Birch Lake Trail is a 10.0 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Kalispell, Montana that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from June until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This is a great hike to see large open views of Flathead Valley. On clear days you can see four different mountain ranges: Bob Marshall, Swan, Mission and Salish Mountains. Views of over 60 miles are normal on summer days. Birch Lake is a good lake for trout fishing and camping. The lake is 3-4 acres and in a beautiful small valley. The trail also branches off to Crater Lake and connects to the longer Jewel Basin trail network. The trail is a long slow series of climbs and switchbacks but not overly strenuous. The trail goes through some forest but mostly follows the mountain edge and allows for great wildlife viewing and Huckleberry picking when in season.
The Trailhead has a parking lot for about 20 cars. It also has restroom facilities on site.
Keith Perry kperry52@me.com
Travel to Bigfork Montana and take Hwy 83 to Echo Lake Rd. Turn North onto Echo lake road and go approximately 3 miles to Foothills drive and turn right. Go approximately 2 miles to Jewel Basin Forest road 5392. This road gradually climbs to the trail head. The road can be very jarring with washouts and ruts. The trailhead at Jewel Basin 717 has parking for about 20 cars and has restroom facilities.
October 23, 2020Everyone wanting to do this hike should know it’s on the end of a very steep gravel road up a mountain top. That road gets icy very fast. Our car slid off the side of the mountain while trying to get to this hike. Best bet is to go in summer. Even with chains, snow tires and or ice picks I highly suggest you wait to do this hike until the warm months.
October 11, 2020great, quick hike to beautiful birch lake. personally, think the pictures don't do it justice. if you're near the area, definitely recommend this one.
October 5, 2020Great hike but some of the trails are very narrow and steep with loose gravel so you better wear good hiking boots. We had hiking sticks as well which was very helpful. We are beginners and moderate is a good description for this trail. Views are spectacular over Flathead Lake, the whole valley and finally Birch Lake. Getting there took us about 2hrs (taking lot's of pictures and enjoying the views.) About 1.5hrs for the way back. Oct. 4/2020
October 4, 2020This was a moderately challenging task for us as it was our first hike on this trip to Montana. Our goal was to follow trail 7, the alpine trail to birch lake for the 6+ miles route. We were a bit stumped when the lake did not appear on the trail map but it did appear on Google maps. Google prevailed and we were rewarded by reaching it. spectacular views throughout! only downside was a tricky Jewel Road to the parking lot. Good 20 minutes of rough gravel roads and oncoming traffic.
September 26, 2020wonderful alpine scenery, first mile pretty uphill, but the views are rewarding, had hail at end of trail...
September 15, 2020Beautiful moderate trail! If you are looking to get away from the parks crowds, this is the perfect hike! However, do not underestimate the crazy off roading drive you have to take up to Camp Misery (parking lot). Lots of “whoopdy doos” as they call it.
September 15, 2020Absolutely beautiful hike, even with the smokey air from the fires out west. Ran into a couple of mountain goats. You can hike completely around the lake. Nice bonus.
September 13, 2020Wonderful trail! Great family hiking trail!
September 10, 2020Gorgeous
September 9, 2020This trail is incredible! It is the perfect amount of difficulty and distance, with amazing views the whole way, and a really breathtaking alpine lake at the end. I would love to come back to backpack it. Trailhead was staffed by rangers and super busy.
September 9, 2020The views were very pretty and high up so you could see for miles over Flathead lake. The trail itself lead down into a valley in the mountains making it a very fun hike. Did not see any wildlife. It was the most crowded hike we have been on this trip but it was nice!
September 7, 2020September 2, 2020Beautiful trail. Views are amazing. We started at the trail head around 1030 and did not encounter many other hikers. Trail is well maintained. Expect some steep descents and ascents but absolutely worth the hike.
August 30, 2020Love this trail. Huckleberries abound in the fall and it is much less traveled than the Aneas summit trail, which is rad.
August 16, 2020Very steep in sections with drop offs. Suggest hiking boots and walking sticks. My husband and kids had to turn around. Views are epic and well worth the relatively gentle climb at the beginning.
August 10, 2020Fairly easy hike. It’s worth going to other end of Birch Lake for views of Hungry Horse reservoir.
August 10, 2020August 9, 2020Incredible. The views are stunning. Not too challenging. Only negative is too many people. It’s a very popular trail. Best to go in the morning.
August 4, 2020Very nice trail! We took the last space in the parking lot, on a Tuesday, around 10:00 a.m. Didn't seem crowded on the trail, however.
August 4, 2020Nice challenging trail up and down to the lake which is absolutely stunning. Well traveled and highly recommended.
July 31, 2020Beautiful trail! We went for a two day backpacking trip with the intention to camp at Birch Lake then hike to Crater Lake and camp for a second night. While Birch is absolutely breaktaking, the horse flies and mosquitos were so overwhelming, even with tons of bug spray, that we decided to pack out the next day! The trail is rocky in parts when you get closer to the lake and around the lake, but it's mostly very decent. There are also a bunch of Big Horn Sheep in the area and they decided to visit us all hours of the night while camping. It was scary at first, but looking back, quite amazing! This is a great day hike, absolutely gorgeous area, and even a fantastic place to camp.. just know that the bugs are THICK!
July 30, 2020What a gorgeous hike! Tons of pretty wildflowers and views and the trail was fun! The lake at the end was beautiful and we even swam. Nice and cold! The second half of the hike in was more narrow and you needed to pay attention but it was a great trail! Would do this again for sure!!!
July 19, 2020Relatively simple trail with only one steep section. Termination at Birch Lake offers solid fishing opportunities. Was an easy hike for our 10 year old.
July 19, 2020July 17, 20207/16/20 Sweet little hike! Trail is in great condition and parking is completely manageable if you get up there later in the day. Highly recommend waiting until 3/4 PM to avoid the crowds and still get gorgeous views.
July 12, 2020Wonderful trail. Was looking for a trail as a backup to the crowded trails in Glacier NP. The trail was maintained and not crowded. Arrived at 10am on Sunday and got the last parking spot. To get to the trail, it’s a gravelly uphill road that’s best for cars with all wheel drive, also for those who are sensitive to bumpy car rides, bring Dramamine. Gorgeous views throughout the hike. The payout with Birch lake was worth the trek.
July 9, 2020One hundred percent fabulous trail. Hardly anyone on this one in the morning. I think they were all on Mt Aeneus trail because the parking lot was a complete shit show when we got back. Go early if you want to avoid the masses.
