Lilly Pad Lake

West Rosebud
Written By senddevon .

Difficulty: Little Legs
Trip Type: Day Hike
Distance: ~3 miles round trip
Elevation: 6,412 feet
Coordinates: 45.31091, -109.64008
Time: ~1 hour to reach the lake
Access: Maintained trail. Departs from West Rosebud Road.
Bugs: Minimal (little to no bugs)

Getting there

The trailhead begins from West Rosebud Road. There is a parking area available, but it is small and can only accommodate a couple of vehicles.

The hike

From the trailhead, follow the Ernie Strum Trail. The route follows the trail for 1.5 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain and 200 feet of descent on the way in. The trek remains relatively easy for most hikers, though you may encounter an old road in the area that is marked as private access.

Tips & safety

  • Seasonality: Early spring visits can be blocked by winter weather; an attempt in early April required turning back because the snow was too deep for kids to navigate. June visits offer pleasant conditions, and the water can be warm enough to enjoy a refreshing swim.

  • Camping: A few suitable spots are available around the shoreline to set up camp.

  • Fishing: FWP and GNIS data listed for Brook Trout. The area hosts fish in the size range of 8 to 12 inches. Lily Pads make it difficult to actually fish

  • Wildlife: We did see a black bear in this area.

senddevon .
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