Little Spar Lake Trail

Hiking the Little Spar Lake Trail is an unforgettable experience. This high-country hike travels through a variety of terrains, most of which are washed out or overgrown—so navigation is no easy feat. Dynamic and demanding, the spell-binding scenery showcased along this route is worth the sweat.
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Route Description for Little Spar Lake Trail
Immerse yourself amongst the Cabinet Mountains and discover an idyllic alpine lake on the Little Spar Lake Trail. This stunning adventure in the Kootenai National Forest progresses through a rugged and overgrown area, so the use of the trail GPS and a sense of determination is a must. Additionally, it is wise to dress in layers as insurance against changing conditions and wear a sturdy pair of footwear to safely maneuver the uneven terrain and creek crossings. Note wildlife is abundant, so make plenty of noise as you hike a make sure one person in your party carries a can of bear spray.
Setting out from the trailhead, your adventure to Little Spar Lake follows the Upper Lake Trail into the wilderness. Climbing westward through the mountain-bound canyon, the trail will follow alongside Spar Creek, intersecting with it on several occasions. Mostly hiking beneath the closed tree canopy, the path will escape into swathes of brush, exposing you to the elements and warming you with the sunshine. As you wander through the canyon, the route will gradually curve more south as you near the lake. Once you hit the saddle, it's a steep climb up to the shoreline.
Admire the beauty of the alpine lake and the flanking granite ridges adorned with towering pines. Take in this spectacular alpine scenery, then head back down through the canyon and back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Little Spar Lake Trail Trailhead
The Little Spar Lake Trail departs from the Upper Lake Trailhead at the end of the National Forest Development Road 384.
Route Information
Little Spar Lake Trail Elevation Graph
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