The east face of the Bitterroot Range is cut by a row of steep, parallel canyons, and behind nearly every one sits a chain of cold alpine lakes tucked under the granite crest. The Canyon Creek Trail, just west of Hamilton, Montana, is one of the best ways to reach them. It climbs from valley forest into open glacial basins where the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness feels genuinely remote, yet it starts only a short drive from town.
The Route from the Trailhead
From Hamilton, follow Bowman and Canyon Creek roads to the Canyon Creek Trailhead. Trail 525 starts gently along the creek, then settles into a steady grind as the canyon narrows. The walls close in, the forest thins, and after several miles the trail breaks out near Canyon Lake, a sizable alpine lake cupped beneath sheer Bitterroot cliffs. A trail continues higher to smaller upper lakes for those with more energy and time.
Distance and Elevation
Plan on a serious day or, better, an overnight:
- Trailhead to Canyon Lake: roughly 6 to 7 miles one way with substantial elevation gain, climbing into the high country.
- Upper lakes: add a couple of rugged miles and more climbing above Canyon Lake.
- Terrain: well-defined but rocky in the upper canyon, with creek crossings that run high in early summer.
This is a strenuous out and back as a day hike, so most people make it an overnight to enjoy the lakes in the calm of evening and morning.
Camping at the Lakes
Dispersed backcountry camping is allowed under wilderness rules. Choose durable, established sites set back at least 200 feet from the water, and pack out everything. There are no facilities, no fire grates beyond existing rings, and no reliable trash service, so practice strict Leave No Trace. Mountain weather flips fast up here, so bring a real shelter and warm layers even in July.
Fishing and Wildlife
Several Bitterroot lakes hold cutthroat and rainbow trout, and a packable rod is worth the weight for an evening cast. You may share the basin with mountain goats on the high ledges, mule deer, and the occasional black bear, so store food in a bear canister or hang it well. A Montana fishing license is required if you plan to fish.
Best Time to Go
The high lakes hold snow late. Aim for mid-July through September, once the upper trail clears and creek crossings drop to safe levels. August offers the warmest swimming and most stable weather, while September brings crisp nights, fall color in the larch, and solitude. Earlier than mid-July you should expect snow patches, mud, and dangerous high water.
Linking Canyon Creek into a Longer Trip
Canyon Creek shines as part of a bigger wilderness traverse. Strong backpackers connect it with neighboring drainages like Blodgett Canyon and the Bitterroot crest for a multi-day loop through the heart of the range. If that is the trip you want, our Selway-Bitterroot backpacking itinerary stitches the canyons, the high crest, and the alpine lakes into a planned five-day route with camps and logistics from Hamilton.
The Canyon Creek lakes reward the climb with quiet water, big granite, and the sense of being far from anywhere, all reachable from a valley-floor trailhead. Come prepared for high country, and the Bitterroots will deliver one of Montana's finest alpine days.
