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Upper Seymour Lake on the CDT

Difficulty

Moderate

Maps

USGS 7.5 quadrangles: Storm Lake, Mount Evans, and Lower Seymour Lake; CDTC Map Set: Map 348, Section MT15.

Length

13.7 miles

Directions

Directions from Anaconda, MT: Take MT-1 south for 3 miles before continuing onto MT-569/Deep Creek Rd. After 18 miles, turn right toward Seymour Lake Rd/FR 934. Stay on Seymour Lake Rd for 2.4 miles, keep right at the fork and then continue 1.4 more miles. Continue onto Seymour Creek Rd for 3 miles before reaching the Seymour Lake trailhead (45.991161, -113.182981). While there is space for a horse trailer, turn around could be challenging if the parking area is full. There is a USFS campground at Lower Seymour Lake about 1/2 mile south of the trailhead.

Closest Town

Anaconda, MT

For More Information

Montana Office of Tourism: visitmt.com; Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, Wisdom Ranger District: (406)-689-3243.

This well-maintained section of the CDT weaves through lodgepole pine forests to Upper Seymour Lake, a crystal-clear lake nestled in a striking cirque. The hike is not too challenging, with minimal elevation gain until the final 1.5 mile climb up switchbacks to the plateau. This can be a great hike to bring dogs on; there are lots of water crossings. Note that the trail runs through a wilderness area, where dogs must stay on leash. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the water or bring your fishing rod along to catch rainbow and cutthroat trout. The lake is a popular place to camp, so if you don’t want a long day hike, this can be a great overnight backpacking trip. There is an option to continue along the CDT and extend your hike to Goat Flat, following the switchbacks for 2 miles and gaining 1,200 feet in elevation above the lake. As you reach the plateau of Goat Flat, mountains unfold in every direction.

Photo by Whitney LaRuffa