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Ten Lakes Scenic Area Trail

Kootenai National Forest, Montana · 3 min read

Distance
9 mi
Elevation Gain
2,100 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
6 / 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

  • Multiple sub-alpine lakes in the Ten Lakes Scenic Area near Canada
  • Open parkland terrain with excellent views north into British Columbia
  • Seldom-visited destination even by Kootenai standards
  • Tobacco Valley context: Montana's most northerly accessible terrain
  • Mountain goat and wolverine habitat in the upper area

Overview

The Ten Lakes Scenic Area sits in the northernmost section of the Kootenai National Forest, near the Canadian border in Montana's Tobacco Valley. The 9-mile round trip to the scenic area accesses open sub-alpine terrain dotted with lakes and tarns in a landscape that sees very few visitors. The views north into British Columbia are a reminder of how close to the international border this portion of the forest sits.

The Tobacco Valley is the flatland corridor between the Whitefish Range and the Purcell Mountains, and the Ten Lakes area rises from the eastern edge of the valley into genuinely remote terrain. The open parkland character of the upper scenic area is different from the dense cedar forests of the western Kootenai, representing the drier subalpine ecology of the eastern forest edge.

The Route

Wolverine Creek Approach (0 to 3.0 miles)

The trail begins in mixed conifer forest and climbs steadily on a maintained path through the Wolverine Creek drainage. The lower forest is characteristic western Montana conifer: lodgepole, subalpine fir, and scattered larch. Water is accessible from the creek throughout the lower section.

Sub-Alpine Transition (3.0 to 4.0 miles)

The forest thins and the trail enters the lower edge of the scenic area. Views north into Canada begin to appear as the terrain opens. The first of the area's lakes appears at the upper edge of the treeline.

Ten Lakes Scenic Area (4.0 to 4.5 miles)

The open basin holds a cluster of lakes in a parkland setting with low heath and scattered subalpine fir. The views survey the Tobacco Valley below and the Canadian Purcell Mountains north. The conventional turnaround point is at the main basin. Return via the same route.

When to Hike

July through September provides the most reliable conditions. The area is typically snow-free by mid-July. September offers excellent solitude and fall color.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water with creek filtration available on the approach. The open scenic area is cold and windy even in summer. Pack a wind layer and insulation. No restroom is present at the trailhead.

Trailhead Access

Wolverine Creek Trailhead is in the Tobacco Valley area near Eureka, accessed from Highway 93 on forest roads. High-clearance vehicle recommended. No permit or fee required (as of 2026). No restroom. Space for 15 to 20 vehicles.

Dogs are permitted.

Nearby

Ten Lakes is the northernmost major trail destination in the Kootenai. Northwest Peak Trail is in the same general Tobacco Valley area. The Cabinet Mountains trails (Leigh Lake, Cabinet Mountains Loop) are 60 to 90 minutes south for those spending multiple days in the forest.

Check conditions using the USFS guide and follow Leave No Trace principles in this remote scenic area.

Trailhead Parking

Gravel lot at the Wolverine Creek Trailhead in the Tobacco Valley area. Space for 15 to 20 vehicles. High-clearance vehicle recommended on the approach road.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Ten Lakes Scenic Area Trail take?
The 9-mile round trip with 2,100 feet of gain takes most hikers 4.5 to 6 hours. The open sub-alpine terrain in the upper area moves faster than the forested approach sections.
Is the Ten Lakes Scenic Area Trail dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are permitted. The open terrain of the scenic area is comfortable for dogs and the lake access provides good water for dogs on warm days. Keep dogs under control near the lakes.
Are there actually ten lakes in the Ten Lakes Scenic Area?
The Ten Lakes area contains a cluster of sub-alpine lakes and tarns in close proximity. The name is an informal designation for the area rather than a precise count, and the number of distinct water bodies depends on conditions and season.