It’s no secret that Montana is home to some of the best lakes in Montana — and we also know that nothing beats spending a summer day enjoying their freshwater shorelines and cool, refreshing waters. But while most tourists flock to our well-known bodies of water like Flathead Lake, the hidden gems stay quiet and peaceful. If you have yet to make the hike to Storm Lake, make this the year you go.
Storm Lake is located about 20 minutes from Anaconda, in the breathtaking Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness.
Vicki Gockenbach /alltrails.com But despite its close proximity to Anaconda, many Montanans don’t even know this lake is here.
The lake water is a crystal clear shade of blue, and the entire area is gorgeous.
Jocelyn Catterson / Flickr On a particularly sunny day, you may even be able to see all the way to the bottom of the lake.
Reaching Storm Lake requires a bit of a hike, but it’s worth it.
Maria Renee / alltrails.com The trail to the lake and back is about 3.5 miles in total, and it’s a fairly easy hike. However, when you’re driving to the trailhead, keep in mind that the terrain is rough. If you have a high clearance vehicle, bring it.
Once you arrive at the lake, you’re welcome to keep hiking – there are lengthy trails all over this area.
Madi Blavka / Flickr That being said, you’ll probably want to spend as much time here as you possibly can.
The water is extremely cold, but on a particularly warm summer day, it does make for a refreshing swim after a challenging hike.
Jocelyn Catterson / Flickr However, no one will blame you if you stick to having a picnic on the shores or kick back with a good read and do a little lakeside lounging.
Storm Lake is definitely one of the Treasure State’s most underrated gems.
Roger Davies / alltrails.com And the best part is, if you go during the week and head out in the morning, you probably won’t see another soul.
Have you ever hiked to Storm Lake? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
Vicki Gockenbach /alltrails.com
But despite its close proximity to Anaconda, many Montanans don’t even know this lake is here.
Jocelyn Catterson / Flickr
On a particularly sunny day, you may even be able to see all the way to the bottom of the lake.
Maria Renee / alltrails.com
The trail to the lake and back is about 3.5 miles in total, and it’s a fairly easy hike. However, when you’re driving to the trailhead, keep in mind that the terrain is rough. If you have a high clearance vehicle, bring it.
Madi Blavka / Flickr
That being said, you’ll probably want to spend as much time here as you possibly can.
However, no one will blame you if you stick to having a picnic on the shores or kick back with a good read and do a little lakeside lounging.
Roger Davies / alltrails.com
And the best part is, if you go during the week and head out in the morning, you probably won’t see another soul.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Storm Lake, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA
