Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 13 Most avid hikers have such a place: An idyllic mountain meadow filled with wildflowers; a heart-stoppingly scenic lake brimming with trout; an isolated patch of prairie with endless views of waving grasses. e surroundings and the scenery vary with the hiker's tastes, but each shares the same qualities of great natural beauty and nearly guaranteed solitude. Fortunately, Montana has thousands of such places awaiting your discovery. I won't (and can't) tell you where all of them are—some se- crets should remain just that, and besides, despite thousands of miles of hiking, I haven't come close to seeing them all myself. Still, it's always nice to have a little guidance in your search, so, if you promise not to tell, here are a few of my favorite spectacularly scenic, but very rarely seen, "secret" places in the Montana backcountry. SKIUMAH LAKE (1.8 MILES) A hidden treasure of northwestern Montana, Skiumah Lake lies right across the Middle Fork Flathead River from the tourist mecca of Glacier National Park, and just a short hike off busy US Highway 2. is 15-acre jewel is easily accessible to residents of the Flathead Valley, even though few know it exists. What they are missing is the dramatic view of Mount Penrose, which soars almost 3,400 feet above the lake's waters ensuring plenty of excellent scenery. From West Glacier drive 12.1 miles southeast on Highway 2 to a junction near milepost 164.4. Turn right at a sign for Skiumah Creek and drive this narrow, brushy road for 0.5 mile to a small parking area (enough for 2 or 3 cars, although it's unlikely anyone else will be there) at the unsigned trailhead. Beginning in dense lowland forest, the path climbs steeply up a brushy hillside, turns west up the canyon of rushing Skiumah Creek, then reaches a fork near 0.9 mile. Keep left, soon cross the creek on a narrow log, and make a final steep and brushy ascent to the lake. Float- ing logs and bracingly cold waters make swimming a questionable choice, but the scenery, including a sliding waterfall feeding the lake, is amazing. WARNING: Attesting to this lake's wild nature, grizzly bears are a legitimate concern here. Carry bear spray and sing Kumbaya while you hike. article and photos by DOUG LORAIN I N THE BITTERROOT MOUNTAINS NOT FAR FROM MY HOME IS A SECRET PLACE. It is a fairy tale-esque little lake, backed by dramatic granite cliffs and surrounded by rocky meadows and wispy alpine larches. It is a place perfectly designed for dipping your feet in the cool water, munching on trail mix, and soaking in the view. And perhaps best of all, you'll be doing all of those things in perfect solitude. For you see, no trail reaches this place, and I won't tell you how to get there, because it's my own "secret" place in the Montana backcountry. Headwaters of Wyoming Creek

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