Big Fisher Lake Trail #41

The trailhead (elevation 6120 ft) starts at the junction with Trail 13, 1 1/4 miles from Road 634. This is a tough hike that accesses 2 of the most scenic high mountain lakes in the Selkirks, Trout and Big Fisher. Well worth the time for the experienced backcountry hiker or fisherman.

The trail ascends the sidehill at a moderate grade for 1 1/2 miles before it starts a steep, rocky descent into the Trout Lake bowl. Vistas along the switchbacks are spectacular. An 1100 ft rock headwall borders Trout Lake on the west and scree fields meet the lake edge.

The trail climbs from the Trout Lake basin and then up to the ridge top in a series of steep, rocky switchbacks.

At mile 3, the trail reaches an open, grassy ridge with panoramic views in all directions. Within 1/2 mile the trail enters a large high mountain meadow (elevation 7400 ft), where the Kootenai Valley can be seen in the distance and Big Fisher Lake lies 620 ft below.

The trail to the lake is rocky and steep with pitches greater than 40%. Big Fisher Lake is large and fairly shallow with a scree field to the southeast but otherwise surrounded by timber.

IPNF Visitor Maps & Guides

USGS Quad(s): Pyramid Peak
View an elevation profile of the trail.
View a more detailed map of the trail area.