Canoe Lake Trail

Canoe Lake Trail is a 3.86-mile one-way point-to-point route from the Miller Creek Trail junction to Yellowstone’s eastern boundary. It gains about 1,690 feet; allow roughly three to four hours for this segment. Canoe Lake appears near mile 3.75, and the mapped path continues about a quarter mile to the boundary. The lake is small, but the high ridge and open shoreline make a satisfying destination.

That 3.86 miles is only the named trail. To reach its start from a road, use the Soda Butte / Lamar River Trailhead and continue on foot along the Lamar River and Miller Creek trails. One route description puts that approach at about 15.4 miles before Canoe Lake Trail, or roughly 38.5 miles round trip if you retrace the whole route. Published Miller Creek distances differ, so confirm the itinerary with a backcountry ranger. Treat this as an expedition-length backcountry trip, not a day hike.

From the Miller Creek junction, the trail climbs an open ridge, gaining about 700 feet in its first mile. The grade eases after that as the tread enters forest. This is the steepest part of the named segment, and the high elevation adds to the effort.

For several miles the path runs above Calfee Creek through forest, with only occasional views down to the water. In the final mile the trees thin and the surrounding ridges open up. Canoe Lake sits in a small meadow beneath a rocky, forested slope; the trail passes it and continues to the boundary. From the shore, keep some water in the foreground to show the lake against the pale ridge.

This is grizzly country. The National Park Service recommends hiking in a group of three or more and carrying bear spray. Pets are prohibited on park trails. A backcountry permit is required if you camp overnight, which is likely for the full road-to-lake trip.