Montana · Hiking

Howard Lake

1.3 mi
loop
106 ft
climb
4,176 ft
high point
Loop
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Howard Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Kootenai National Forest. It doesn't name Howard Lake, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Kootenai National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Howard Lake is a moderate loop hike of about 1.3 miles in the Libby Ranger District of Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises about 106 feet from a low point of 4,101 feet to a high of 4,176 feet, and its natural surface makes it a simple walk on foot or on a bike. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Libby show July and August highs around 78°F with lows near 40°F and only about six wet days a month. That station sits roughly 700 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the hike run a little cooler. Howard Lake Campground and the Great Northern Mountain hike both sit about 0.1 mile away. Libby Divide is about 1.2 miles off, and Teeters Peak is about 2 miles away.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Howard 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

      30° / 15°

      14 wet · 12 snow

    2. Feb

      35° / 15°

      12 wet · 10 snow

    3. Mar

      43° / 22°

      13 wet · 10 snow

    4. Apr

      52° / 28°

      12 wet · 5 snow

    5. May

      62° / 34°

      12 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      69° / 39°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 42°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 40°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 34°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      52° / 27°

      11 wet · 3 snow

    11. Nov

      37° / 22°

      14 wet · 9 snow

    12. Dec

      29° / 15°

      15 wet · 13 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Libby 32 Sse, MT, 17.7 mi away at 3,440 ft. The station sits about 700 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.