Distinctly Montana Magazine

Trail: Blue Lake DISTANCE: 8 miles round trip TIME: 5-6 hours DIFFICULTY: Moderate OVERVIEW One of the best things about writing a hiking book is getting to explore new and amazing areas of the state. Blue Lake, in the Crazy Mountains, is one of the hidden jewels in Montana and this hike is incredible. It was hard to believe it required writing a book to get to it and we will definitely return! This hike has it all for both people and dogs. The trail follows a good size stream that is crossed by several bridges with sun-soaked and flat rocks perfect to sit on, relax, and throw sticks in the water for your dog. Eventually the trail becomes steeper with a series of switchbacks and heads through rock outcroppings up to Blue Lake, and a little farther along, Granite Lake. For those of you who want to do a little fishing, the lake has small rainbow trout and we saw quite a bit of activity in the lake. This is an access point to Crazy Peak and has several backcountry campsites surrounding it. For the day hiker it is great place to rest, have lunch (don't forget to bring something for your dog), and cool off after a fair workout. DRIVING DIRECTIONS Take route 90 to Big Timber. From Big Timber follow highway 191 North for 11.2 and turn left (west) on the Big Timber Canyon Road. Follow the road for 1.9 miles and turn right to- wards Half Moon Campground. You will need to travel through some gated private property so make sure to close the gates on your way. The trailhead is on the right just before you enter the campground. Doc's notes: I really thought they got the name "Crazy Mountains" from watching dogs "go crazy" when hiking. There are sev- eral theories on how the range got its name. One theory states that the name is short- ened from Crazy Women Mountains, after a woman who went mad and fled to live in the mountains. Another theory is that the range name was taken from the Crow name, Mad Mountains, for their steep and rugged grade. I still think it has something to do with dogs—just watch Milo. He's going nuts. HIKING DIRECTIONS Heading from the parking lot, the hike climbs steadily for about three miles. Much of the trail (an old jeep road from mining opera- tions) is wide enough to walk side by and side, so it makes for a nice social outing. The trail follows a gorgeous stream and has several picturesque bridges that you need to cross as you go along. If you are feeling lazy and just want to get out for short hike or stroll any of these bridges make a fine stopping point to toss a ball, sit in the sun, and enjoy the scenery. There is a short spur trail to about a quarter of a mile up the trail to Big Timber Falls, which is defi- nitely worth a detour. After about three miles the trail forks to the left, has an unimproved stream crossing (no problem in the fall, but could be tricky in the spring) and climbs steeply through switchbacks to Blue or Gran- ite Lake. If you are enjoying the stream and a more gradual climb, you can continue straight along the original trail up to Twin Lakes. This is a bit longer (10 miles round trip), but brings you to a wide-open meadow with some mar- velous views. www.distinctlymontana.com 83 Milo's notes: There was so much to do on this trail, I would have been happy at any of the numerous swimming holes along the way.

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