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Montana
5.2 mi
Distance
2,106 ft
Gain
No conditions check on file for this trail yet — always verify current conditions before you go.
Why you'll love it
Cottonwood Lake
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No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Cottonwood Lake Trail is a moderate 5.16-mile hike gaining over 2,100 feet of elevation, offering hikers a rewarding alpine lake destination in Montana. The trail climbs steadily through forested terrain with increasing elevation gain, leading to scenic views and the pristine waters of Cottonwood Lake. This popular destination combines accessible distance with meaningful elevation challenge, making it ideal for hikers seeking mountain lake views without extreme technical difficulty.
Trespass
~3 min drive
Challenging 12.27-mile Montana backcountry trail with 2,627 ft elevation gain.
Smeller Lake
~6 min drive
Moderate 5.3-mile alpine lake hike with 2,043 ft elevation gain.
Blue Lake
~7 min drive
Scenic alpine lake hike with steady climb and rewarding views.
Big Timber Creek
~6 min drive
Strenuous 11.67-mile alpine climb with 5,266 ft elevation gain.
North Fork Elk Creek
~10 min drive
Moderate 5.79-mile climb through North Fork drainage with 2,015 ft elevation gain.
Big Timber Falls
~10 min drive
Quick waterfall hike with minimal elevation gain near Big Timber.
Middle Fork Sweet Grass
~7 min drive
Moderate 6.87-mile hike with 1,470 ft gain in Sweet Grass country.
Shields Lowline
~14 min drive
Moderate 6.4-mile trail with 437 ft elevation gain and scenic Montana views.
Swamp Lake
~14 min drive
Moderate 4.2-mile hike to scenic alpine lake with steady elevation gain.
Cottonwood Lowline
~8 min drive
Long, scenic lowline trail following Cottonwood drainage through Montana valleys.
