Trail Description
Louise Lake in the Tobacco Root Mountains is an easy hike with great views most of the hike. It’s no wonder why it’s so popular! Getting to the trailhead takes you through rough roads, and you will most likely want a truck or very high clearance vehicle. The Louise Lake trail starts at the Bismark Reservoir. Once you cross the reservoir outlet, you will hike through lush spruce forests and cross a creek several times that is fed by Louise Lake. After a half-mile or so the trail will turn into switchbacks. This trail is mostly switchbacks going up the whole way. Please do not follow any of the cheater trails that cut between the switchbacks as that deteriorates the actual trail. While ascending, you will have incredible views of the valley and can see several of the Tobacco Root Mountains. After 2.5 miles or so the trail takes you away from the valley wall and up to Louise Lake’s valley. Before you know it, you’re at the lake!