West Lakes Trail

Overview

This is a demanding backcountry outing linking a string of west-side lakes via big climbs and quiet valleys. It’s an out-and-back route totaling 21.2 miles with about 5,180 feet of cumulative gain—best tackled as a long day for the very fit or, more realistically, an overnight. Expect solitude, a true wilderness feel, and sections that make you earn every view.

On-Trail Highlights

Starting near Lake McDonald, the trail wastes no time: you’ll climb nearly 2,000 feet in just over two miles through a burn area with little shade but sweeping peeks at the lake, plus wildflowers and active birdlife. After cresting, the path rides a ridgeline, weaving between younger stands and older timber before dropping about 1,000 feet into the wetter, mossy Camas Creek drainage. You’ll get occasional glimpses toward Rogers Lake and Rogers Peak.

The payoff begins at long, beautiful Trout Lake—look for the massive logjam at the outlet—then the path hugs the south shore through woods and avalanche chutes. Beyond Trout, you climb over another rise to a large avalanche chute with big mountain views, then descend toward Arrow Lake and its backcountry campsite. Along the way, there’s a scenic waterfall and a required ford of Camas Creek that can be serious when flows are high. Past Arrow, the route crosses feeder creeks and meadows, then climbs along Camas Creek into more open alpine terrain, ending at the backcountry campground on Camas Lake.

Trail Experience and Conditions

This is rated difficult for good reason: steep grades, significant up-and-down, and brushy sections where thimbleberry and tall vegetation can obscure the tread and visibility. Blowdowns, occasional lingering snow or ice at higher elevations, and unbridged crossings add to the challenge. You’ll see plenty of wildlife sign—including bears—and the overall feel is remote. Water is common along the route (streams/seeps), but bring a filter and don’t rely on any single source.

Best Time to Hike

Late summer into early fall is the sweet spot. Early season snow can hang on the high sections, and spring/early summer snowmelt makes the Camas Creek ford and feeder streams hazardous. This is not a winter hike.

Tips and Logistics

• Wear long pants for the overgrown stretches and carry bear spray; make noise in brushy zones with low sightlines.
• Download offline maps—cell service is spotty to nonexistent.
• Check current conditions if you’re planning to overnight; backcountry camping at Arrow and Camas Lakes requires permits.
• There’s a small, free parking area at the Lake McDonald side trailhead. Ambitious parties sometimes arrange shuttle transport to hike it as a point-to-point, but most treat it as an out-and-back.

If you’re chasing solitude, lake time, and a rugged sampler of Glacier’s burn zones, wet forests, avalanche paths, and alpine edges, this route delivers—just come prepared for a fight in the brush and a serious workout.