Elk Lake

Elk Lake is one of those out-of-the-way mountain lakes that many of us know for great fishing and some old-school social distancing. Hidden Lake and Elk Lake below are both spring-fed with crystal clear waters. Whether you're planning a wedding at Elk Lake Resort or want to escape the crowds and enjoy some fishing at these remote lakes, this trail has something for you.

The first part of this trail is located in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. This area is popular for birders and photographers wanting to photograph the once nearly extinct Trumpeter Swans. The remaining half of this trail is in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest national forest in Montana, covering 3.35 million acres.