Lava Lake Hiking Guide
Lava Lake is Gallatin Canyon's most popular hike, and for good reason: three miles of steady climbing beside Cascade Creek lead to a 40-acre lake at about 7,100 feet, ringed by peaks in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Despite the name, it was not formed by lava — a landslide dammed the valley. It is a big-mountain day that fits between breakfast and lunch.
The Trail
The out-and-back is about 6 miles with roughly 1,600 feet of gain, climbing from around 5,500 feet at the trailhead to the lake at about 7,100 feet. The trail is rocky and follows Cascade Creek much of the way, with a steady grade and a few steeper pitches. It is rated moderate, though the rocky footing makes some people call it harder.
Bear Country
This is grizzly and black bear country. Carry bear spray where you can reach it, make noise on blind corners, and hike in groups when you can. A food storage order applies across the Custer Gallatin National Forest, so store food properly if you are camping at the lake. Don't leave food or packs unattended at lunch.
Getting There
The trailhead is at the Cascade Creek bridge on US-191 in Gallatin Canyon, about 15 miles north of Big Sky — known locally as the '35 MPH' bridge. The large lot doubles as a pull-out for rafters on the Gallatin River, and it fills on summer weekends. US-191 is busy and fast; take care pulling in and out.
Seasons
Summer and early fall are prime time. The trail is slippery with runoff and lingering snow in spring, and snow and ice cover it in winter. The lake is popular for a cold swim in July and August. The trail is heavily used, so weekday mornings are the quietest time.
Practicalities
There is no fee. The trail enters the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, where mechanized travel, including bikes, is prohibited. No dog-specific rule was found for this trail; keep dogs under control and follow posted wilderness rules. Carry water or a filter, and a layer — the lake basin is much cooler than the canyon floor.
Hiking tips for Lava Lake
- Carry bear spray where you can reach it — this is grizzly country.
- Arrive early on summer weekends; rafters share the Cascade Creek lot.
- Watch your footing on the rocky trail, especially when wet in spring.
- Take care turning onto busy US-191 at the '35 MPH' bridge.
- Bring a filter or extra water and a warm layer for the lake basin.
Nearby trails to explore
- Storm Castle Peak
- Palisade Falls
- Bozeman M Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Lava Lake is Gallatin Canyon's classic lake hike, and bear country is safer in a group. Use TrailMates to find Bozeman hikers heading up Cascade Creek. Download the TrailMates app to connect.