It may feel like summer in the valley, but there is still plenty of snow in the mountains. If you’re looking for some early-season hiking, hit the Hall Lake trail. The 8-mile round trip hike offers outstanding views of Swan Lake and Sixmile Peak.
Located just outside the town of Swan Lake, the trail climbs gradually through a lush forest. Hikers can expect a knee-deep creek crossing about one mile into the hike as long as snow continues to melt. As the trail continues up a ridge, the trees thin and offer wonderful views of Swan Lake in the valley below. About three miles into the hike, the trail turns a corner and Sixmile Peak jumps out from the landscape. Glacier lilies dot the open terrain higher up along the trail. Plan to encounter lingering snow near the lake, which is still largely covered in ice.
How to get there: Head south on Highway 83 to the town of Swan Lake. Near mile marker 72, just before the Laughing Horse Inn, turn east onto Fenby Lake. Follow this dirt road to the trailhead.