Island and Night Lakes Trail

Island and Night Lakes is a 3.4-mile round-trip out-and-back on Beartooth High Lakes Trail #620, from Island Lake to Night Lake and back. The route gains about 100 feet and takes around two hours with time at the water. It’s a good leg-stretcher on a Beartooth Highway drive when you want a pair of alpine lakes without a long climb. The catch is the starting elevation, above 9,500 feet; a level walk can feel harder if you haven’t adjusted to the altitude.

From the signed parking area, head toward Island Lake’s boat ramp, cross the boat-ramp road, and continue toward the lake outlet. Trail 620 follows Island Lake’s west shore, then continues along Night Lake. Turn around where the path starts climbing at Night Lake’s north end and retrace your steps. Trail 620 carries on to Becker, Beauty, and Native lakes and into the backcountry, but those extra miles aren’t part of this short outing.

Island Lake sits at 9,518 feet on the Beartooth Plateau. The route keeps close to the water before reaching Night Lake, with forest, rocky shore and craggy mountain views along the way. On Island Lake’s west shore, frame the near rocks and water with the ridge beyond; that gives the picture more sense of place than a tight shot of open water.

Beartooth Highway access is seasonal and weather dependent. Snow can remain at these elevations into early or mid-July, and the Forest Service warns that the weather can change quickly. This is bear country; the Forest Service recommends carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it.