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Lake Como National Recreation Trailhead

Lake Como National Recreation Trailhead is located in the Lake Como Recreation Area near the entrance to Three Frogs Campground.  The first 1/4 mile of this trail is paved and has interpretive signs relating to historical use, vegetation and the role of fire in the area.  The trail is approximately 3 miles at which point it intersects with the Rock Creek Trail #580. To do an "out and back" hike to the falls using this north shore trail, it is about 6 miles round trip.

To make the 7.9 mile loop around the lake, follow the Rock Creek Trail to the south across the stock bridge and then east along the lake shore until you arrive at the boat launch at the southeast end of Lake Como. Walk across the dam and follow the road back to the Trailhead to complete the loop. This loop around Lake Como is 7.9 miles in length, 498 ft elevation gain, and estimated 2 hrs 45 min to complete.

Current Conditions
Site open yearlong until closed by snow.
Day Use Fee Required Memorial Day-Labor Day
Day Use Only, No Overnight Camping

General Information

A day use pass is required at sites within the Lake Como Recreation Area from Memorial Day-Labor Day. Passes are $5 and can be purchased at the Fee station within the site. Day and Season passes are also available from Bitterroot NF offices and vendors around the valley. Interagency (America the Beautiful, Senior, Access, etc.) Passes are honored at this site. Please call the Darby Ranger Station for more information on Lake Como Passes. Day use only, no overnight camping.

Open yearlong until closed by snow. 

Trailhead is Day Use Only

6:00am to 10:00pm 

Day passes are $5 and can be purchased at the Fee station within the site. Day and Season passes ($30) are also available from Bitterroot National Forest offices and vendors around the valley.  Interagency Passes are honored at this site. 

Please call the Darby Ranger Station for more information on Lake Como Passes, 406-821-3913.

  • Pets must be leashed while on paved portion of trail. 

Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per season

Day use fee is required from Memorial Day-Labor Day 

Passes are required to be displayed and visible from outside the vehicle.  

Pets must be leashed at all times within the recreation area boundaries. 

Contact Name: Darby-Sula Ranger District

Contact Phone: 406-821-3913

Darby Ranger Station administrative office in the winter.

Address: 712 N. Main Darby, MT 59829
Phone: 406-821-3913
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 46.06638889

Longitude: -114.2472222

Elevation

4,245 feet

Directions

From Darby, Montana travel north for 4 miles on Highway 93. Turn west (left) onto Lake Como Rd. Follow for 3 miles. Turn north (right) and follow signs to the trailhead.

From Hamilton, Montana travel south for 16 miles on Highway 93. Turn west (right) onto Lake Como Rd. Follow for 3 miles. Turn north (right) and follow signs to the trailhead.

Parking

The parking area can get congested in the peak season. Main parking is near the near the entrance to Three Frogs Campground. Overflow parking can be found in a gravel lot to the East of the Trailhead. 

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

The first 1/4 of this trail is paved and accessible.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Water is available from Memorial Day-Labor Day 

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are not available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Outdoor Science and Learning Outdoor Science and Learning
Hiking Hiking Picnicking Picnicking

Interpretive Areas/ExhibitsInterpretive Areas/Exhibits

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info

The first 1/4 mile of this trail is paved and has interpretive signs relating to historical use, vegetation and the role of fire in the area. 

Last updated July 17th, 2025