Pros & cons
PROS
- Official National Recreation Trail with broad alpine views and multiple lake basins
- High-elevation route offers solitude, open terrain, and Beartooth scenery
CONS
- Steep descent and return climb at high elevation
- Fast weather changes, exposed terrain, and occasional route-finding near junctions
PARKING
Use the Hauser Lake Trailhead pullout on US 212 across from Long Lake. The eastern end of the mapped corridor is a backcountry trail junction, not parking.
CAUTION
High-elevation bear country; carry bear spray, layers, water treatment and navigation. Return to Hauser Lake Trailhead unless a longer connecting route has been planned.
Follow the mapped Houser Lake Trail #629 section from Hauser Lake Trailhead to its eastern trail junction and return: approximately 8.6 miles total. This is part of the larger Beartooth Loop network.
Elevation
8.6 mi · 4.5 hrStart · 2983 mHigh point · 3063 mEnd · 3029 m
Where it starts
44.9457, -109.4964Houser Lake Trail – Beartooth Loop Section
Wildlife on this trail
Near Houser Lake Trail – Beartooth Loop Section
All places →All trails →0 mi awayLosekamp Lake TrailHigh-country lakes out-and-back from the Beartooth Highway to Losekamp LakeModerate · 5.1 mi · 3 hr
1.9 mi awayBecker Lake TrailAn alpine out-and-back from Island Lake to Becker Lake with a big Beartooth view payoffModerate · 8 mi · 3.5 hr
2 mi awayBeartooth Pass OverlookTop-of-the-world views at the highway’s 10,947‑ft high pointPullout · Parking
2.1 mi awayBeartooth High Lakes TrailA long point-to-point traverse through Beartooth alpine lakes, granite benches, and open plateau country.Moderate · 8.9 mi · 5 hr2.1 mi awayNight Lake TrailShort alpine lake ramble with huge views off the BeartoothModerate · 3.4 mi · 1.3 hr
2.2 mi awayIsland Lake CampgroundSmall, lakeside first-come campground with boat ramp and big viewsCampground · Restroom
2.3 mi awayIsland LakeAlpine lake with boat ramp, trail access, and quiet high‑country vibeTrailhead · Parking
3.1 mi awayTop of the World StoreRemote pit stop for gas, souvenirs, and alpine viewsStore · Gas Station
1.9 mi awayBecker Lake TrailAn alpine out-and-back from Island Lake to Becker Lake with a big Beartooth view payoffModerate · 8 mi · 3.5 hr2 mi awayBeartooth Pass OverlookTop-of-the-world views at the highway’s 10,947‑ft high pointPullout · Parking2.1 mi awayBeartooth High Lakes TrailA long point-to-point traverse through Beartooth alpine lakes, granite benches, and open plateau country.Moderate · 8.9 mi · 5 hr2.1 mi awayNight Lake TrailShort alpine lake ramble with huge views off the BeartoothModerate · 3.4 mi · 1.3 hr2.2 mi awayIsland Lake CampgroundSmall, lakeside first-come campground with boat ramp and big viewsCampground · Restroom2.3 mi awayIsland LakeAlpine lake with boat ramp, trail access, and quiet high‑country vibeTrailhead · Parking3.1 mi awayTop of the World StoreRemote pit stop for gas, souvenirs, and alpine viewsStore · Gas Station
