Baker Lake Trail #234
Escape to the high country on Baker Lake Trail! This moderate 3-mile round-trip hike rewards you with sweeping views of Trapper Peak and serene alpine lakes tucked beneath rugged cliffs. Perfect for a half-day adventure, the trail offers wildflowers in summer and crisp mountain air. Pack water, wear sturdy shoes, and enjoy one of the Bitterroot’s most scenic spots! The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary begins just beyond Baker Lake where Wilderness regulations apply.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Food Storage Required: Food Storage Order Bitterroot National Forest
Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days: Camping Restrictions Regional Order
Practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting forest lands.
Pack it in, Pack it out, no garbage service provided.
Weed Seed Free feed is required on all national forest land: Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Regional Order
Campfires allowed, dependent upon seasonal fire restrictions.
Practice good trail etiquette by staying on designated paths, yielding to uphill users, and giving space to others.
Pets must be under control. Leashes are recommended to avoid user and wildlife conflicts. Properly dispose of animal waste bags. Do not put animal waste bags in vault toilets
Year round, snow dependent
The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary begins just beyond Baker Lake where Wilderness regulations apply.
No permit needed for general non-commercial wilderness access
No motorized equipment (vehicles, OHV, motorcycles, bikes, drones, gliders, aircraft landings)
Max group size: 20 people and 20 stock animals
Stock users must use weed‑seed free certified forage
Do not cut switchbacks on trails
Contact Name: West Fork Ranger District
Contact Phone: 406-821-3269
Address: 6735 West Fork Road Darby, MT 59829
Phone: 406-821-3269
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
Parking
Parking availability at the Baker Lake Trailhead is limited, particularly during periods of high visitor use. When the primary parking area reaches capacity, overflow parking customarily occurs along the adjacent Forest Service road, which may result in traffic congestion.
Directions
From Darby, MT head south on Highway 93 for 4.3 miles. Turn southwest (right) onto West Fork Rd. Travel 7 miles and turn west (right) onto Pierce Creek Rd./FS 363. Follow for approximately 0.5 miles and turn north (right) to remain on FS 363, follow for another 0.5 miles and turn west (left) onto FS 5634. Follow for 7.5 miles to the trailhead.
Nearby Recreation Sites
Recreation Opportunities
Hiking
Outdoor Science and Learning
Day Hikes Info
Discover the beauty of your Bitterroot National Forest on foot! Day hikes offer a perfect way to experience scenic trails, wildlife, and natural features without the need for overnight gear. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a challenging trek, our trails provide opportunities for all skill levels. Enjoy fresh air, breathtaking views, and a chance to connect with nature. Remember to plan, pack essentials, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Backpacking Info
Experience the backcountry with a multi-day adventure into the Bitterroot National Forest. Backpacking allows you to explore remote trails, camp under the stars, and immerse yourself in nature’s solitude. These trips require preparation, pack essential gear, plan your route, and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the landscape. Whether you seek rugged terrain or quiet backcountry campsites, backpacking offers a rewarding way to connect deeply with the outdoors.
General Hiking Info
Explore the diverse landscapes of your Bitterroot National Forest at your own pace. Hiking is a great way to enjoy fresh air, scenic views, and the sights and sounds of nature. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging routes, offering something for every ability level. Be sure to check trail conditions, carry water, and practice Leave No Trace principles to help keep these areas beautiful for everyone.
Viewing Plants
Viewing Scenery
Viewing WildlifeViewing Plants Info
Discover the incredible diversity of plant life in your Bitterroot National Forest. From towering trees to delicate wildflowers, each season brings new colors and textures to explore. Many trails and scenic areas provide excellent opportunities for plant viewing, whether you’re interested in identifying species or simply enjoying nature’s beauty. Remember to stay on designated paths and avoid picking plants to help preserve these ecosystems for future visitors.
Viewing Scenery Info
Take in the breathtaking landscapes of your Bitterroot National Forest. From rugged mountain vistas to serene lakes and lush valleys, scenic viewing offers a chance to pause and appreciate nature’s beauty. Many trails, overlooks, and recreation sites provide stunning views perfect for photography or quiet reflection. Remember to respect designated areas and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these special places for future visitors.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Experience the sights and sounds of wildlife in their natural habitat. From birds soaring overhead to deer, elk, and sheep grazing in meadows, your Bitterroot National Forest is home to a wide variety of species. Many trails, scenic areas, and viewing overlooks provide excellent opportunities to observe animals safely and respectfully. Remember to keep your distance, avoid feeding wildlife, and use binoculars for a closer look to help protect both you and the wildlife.