Hike to Turquoise Lake

From Hwy 83 in the Swan Valley, south of mile marker 38, turn west onto Kraft Creek Rd also called Forest Service Road #561, the trailhead is about 11.5 miles at the end of the road. Turquoise Lake trail #708 starts 3 miles up the Glacier Creek trail #690. Total hiking distance to Turquoise lake is 6.1 miles one way with an elevation gain of roughly 1,500 feet. Your hard work will pay off when you dive into the icy waters aptly named for their turquoise color.

Whether you hike in for the day, or backpack in for the night, make sure to take ample time to explore all of the area's alpine lakes. Climb down from Turquoise to Lace Lake for some excellent fishing and for the adventurous, clamber up the cliffs on the Southwest shoreline for an invigorating jump into the cold water. Scale the scree fields on the South-shore of Turquoise to the small unnamed lake that contains icebergs for much of the year.

This is a Wilderness area, be sure to check any fire restrictions, road closures, or updates on the area with the Swan Lake Ranger Station before going, 406-837-7500.