Lake Plateau Trail is a 24.4 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near McLeod, Montana that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
backpacking
birding
camping
hiking
nature trips
walking
forest
lake
views
wild flowers
wildlife
Absolutely gorgeous trail. The first 7 or so miles to Horseshoe Lake are a difficult, steady climb with lots of switchbacks and beautiful wildflowers. Its early July and still snow-covered near the top, but we were able to go over the top without too much post-holing. Horseshoe Lake to Rainbow Lakes was easy and flanked by streams, unnamed lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers, and pink snow. Camped at Rainbow Lake and then completed the loop around Lake Plateau back to Horseshoe to camp the second night. Easily hiked 7 miles out the next day in a couple hours as it was almost all downhill. Quite rocky until Horseshoe and then muddy and wet from Horseshoe through Lake Plateau. Several creek crossings and the water is high and fast! Our actual mileage was closer to 30 when all was said and done. Quintessential Montana hiking and camping—highly recommended!
great backpacking trip with lots of lakes.
Great trip, we took 6 days and could have easily spent more. lots of opportunity for fishing, wildlife viewing and much more. There quite a few people on the trail but it never felt crowded, and only camped at 2 lakes where there were other people.