We might be a bit biased, but we happen to think hiking in Montana beats hiking pretty much anywhere else on Earth. That being said, some of our trails are certainly more spectacular than others. If you’ll be in Northwest Montana this year, check out the Heart and Pearl Lakes Trail. As the name implies, you’ll get to see two gorgeous backcountry lakes on this journey.
The Heart and Pearl Lakes Trail is located in Lolo National Forest, not far from the tiny town of Superior.
Danielle Moss / alltrails.com Download a Lolo National Forest Visitors’ Map before you go to make locating the trail a breeze.
While this is not a hike for total beginners, it is ranked as moderate, meaning you should be able to manage it if you’ve been hiking quite a bit this year already.
Brandan Mickelson / alltrails.com The trail is about seven miles in length, but the path isn’t terribly treacherous.
In the beginning, the mostly shaded trail follows Trout Creek and includes a gradual 1,150-foot elevation gain.
Shelley Hewitt / alltrails.com When you see a fork in the trail, you’ll want to veer left.
After a couple of miles, Heart Lake will come into view.
Tane Mooney / alltrails.com Some people choose to camp here (there are several campgrounds nearby), and we can’t say we blame them. This lake is breathtaking.
When you continue on, you’ll really start to notice the uphill climb.
Daniel Mitchell / alltrails.com The trail can also be a bit slick here when it’s raining or the snow is melting, so be prepared.
Soon, you’ll come to Pearl Lake, which is equally as beautiful.
Matthew Wilson / alltrails.com There are also a few campgrounds and backcountry campsites here.
Summer is definitely the best time to hike this trail, although many enjoy it in autumn until the snow really picks up.
Matthew Wilson / alltrails.com But it’s tough to top wildflower season here.
Have you ever explored this exhilarating trail? Share your experience with us!
Danielle Moss / alltrails.com
Download a Lolo National Forest Visitors’ Map before you go to make locating the trail a breeze.
Brandan Mickelson / alltrails.com
The trail is about seven miles in length, but the path isn’t terribly treacherous.
Shelley Hewitt / alltrails.com
When you see a fork in the trail, you’ll want to veer left.
Tane Mooney / alltrails.com
Some people choose to camp here (there are several campgrounds nearby), and we can’t say we blame them. This lake is breathtaking.
Daniel Mitchell / alltrails.com
The trail can also be a bit slick here when it’s raining or the snow is melting, so be prepared.
Matthew Wilson / alltrails.com
There are also a few campgrounds and backcountry campsites here.
But it’s tough to top wildflower season here.
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Address: Heart Lake, Montana 59868, USAAddress: Pearl Lake, Montana 59872, USA
