Pros & cons
PROS
- Huge alpine payoff with minimal elevation gain
- Easy add‑on to Beauty Lake if you want to go farther
CONS
- Fully exposed to sun and wind at ~9,500 feet
- Shoreline social paths can momentarily confuse the route
Island Lake Recreation Area lot off US‑212; trail begins opposite the lot, left of the boat ramp (44.94291, -109.53896).
Alpine exposure and fast‑changing weather; simple outlet rock‑hop can be wet early season; active bear country—carry spray; highway access is seasonal.
Overview
This is the mellow, high‑alpine slice of the Beartooth High Lakes corridor, starting at Island Lake and skirting clear water, meadows, and big mountain backdrops. Expect essentially flat walking for the terrain and elevation, wide‑open views, and a breezy, sun‑exposed landscape around 9,500 feet.
Route options
Most hikers do a 3.9‑mile loop (total) around Island and Night Lakes—plan about 1 hour 15 minutes at a steady pace. If you want even simpler navigation, the classic out‑and‑back to Night Lake is about 3.4 miles total with roughly ~100 feet of gain. The path follows the west shores, with an easy rock‑hop at Island Lake’s outlet and a brief connector between the lakes. Stronger hikers can continue beyond Night Lake toward a small tarn or farther along the high‑lakes corridor toward Beauty and Grayling Lakes.
Getting there
Park at Island Lake Recreation Area just off US‑212 (Beartooth Highway). The turnoff is roughly 12.1 miles east of the US‑212/WY‑296 junction and about 1.4 miles east of the Top of the World store. Drive ~0.3 miles to the lot; the trail starts opposite the parking area, left of the boat ramp. Parking coordinates: 44.94291, -109.53896.
What you’ll see
Lakes are the headliner—Island and Night—framed by open subalpine meadows and seasonal wildflowers, with a big‑sky feel and a dramatic skyline that includes Lonesome Mountain to the NNW. It’s popular for birding, fishing, and easy lakeside exploring. The terrain is classic Beartooth high country: bedrock flats, occasional boulders, and sections where the tread briefly fades but is obvious again within a few steps.
Best time to hike
Go May–October, when the Beartooth Highway is typically open and snow has retreated. Mornings and late afternoons bring softer light and fewer people; midday can feel windy and exposed. Even in summer, alpine weather can flip quickly—bring layers, sun protection, and a wind shell.
Hazards and tips
You’ll likely rock‑hop the Island Lake outlet; early season or after storms, expect splashes or wet feet. This is bear country—carry spray and keep food sealed. Dogs are allowed but must stay leashed. If you’re loving it and have gas in the tank, push past Night Lake toward Beauty Lake for a longer day without committing to big climbs.
Wildlife on this trail
Near Night Lake Trail
All places →All trails →
Beartooth Pass10,947-ft summit stop with huge views and a shot at goatsPullout · Parking
Beartooth Pass OverlookTop-of-the-world views at the highway’s 10,947‑ft high pointPullout · Parking
Rock Creek Vista Point OverlookBig canyon views and winding switchbacks from a quick roadside stopParking · Restroom
Vista Point Observation SiteBig Rock Creek Valley views at the Beartooth switchbacksParking · RestroomRussell Creek TrailGentle Beaten Path start into alpine lakes and the Beartooth PlateauChallenging · 10.3 mi · 5.5 hr
Sundance Pass TrailBig alpine day from Lake Fork to West Fork over a pass.Challenging · 21 mi · 11.5 hr
Glacier Lake TrailShort, steep climb to a jewel-toned alpine lake off Beartooth HighwayChallenging · 4.4 mi · 3 hr
Beartooth High Lakes TrailAlpine lake‑hopping on granite slabs with outsized views.Moderate · 5.4 mi · 3.1 hr
