Cobalt Lake Trail

Cobalt Lake Trail is an out-and-back from the South Shore Trailhead on Two Medicine Lake to a high basin below Chief Lodgepole Peak. The listed 5.8 miles is one way, so plan on 11.6 miles round trip, about seven hours, and roughly 1,400 feet of climbing. The lower route is a steady approach; the hardest climbing comes after Rockwell Falls. Choose it when you have a full day and want the lake, not just a quick walk by Two Medicine Lake.

The trail first follows the east shore, with a short side path to Paradise Point after about a quarter mile. At 1.1 miles, cross Aster Creek and pass the spur for Aster Falls and Aster Park Overlook. A suspension bridge crosses Paradise Creek around 2.3 miles. At about 2.6 miles, turn left at the South Shore and Two Medicine Pass junction onto Two Medicine Pass Trail. Follow it to Cobalt Lake, then turn around at the shore; the trail continues beyond the lake toward Two Medicine Pass, which is a different, longer hike.

The beaver ponds begin around half a mile in, with meadows and lodgepole pine, spruce and fir along the route. Moose are sometimes seen feeding near the ponds, particularly in the cooler parts of the day. The first part of the walk is a gradual climb through forest, with occasional openings back toward Two Medicine Lake and the peaks on its far shore. Paradise Point is a useful shorter alternative: its beach and lake view are just over a quarter mile from the trailhead.

Just under 3.5 miles in, a footbridge leads toward Rockwell Falls. There are two drops: the lower, roughly 30- to 40-foot fall is easiest to see; the second sits behind it and is partly screened by trees. Beyond the falls, switchbacks make the climb that defines the day, carrying you into the glacial U-shaped valley between Painted Tepee and Sinopah mountains. Huckleberries grow above the falls, and higher up the trees thin into subalpine meadows and wildflowers.

The route reaches its high point just after 5.5 miles, then drops a short way to Cobalt Lake. The water sits below Chief Lodgepole Peak in a rocky basin; the two-site backcountry campground is beside the shore. From the south and east side of the lake, Mt. Rockwell and Sinopah Mountain make a strong backdrop. The seasonal campstore is a separate stop near the developed area at the trailhead; there is no food stop along the hike.

The route is long and the steeper work comes late, so leave enough energy for the same corridor back to the trailhead. Aster Creek and Paradise Creek are crossed along the way; high spring water can be cold and swift, and some park bridges are seasonal, so check the trail status before setting out. The seasonal store and campground operations change through the year. Pets are not allowed on park trails.