Lake Isabel Trail

Lake Isabel Trail is a remote out-and-back from Walton Ranger Station to Lake Isabel. Budget about 33.6 miles round trip: the connected mapped route is 16.7 miles one way, and its final 2.3 miles branch off Park Creek to reach the lake. Older published totals differ, so plan for the longer distance. This is a demanding backpack, not a day hike; allow roughly 20 hours of trail time over at least two days.

Start near the ranger station barn on Boundary Trail. It follows the Middle Fork Flathead River, switchbacks up a wooded hillside, then levels across a saddle below Scalplock Mountain and turns around its north side. A separate branch climbs toward Scalplock Lookout. The main route passes two narrow creek drainages under Douglas fir and larch; at about mile 3.4, turn northeast into Park Creek valley.

Park Creek passes marshy meadows with Rampage Mountain across the valley and the Lower Park Creek campground and junction. Near Upper Park Creek, cross the creek and take the Lake Isabel branch at the Y; the Two Medicine Pass route goes the other way. Another crossing follows about 0.4 mile later. From there, the trail climbs the last 2.3 miles to Lake Isabel.

The payoff is a trout-filled subalpine lake tucked below a rugged cirque, with Caper Peak, Battlement Mountain and Vigil Peak around the basin. A backcountry campground sits on the lake's north side. An overnight stay requires a wilderness permit. No food, potable water or toilet facilities were found along this route, so plan accordingly.

Walton Ranger Station is off U.S. Highway 2, about 32 miles east of West Glacier, with designated backcountry parking; the trail begins near the barn. Glacier does not allow pets on trails or in the backcountry. Expect stream crossings; early-season water can be deep and cold, high-country snow may linger, and seasonal bridges are removed by late September. Check current trail and campground status before setting out.