Hikes/United States/Montana/Glacier National Park

Difficulty

Easy

Elevation

111 m

Distance

8.9 km

Duration

2-2.5h

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Kootenai Lakes Trail

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Route description
Getting there
Route information
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Kootenai Lake Trail is in an interesting spot as it’s located right at the border of Canada and the United States. Your hike to the Kootenai Lake Trail actually begins on the Waterton Valley Trail and takes you through a beautifully green forest with relatively no elevation. Kootenai Lake is surrounded by the Porcupine Ridge, which holds the Citadel Peaks and makes for a wonderful setting.

Route Description for Kootenai Lakes Trail

The hike for Kootenai Lake Trail begins at the Waterton Valley Trail, which you have to make sure you follow as the Waterton Lake Trail begins from the same point; however, the signs are pretty clear. Wandering through a beautifully green forest, you will come to the Kootenai Lake Trail junction after 4.0 km of hiking. Follow this trail and it will lead you to the stunning Lake of Kootenai, where you will be speechless as you gaze at the incredible site. This is an out and back trail, so follow the same route that you came in on.

Getting to the Kootenai Lakes Trail Trailhead

For the Kootenai Lakes Trail, it is easiest to get to the trailhead by boat, unless you want to do 7 hours of hiking! Take the boat from Goat Haunt Montana and it will bring you to Waterton Lake, where you can find the trailhead.

Route Information

When to do:
April - October
Backcountry Campsites:
Kootenai Lakes backcountry campground
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back