12:23 am · Reply

      You’re right! Thank you for catching the mistype. Truly a beautiful and lesser known area that is well worth the effort (as-is so much of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness). Planning to upload more images from this epic hike soon!

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