We spent this past weekend at Missoula Lake above Superior with my parents. Missoula Lake is a beautiful alpine lake full of cutthroat and rainbow trout, although they are difficult to catch. It's only a short walk from the road and there are great camping spots above. When we were there, the first winter snows had already hit and there was about 1/2" of snow on the ground and a dusting on the trees. The drive to the lake was beautiful as well with the trees just changing color and seeing bright bursts of yellow and small red bushes on the side of the road.
Above Missoula Lake, you will find the Stateline Trail that separates Montana & Idaho. This is a beautiful walk and you can look down at Missoula Lake as well as on both sides of the trail you will see millions of miles of pristine wilderness and trees.
To get to Missoula Lake, from the Superior Exit on I-90, take the frontage road on the south side, south. Proceed 1.4 miles to Cedar Creek Road. Turn south again and continue up for 23.6 miles to Missoula Lake. There is a half mile dirt road that goes near the lake. Further up the road is a larger camping area with anther trailhead. Both access the lake.
For more information on Mineral County, Montana including the towns of Superior, St. Regis, Deborgia, Haugen, Saltese, Alberton, and Lozeau, visit www.mymineralcounty.com.
*******
Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.
Monica,
Were there a lot of people in the camp ground? And did they allow fires, etc? I think I have been up there before, but can't remember exactly. I want to go NOW!
Erika
Hi Erika - I'm not sure how late the camping grounds are open. The lake is high enough in elevation that the snow hits pretty early. They do allow fires if fire danger isn't too high.
Thanks for your help! My aunt and her family are coming to town this weekend from Glasgow. Nothing big on their plate, just playing it by ear. This might be something fun to do! We were also thinking floating the Blackfoot and I just read your Huckleberry post as well. Do you know of some good places around here?
Maybe you should be a Missoula Guide Consultant! You're information is great!