Red Eagle Lake Trail

Red Eagle Lake Trail is a 16.2-mile out-and-back from the 1913 Ranger Station to the foot of Red Eagle Lake, then back on the same route. Plan on 8.1 miles each way and about 8 to 9 hours with a break at the shore. Published one-way figures differ, from 7.5 to 8.1 miles, so use the longer figure for planning. The hike feels demanding because of its length and remote setting more than one steep push. Elevation reports also disagree, from about 200 feet of gain to roughly 1,100 feet of gain and loss. The mapped profile rises about 190 feet net to the shore, with rolling ground in between; mileage is the more dependable measure of the day.

The first stretch follows the south side of St. Mary Lake through fir, then opens into long meadows. Around two miles in, the route reaches old-growth fir forest burned in 2006. The meadows and open burn areas can be rich with flowers in spring and early summer. There is little shade once you leave the fir, so a cool early start makes the long crossing easier.

Near mile five, keep left where the St. Mary Lake Trail branches right. That fork continues toward St. Mary Falls and the Going-to-the-Sun Road; the Red Eagle route follows the creek toward the lake. Footbridges cross the stream. From here the trail climbs gently along the creek, with views opening toward the surrounding peaks.

The day-hike route reaches the Foot campground, where a short path leads to the shore. Look across the water toward Split and Norris Mountains and Logan Peak; Red Eagle Mountain fills the northwest shoreline. That open water and the peaks beyond make the strongest photo view. Head campground is about a mile farther along the shore and gives a different view back toward the foot. That extension, and the route over Triple Divide Pass, are longer trips outside this 16.2-mile out-and-back.