Flathead Lake and Seeley Lake are two of the most popular – and beautiful – bodies of water in Montana. But they’re far from the only places for boating, swimming and lakeside lounging.
We’ve got quite a few underrated lakes in the Treasure State, and Mystic Lake is definitely one of them. While it does require some effort to reach, once you’re there, you’ll be glad you made the effort.
Mystic Lake is located in Stillwater County, just outside the borders of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
David Kelly / alltrails.com Nowhere else in the Beartooths offers the chance to see a hydroelectric dam in action, while simultaneously enjoying the surrounding wilderness.
To reach the lake, you’ll hike the Mystic Lake Trail, a 2.5 “round trip” adventure located near the tiny community of Roscoe.
Jacy Head / alltrails.com The trail is rated as moderate. While it definitely has its steep and rocky parts, it’s not too difficult for a novice hiker to attempt, especially in the summer when the snow has melted.
Hit the trailhead in the morning and you can enjoy this view all afternoon.
Martyka Schultz / alltrails.com Mystic Lake is the deepest (and the largest) lake in the Beartooths, at more than 300 feet. The water stays cold, of course, but you’re welcome to swim if that doesn’t deter you.
The fishing at this lake is excellent.
Jacy Head / alltrails.com Montana Fish Wildlife, & Parks keeps the lake stocked with rainbow trout, which are easy to catch.
Mystic Lake is such a perfect place to spend a summer day…
Thomas Newpower / alltrails.com
… and the Mystic Lake Trail is beautiful, too.
Brittney Sanderson / alltrails.com You might want to make a weekend of it and camp here so you’ll have plenty of time to explore.
We might be a bit biased, but we happen to think Montana lakes are the best lakes.
David Kelly / alltrails.com
Nowhere else in the Beartooths offers the chance to see a hydroelectric dam in action, while simultaneously enjoying the surrounding wilderness.
Jacy Head / alltrails.com
The trail is rated as moderate. While it definitely has its steep and rocky parts, it’s not too difficult for a novice hiker to attempt, especially in the summer when the snow has melted.
Martyka Schultz / alltrails.com
Mystic Lake is the deepest (and the largest) lake in the Beartooths, at more than 300 feet. The water stays cold, of course, but you’re welcome to swim if that doesn’t deter you.
Montana Fish Wildlife, & Parks keeps the lake stocked with rainbow trout, which are easy to catch.
Thomas Newpower / alltrails.com
Brittney Sanderson / alltrails.com
You might want to make a weekend of it and camp here so you’ll have plenty of time to explore.
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