Montana · Hiking

Vinal Lake

1.0 mi
round trip
1 ft
climb
3,089 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Vinal Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Three Rivers Ranger District. It doesn't name Vinal 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.

Vinal Lake is an easy out-and-back hike in the Three Rivers Ranger District of Montana's Kootenai National Forest, about a mile long with a total climb of just 1 foot. The Forest Service manages the land. Bikes are allowed on this short route, which rises from about 2,947 feet to 3,089 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 81°F in July and August, with lows in the low 40s, and fewer wet days than the rest of the year. The Vinal Lake Trail lies just 0.2 miles away, and Bunker Creek Tie is about 1.8 miles off. Hoskins Lake is roughly 2.4 miles away. For an overnight stay, Upper Ford Cabin Rental is about 4.1 miles from the trail.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Vinal 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, 7.3 mi away at 3,085 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.