Hikes/United States/Montana/Glacier National Park

Difficulty

Hard

Elevation

369 m

Distance

24.1 km

Duration

5.5-7.5h

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Harrison Lake Trail

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Route description
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Explore Harrison Lake Trail if you are looking for a remote, wilderness experience that few people ever see. The trail is a beautiful hike through the mountains and allows you to experience many remote glacier hiking opportunities. The trail used to lead to the shores of Harrison Lake; however, it has now been overgrown, so if you want to see the lake up close, get ready to climb your way through the bush!

Route Description for Harrison Lake Trail

Harrison Lake Trail is a very remote hike and will give you a true wilderness experience. The trail's end at Harrison Lake has been overgrown, so to get up close, you will have to fight through the bush to get to the shore.

The beauty of the scenery around this hike is well worth the trek, however. The trailhead begins via the West Glacier Trailhead for 8.5 km until you reach the Lincoln Creek Trail Junction. Follow this trail for 11.4 km, and you will see the beginning of Harrison Lake Trail.

At this point, the trail will begin to steepen. Expect to stumble on an abandoned, historic cabin en route. This is where Josephine and Dan Doody were rumored to be running an illegal moonshine distillery. At 16.1 km, you will reach the lowest point of Harrison Lake, and after 19.2 km, you will reach Harrison Lake Campground. You can choose to spend the night here or carry on.

From here, the Harrison Lake Trail to the shore of Harrison Lake has long been abandoned. If you would like to carry on, make sure you understand that the area is overgrown and may be difficult to climb through.

Find more epic hikes in Glacier National Park

Insider Hints for Harrison Lake Trail

The trail to Harrison Lake is long abandoned so prepare yourself for the journey if you would like to take on this challenge.
If you would like to stay at the Harrison Lake Campground, reservations must be made in advance.
There are a few optional routes to take Harrison Lake Crossing and the Boundary Trail

Getting to the Harrison Lake Trail Trailhead

To get to Harrison Lake Trail from West Glacier, know that the trailhead is somewhat hidden. Take a left after 6.5mi on a dirt road and park your car along here after a hundred yards. Look for the trailhead from here.

Route Information

When to do:
May - October
Backcountry Campsites:
Harrison Lake Campground
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back