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.
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
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
Interpretive Areas/ExhibitsInterpretive 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.
