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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
702 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
16.7 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5-7h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Otokomi Lake Trail

Measurement:

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Table of contents

Otokomi Lake Trail is a stunning maze of cascading waterfalls through Rose Creek canyon, some of which you can see and some you can only hear in the distance. You’ll also find deep red rock mountains that hover over the basin of Otokomi Lake sprawled across this hike. The trail is a mix between dense forest and high vegetation, where you will find different types of berries, so make sure you make some noise to alert any bears in the area. On this hike, always be on the lookout for short side trails as this is where some of the best views are.

Route Description for Otokomi Lake Trail

Otokomi Lake Trail is a spectacular hike that takes you through dense forests and then emerges into the cascading waterfalls of Rose Creek, ending with the breathtaking views of the red rock formations above Otokomi Lake. As this hike does go through dense forest and high up vegetation, it is recommended that you make a lot of noise in these areas so you do not surprise a bear and that you carry some bear spray.

The hike to Otokomi Lake starts at Rose Creek trailhead and takes you to the cabins of Rising Sun. After passing these, you will have a steep climb for the next 0.8 km, hiking through dense forest and at 3.6 km, you will emerge and see the waterfalls in the gorge of Rose Creek. From here, you will walk through some high vegetation until you reach 6.9 km, where the vegetation will begin to subside and at 7.7 km, you will see the red rock above Otokomi Lake.

Continue on through the avalanche chutes and at 8.5 km, you will arrive at Otokomi Lake Campground. From here, in 0.2 km, you will reach Otokomi Lake. When you are ready to head back, follow the same route you came on.

Find more epic hikes in Glacier National Park

Getting to the Otokomi Lake Trail Trailhead

To get to Otokomi Lake Trail from St. Marys, head Northwest on Glacier Route 1/Going-to-the-Sun Road for 9.1mi until you reach your destination.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    May - October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    Otokomi Lake Campground

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Otokomi Lake Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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