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Welcome to the Trail Well Traveled!
Each Friday, in partnership with Montana Wilderness Association we will feature a new western Montana trail and then give you some helpful details and tips to get on your way!
This week, we feature a trail that begins just off I-90 near the Idaho border, with great early season access into the Great Burns’ poetically named “String of Pearls”.
Hub and Hazel Lakes
A 3-mile stroll through ancient cedars to a beautiful alpine lake basin with expansive views.http://trail1033.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/03_TotW_HazelAndHubLakes.mp3
Roundtrip: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1720 feet
Directions: From Missoula, drive west on Interstate 90 through St. Regis to Exit 25. Exit there and then briefly get back onto the interstate headed eastbound. You’ll then take Exit 26 at De Borgia and drive south on Ward Creek Road #899 for 6.3 miles. If you cross Ward Creek, you’ve gone too far. The trailhead is on the right.
What to expect: The trail immediately begins through old growth cedars, where you’re likely to pause to take photos with these majestic giants. After wandering through ancient trees for the first mile, you’ll intersect trail #280. Continue straight (right) onto trail #280 towards Hub Lake. From there, the path climbs more steadily, passing by the rim of Hazel Lake at just over 2 miles. At this point, there’s just about 500 feet left to ascend in the final mile up to Hub Lake.
Set up camp if you choose, and be ready to catch dinner in the clear alpine water!
Tip: For a shorter hike, just hike the through the cedars to Dipper Falls and then turn around for a great 2-mile round-trip hike.
Learn more about this trail, file your own trip report and photos, or check out some other great hikes at hikewildmontana.org. And don’t forget to tune in to the Trail 103.3 each Friday at 9:45 am for the next featured trail and your chance to win!
Big thanks to Rangitsch Bros RV for sponsoring the Trail Well Traveled. Proudly serving Missoula for over 56 years, whatever camper best suits your needs Rangitsch Bros has got it!
-Zeke Campfield