Margaret Lake

Clarks Fork (MT)
Written By senddevon .

Difficulty: Little Legs
Trip Type: Day Hike
Distance: ~5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: ~546 feet up
Time: ~2.5 hours round trip
Access: Maintained trail past Lillis Lake, then 0.2 miles off-trail.
Bugs: Extreme (tons and tons of mosquitoes)

Getting there

Park at the Russell Creek trailhead to begin the hike.

The hike

From the Russell Creek trailhead, follow the main trail past the junction before Kersey Lake and head up the slightly steep section to Lillis Lake. To continue to Margaret Lake, follow the flat trail past Lillis Lake for another 0.4 miles and roughly 228 vertical feet. From that point, veer off-trail for the final 0.2 miles, forging your own way straight through the timber to reach the lake.

Tips & safety

  • Navigation: Missed turns early on will take you toward Kersey Lake instead. Watch closely for the Vernon Lake trail split at the 1.2-mile mark. You must pass Lillis Lake to get to Margaret Lake, and the final 0.2 miles are off-trail, making it tricky to reach.

  • Bugs: Heavy bug pressure. Bring heavy-duty repellent and gear for extreme mosquito numbers.

  • Fishing: FWP and GNIS data listed for Brook Trout at Lillis Lake and Yellowstone Cutthroat at Margaret Lake, but we didn't catch any fish.

  • Wildlife: There is a lot of bear sign along the off-trail route through the timber. Carry bear spray and stay alert.

senddevon .
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Vernon Lake
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Lillis Lake