Silver Run Lakes

Difficulty: Moderate
Trip Type: Day Hike
Distance: ~8.6 miles round trip
Elevation: ~9,530 feet
Coordinates: 45.14321, -109.52412
Time: ~5 hours round trip
Access: Maintained trail. Departs from Timberline trailhead.
Bugs: Minimal (little to no bugs)

Getting there

Park at the Timberline trailhead located in the Rock Creek area to begin the hike.

The hike

If you are visiting this destination as a standalone day hike from the trailhead, follow the main Timberline trail system. The one-way trek spans 4.3 miles and involves 1,930 vertical feet of elevation gain. Much of the early approach cuts directly through an exposed old burn area that can get incredibly warm on summer days due to the total lack of shade.

For those connecting this stop from a campsite at Timberline Lakes instead, you can save significant time by bypassing the official trail fork and rounding the hillside cross-country. That alternative route is a 2-mile trek that climbs 500 vertical feet, with the most strenuous uphill stretch occurring right at the start of the climb.

Tips & safety

• Trail Hazards: If taking the off-trail shortcut from Timberline Lakes, expect to negotiate one particularly challenging creek crossing. Aside from that specific crossing, the hillside terrain is not very difficult to navigate.

• Terrain Warning: Bring extra water and sun protection for the lower miles, as the old burn area becomes an intense heat trap under direct sunlight.