Gunsight Lake Trail

The steep opening descent brings you to Deadwood Falls around 1.1 miles in. The roughly 10-foot cascade drops into pools and rocky banks. Continue about a tenth of a mile to the junction and take the branch toward Gunsight Lake. A suspension bridge crosses Reynolds Creek near Reynolds Creek Campground; then the route reaches willows and a wet, open patch in the St. Mary River valley. The valley gives views toward Dusty Star and Citadel Mountain, but high vegetation makes parts of the walk feel enclosed. This is a good place to stay alert for wildlife.

Around 2.9 miles, the forest opens at Mirror Pond. The pond and meadow put Mount Jackson, Gunsight Mountain, Fusillade Mountain, and Gunsight Pass in one view; this is one of the best places to pause, and morning light avoids the reported afternoon glare. You’ll go back into forest after the meadow. Near 3.9 miles, cascades and the Florence Falls spur are off to the side; stay on the main trail for the lake. Around 4.7 miles, the route opens again toward Mount Logan, Blackfoot Glacier, Jackson Glacier, and Mount Jackson.

Near 6.25 miles, reach the Gunsight Lake campground. A large boulder roughly 100 yards farther marks an informal path down through willows to a small beach at the lake’s foot. The lake color shifts from clear to glacial blue or aqua with season and runoff, so the payoff changes with conditions. Treat the lake as your turnaround and retrace the corridor; side routes toward Jackson Glacier or over Gunsight Pass add significant climbing or turn the hike into a different trip, and aren’t in the 12.9-mile figure.

Start at Jackson Glacier Overlook’s roadside parking area. Vehicle access depends on the seasonal opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road, so check the road status before committing to a long day. No food or drinking-water service was verified along the route, so bring what you need for a full day. Long brushy stretches are bear habitat; carry bear spray where you can reach it and stay alert. Dogs aren’t allowed on Glacier National Park trails. On the way back, the descent you enjoyed on the first mile becomes a steep climb to the overlook.