A Hiker's Paradise

Exploring the Majestic Beartooth Mountains

Whether you’re looking for a serene lakeside stroll or a challenging summit, the Beartooth Mountains have something to offer every hiker. With its stunning vistas, diverse trails, and pristine wilderness, it’s no wonder this range is a favorite among nature lovers. Lace up your hiking boots and set out to explore the rugged beauty of Montana’s Beartooth Mountains. Kalman Tinka with The Base Camp is our guide and gave us four of his favorite hikes as well as the gear you need to take when you go.

QUINNEBAUGH MEADOWS

The hike up to Quinnebaugh Meadows along the west fork trail is an absolute Beartooth classic and must hike. This easy to moderate hike is family friendly and includes waterfalls, alpine meadows and iconic views of one of the most picturesque peaks in the Beartooths, Whitetail peak.  The first part of this trail is recovering from a fire many years ago, so the first part is a little exposed, but don’t let that deter you. Once you hit Sentinel Falls, you will find yourself surrounded by beautiful pine forest the rest of the hike. The hike is dotted with open meadows and follows the west fork of Rock Creek. Once you arrive in Quinnebaugh Meadows, you are welcomed by the striking view of Whitetail peak in the distance.  The meadow is the perfect place for a picnic lunch, or if you are feeling more adventurous you can backpack in and camp overnight. The meadow is five fairly easy miles in and is an out and back, making the total milage 10 miles, so plan for this hike to take a full day.

MYSTIC LAKE

If you are looking for a little bit more of a climb (but not too much of a climb) check out the hike to Mystic Lake.  This 3-mile out and back hike leads you a beautiful lodgepole pine and aspen forest up to a dammed lake surrounded by towering peaks. The climb starts pretty much from the trailhead through the forest and eventually into some switchbacks through a boulder field. This can be a tough section, but it does have some great views of the valley below. Be sure to bring plenty of water as the boulder field can be a bit hot in the midday sun.  As you push on through the climb, you are eventually rewarded by one of my favorite views at the top, looking down on Mystic lake, completely surrounded by its mountain peak neighbors. Continue down a few more switchbacks to reach the lake itself for another great spot to enjoy a bite to eat. You can choose to turn around and head back, or if you have time, you can continue your hike along the lake shore all the way back to the far end of the lake. Just be sure to give yourself time to make it back to the parking lot. 

TIMBERLINE LAKE

If you’re looking for a trail that is a bit more adventurous, you will love the hike up to Timberline lake.  This hike is a little more challenging, but still really approachable. Just make sure you pack a pair of Chaco’s or other strap on sandal, as you will be making several stream crossings.  The trail starts out with a pretty decent climb in a part of the forest that is recovering from a fire (same fire as Quinnebaugh Meadow trail).  Once you make it to the top of the climb, it flattens out and continues back into another valley as you return to the living forest.  After a split in the trail (check your Beartooth map and take a right), you will come to the biggest stream crossing. This stream can be high early in the season. so consider this trail for later season. After a bit more climbing, you will come to Lake Gertrude. This is a great place to take a break, and is a nice lake, but trust me the best is yet to come.  After Gertrude, you will go through two smaller stream crossings and one last climb before Lake Timberline comes into view. As soon as you break through the trees, you will be in awe! This view is well worth the 9-mile round trip. 

BEAUTY LAKE

This hike definitely lives up to its name. This is probably the easiest trail on the list, but you get huge pay offs for just a little bit of work.  This trail is located on the Beartooth Pass in Wyoming and starts at the Island Lake Trailhead. Plan on waiting for the snow on the pass to melt before trying this hike. Take the Highlakes Trail back to this very scenic lake. Be prepared though, this hike is pretty flat but right after you pass the boat ramp for Island Lake, there is a pretty decent stream crossing. If you are going early in the season, bring some water shoes. After July, you can probably rock hop across.  The trail then takes you along Island Lake and Night Lake and then into several open alpine meadows with absolutely breathtaking views.  This trail is fairly flat along most of the route until right before you descend to the junction to Beauty Lake. Turn left and you are almost there!

THE GEAR YOU NEED

Before you head out on the trail, there are a few things we regularly recommend people carry with them on hiking trips.  There is a list known as the ten essentials of hiking that anyone going for even a short hike should take along. So, while these are the high points, this isn’t a complete list.

BEAR SPRAY

Hiking in the Beartooth Mountains can be very safe, but you do have to be prepared.  This range is one of the last places in the lower 48 states that has Grizzly bears. While there are many stories of people having bad encounters with these animals, there are many thousand more who never even see them.  It’s important for hikers to respect these animals and be prepared for an encounter. The best thing you can bring (other than your knowledge of how to handle bear encounters, check out the US Forest Service “Be Bear Aware” on their website) is bear spray.  Studies have shown that bear spray is the most effective deterrent for bear and other animal encounters.  Have it readily available but wearing it on your hip or on the chest strap of your backpack. Afterall, a bear will not wait for you to get the spray out of your pack! Ideally every person in your group, except small children, should carry a can or at the very least, several cans per group. If you have questions, The Base Camp crew would be happy to show you how the spray works and other safety tips for enjoying the great outdoors with these magnificent animals safely!

First Aid Kit

Most hiking trips will go off without any issues other than maybe sore legs from the climb. Even still, it’s important to carry a small first aid kit in case someone scrapes a knee, gets stung by a bee or accidentally walks into a tree while admiring the view (I’ve never done that I swear). Important things to have include band-aids, small bandages, tape, blister kits, and sting relief.  All these things can be found in convenient, light first aid kits that save you the hassle of putting it together yourself.

Nalgene water bottle

Water is the most important thing you can take with you on the trail. Of course, you need an easy and tough way to carry that water. Nothing works better than the classic Nalgene water bottle. These safe plastic bottles are virtually indestructible and much lighter to carry than insulated metal bottles. They also come in a wide variety of colors to match your hiking gear. Additionally, if you are going for a longer hike, or just want to enjoy the taste of fresh mountain water, you can get a water filter to treat water from streams for drinking and always be prepared with water, never drink water from a stream or lake without filtering or treating it first. 

Darn Tough Socks 

The hikers secret weapon is a good pair of Merino wool socks.  Now I know what your thinking, Wool Socks?! In the summer? Merino wool socks are not like your old rag wool socks.  Merino wool feels more like cotton and is comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. Good Merino socks are also better fitting and have extra padding in the toes and heal where you need it most on long rocky trails.  They are even comfortable when wet! These socks have been proven to greatly decrease painful blisters when hiking.  Our favorite Merino socks are Darn Tough socks.  They are made in Vermont and have a lifetime guarantee. They are the only socks I use!

BUFF NECK GAITER

 Think of the Buff neck gaiter as a bandana on steroids.  There are several types of buffs but my preferred one for summer hiking is the Coolnet UV.  It is made out of UV blocking material that also cools the wearer in the sun. It is very multi use. It helps keep the sun off your neck and can be pulled up over your face to protect against wind. Dunk It in the stream and wear around your head or neck to cool off, or, you can even make a beanie out of it if it gets chilly in the mountains. They come in all kinds of colors and designs to suit your style.

Beartooth Publishing map of the Beartooth Mountains

The key to a successful hike is coming back at the end with great memories and photos. It is important when you are out on trail to always stay found! We recommend carrying the Beartooth Publishing Map of the Beartooth Mountains. It is easy to read and includes all the trails and distances listed as well as many other great trails to explore.  These maps are printed in Bozeman and are waterproof.  

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD YOUR NEXT BIG ADVENTURE! 

About The Base Camp 

The Base Camp is Montana's premier outdoor store, serving the Billings and Helena communities for nearly five decades, providing high-quality clothing, footwear, outdoor equipment, and Montana lifestyle gifts. 

As a locally owned, family-run business passionate about the outdoors and our communities, we are dedicated to fueling the spirit of outdoor adventure and delivering superior service. Our mission is to be your go-to destination for your outdoor pursuits, equipping adventurers with essential gear for any journey. 

Beyond retail, The Base Camp fosters a community of outdoor enthusiasts, inspiring and supporting your love for nature with knowledgeable and friendly staff. Visit The Base Camp – where the spirit of the great outdoors comes to life, and your adventures begin.