Castle Lake
Photo: Forest Service - Northern Region, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)- 3.4 mi
- round trip
- 860 ft
- climb
- 5,210 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
- May–Sep
- best months
Is Castle Lake open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists 5 alerts for Flathead National Forest.
Camp Creek Fire Updated Trail Closure
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
FK&L Area Closed to Public Access Starting July 22, 2026
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 1-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Flathead National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Castle Lake is a moderate out-and-back hike in Montana's Great Bear Wilderness, part of the Hungry Horse Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and runs about 3.4 miles, with an elevation gain of 860 feet from a low point of 4,335 feet to a high of 5,210 feet. The route is natural-surfaced and allows horses, so it works well for riders. Bikes are not permitted. The trail is open year-round, and the surrounding wilderness makes it a destination for a full day in the backcountry. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at E Glacier show July and August highs around 74°F with lows in the mid-40s, while winter highs stay near 30°F. Nearby hikes include Cy Creek, about 2.3 miles away, and Big River and Twenty-Five Mile Creek, each about 2.6 miles off. For an overnight stay, Challenge Cabin sits about 7.1 miles away.
Local outfitters
- North American RV Park & Yurt Village35 mi away
- Rocky Mountain Outfitter42 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Best time to go · May–Sep
Best time to visit Castle Lake
Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
30° / 13°
Feb
30° / 13°
Mar
37° / 19°
Apr
46° / 27°
May
56° / 34°
Jun
64° / 41°
Jul
74° / 46°
Aug
74° / 44°
Sep
63° / 38°
Oct
50° / 29°
Nov
36° / 22°
Dec
29° / 15°
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at E Glacier, MT, 22.8 mi away at 4,806 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
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