Crater Lake (West Rosebud)

Drainage: West Rosebud
Approaches: Ernie Strum Trail from West Rosebud Road — about 2 mi one way; 800 ft up, 200 ft down · Past Lily Pad Lake

Elevation: 6,612 feet
Fish: Rainbow trout (FWP)
Coordinates: 45.31463, -109.64767
Bugs: Minimal on our visit

Getting there

The trailhead is off West Rosebud Road. The parking area is small, room for a couple of vehicles, so if it is full you will be finding somewhere safe on the roadside.

The hike

Follow the Ernie Strum Trail past Lily Pad Lake and on up to Crater. About an hour and a half one way, with 800 feet of climbing and 200 feet of descent on the way in.

It is a manageable walk for most people. Part of the route follows an old road marked as private access. The stretch from Lily Pad up to Crater is a short uphill pull and the only part that feels like climbing.

Crater sits at 6,612 feet, low enough that the water actually warms up. In June it is pleasant to swim in, and there are small minnows that will nibble at your feet if you wade.

FWP lists rainbow trout. We caught fish in the eight to twelve inch range.

Tips & safety

• Season matters more than difficulty here. We turned back in early April because the snow was too deep and too hard going for the kids. In June the same walk was easy and the swimming was good. Wait for the snow to clear.

• Black bear: we saw one in this area. Carry spray and stay alert.

• Parking is tight. Two or three vehicles at the trailhead and roadside parking after that.

• Fishing: rainbow trout running eight to twelve inches.

• Camping: there is very little usable ground around the shoreline at Crater, close to none. This is a day hike rather than an overnight.