Montana · Hiking

Hoskins Lake

3.7 mi
round trip
145 ft
climb
3,393 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Hoskins Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Three Rivers Ranger District. It doesn't name Hoskins Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Three Rivers Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Hoskins Lake is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 3.7 miles in the Three Rivers Ranger District of the Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana. The trail rises roughly 145 feet from a low point of 3,238 feet to a high of 3,393 feet. The route is natural-surfaced and allows bikes. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is listed as open from May 1 to November 30. Parking is at the Hoskins Lake Trailhead (TH 162). Summer is the most comfortable time to go. A nearby weather station records typical July and August highs around 81°F with lows in the low 40s and the fewest wet days of the year, about six or seven. That station sits roughly 300 feet below the trail, so temperatures on the trail run slightly cooler. Nearby, Bunker Creek Tie is about 1.2 miles away and Vinal Lake about 2.4 miles. Upper Ford Cabin Rental and Pete Creek Campground offer places to stay within 6.7 miles.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Hoskins 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.

    1. Jan

      29° / 14°

      14 wet

    2. Feb

      36° / 14°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      44° / 22°

      13 wet

    4. Apr

      54° / 27°

      11 wet

    5. May

      65° / 35°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 41°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      81° / 43°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 42°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 35°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      53° / 28°

      11 wet

    11. Nov

      36° / 21°

      13 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 15°

      14 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Yaak 9nne, MT, 4.9 mi away at 3,085 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.