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Lake Plateau via Fishtail Creek

Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana · 4 min read

Distance
12 mi
Elevation Gain
2,400 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
10 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Remote Lake Plateau with dozens of interconnected alpine lakes above 10,000 feet
  • Near-total solitude compared to Beartooth Highway-access trails
  • Exceptional fishing in multiple plateau lakes for cutthroat and golden trout
  • Full wilderness experience with minimal trail markers above treeline

Overview

The Lake Plateau is one of the quieter destinations on the Beartooth massif not because it lacks for scenery, but because reaching it via Fishtail Creek requires more effort and more distance from paved roads than the trails accessed directly from US-212. That extra commitment pays off in solitude and the particular satisfaction of a wilderness that feels genuinely remote.

The Custer Gallatin National Forest encompasses this section of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and the designation shapes what you will find: minimal developed infrastructure, no established campsites with amenities, and a landscape where navigation shifts from following a clear path to reading the terrain above treeline. The plateau itself is a basin of interconnected lakes ringed by ridges that top 12,000 feet. In July and August, the water is a shade of blue that seems implausible for Montana.

This is a 12-mile round-trip with 2,400 feet of gain and a strenuous rating that reflects the cumulative demands rather than any single technical challenge. Fit day hikers can complete it in a long day. Overnight parties have a better experience, with time to explore the plateau's network of lakes and fish for the cutthroat and golden trout that inhabit them.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3: Fishtail Creek Trailhead to Forest

The trail begins in open terrain near the trailhead and quickly enters mixed conifer forest along Fishtail Creek. Elevation gain is gradual in this section about 600 feet over three miles and the creek provides a consistent source of water for filtering. The forest is dense spruce and fir, with dappled light and quiet that feel removed from the Beartooth Highway tourist corridor to the east.

Miles 3 to 7: Forest to Plateau

Above mile 3, the trail steepens and the forest begins to thin. By mile 5, you are crossing subalpine meadows with views opening to the ridgelines above. The final two miles before the plateau involve the route's most sustained climbing, gaining roughly 1,200 feet as the trail switchbacks above treeline. Navigation requires attention here follow cairns and GPS waypoints carefully, as the official trail can be indistinct on rocky ground.

The plateau announces itself with a flattening of the terrain and the sudden appearance of the first lake. From the plateau rim, the basin below holds multiple lakes visible at once, and the silence is remarkable.

When to Visit

The Lake Plateau trail is typically snow-free from mid-July through mid-September. Early-season (June and early July) attempts frequently encounter deep snow on the upper trail and may require postholing or route-finding skills beyond what most day hikers expect. September is a quieter and often drier month, though early-season snowstorms are possible by late September at 10,000+ feet.

Check current conditions before heading out the conditions-checking guide has resources specific to the Absaroka-Beartooth area.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry the following for this route:

  • Bear canister (required for overnight stays; see our bear canister guide)
  • 3-4 liters of water capacity; filter or purification tablets
  • Navigation tools: GPS with downloaded track and a printed topo map as backup
  • Full rain gear and extra insulating layers for the exposed plateau
  • Bear spray, accessible on the pack rather than buried inside
  • Emergency bivy for overnight parties
  • Fishing gear and Montana license if planning to fish the plateau lakes

Individual needs vary significantly based on trip length and fitness level.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking as of 2026. Overnight stays require bear canister use in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Self-registration at the trailhead is the standard process. Campfires are prohibited above treeline; a stove is required for hot food.

Grizzly bears are active throughout this drainage. Bear spray is the standard precaution, and all food must be stored in a canister when camping. The USFS recommends traveling in groups and making noise in dense cover.

Review the Leave No Trace guide before camping in this wilderness area. The plateau's lakes are sensitive to human impact and support special fisheries that depend on low-impact visitor practices.

Getting There

From Fishtail, Montana (reached from Columbus via US-78 and MT-419), follow forest roads south toward the Fishtail Creek drainage. The Beartooth Ranger District in Red Lodge can provide current road numbers and trailhead directions. Fishtail Creek Trailhead is approximately 20 miles south of Fishtail by road. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. From Billings, allow approximately 2.5 hours to the trailhead.

Trailhead Parking

Fishtail Creek Trailhead, accessed via forest roads south of Fishtail, Montana. Gravel road; high-clearance recommended. Parking for 15-20 vehicles.

← Back to Custer Gallatin National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this trail different from Beartooth Highway-access routes?
The Fishtail Creek approach is a longer, more committing route that sees far less traffic than trails accessed directly from US-212. You will encounter genuine wilderness conditions and likely have the plateau lakes largely to yourself, even on summer weekends.
Is a bear canister required on this trail?
Bear canisters are required for overnight use in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. See our bear canister guide for current regulations and approved container types.
Are there named lakes on the plateau?
The Lake Plateau contains dozens of named and unnamed lakes. Fossil Lake, Jordan Lake, and several others are reachable on extended explorations from the main route. A detailed topo map is essential for navigating between them.
How difficult is route-finding above treeline?
Trail markers exist but can be sparse or buried by late-season snowfields. Above treeline, some navigation skill is required. A GPS device with a downloaded track or a quality topo map and compass are the minimum recommended navigation tools.
Can I combine this with the Beartooth Lake Loop?
The two trails are in different drainages and not directly connectable as a single day trip. However, a multi-day base camp on the plateau could allow exploration of both areas.