Stockade Lake
A trip up the pass before it closes spoiled me with a view all to myself. Now you get to admire it too.
Sawtooth Mountain guides you straight to the lake.
Locals anticipate the announcement of the pass closure every fall despite the feel of warm weather and tourists still filling up the sidewalks around town. Snow or mid-October, whichever comes first, closes access to the Beartooth Plateau. As soon as the announcement threaded through town, I headed up to the top to enjoy a hike filled with fall color views in the sunshine.
I didn’t have much time (the slow speed limit up the hairpin turns causes the drive to last about an hour each way) so I opted for an out and back along a loop route I’ve been itching to hike. The loop wraps around Tibbs Butte and includes a handful of lakes perfect for lunch stops while soaking in views. Near the high point of Beartooth Pass (10,947 feet elevation) sits Hauser Lake. My starting point.
First sight of Hauser Lake
Stream crossings are showing off fall colors splendidly.
Trail views along Hauser Lake.
Bear scat image for Slizzle ;-)
The short half mile to Hauser Lake is also an easy, flat amble. In fact, this whole 6-mile hike hardly had any elevation gain or loss making it an easy, enjoyable any day kinda hike. The surprise view of Hauser through the trees is picture worthy, the rock walls and meadows provide a variety of terrain to keep you interested, and the views in the distance keep you going. Or maybe that’s the bear scat that makes you move along faster.
Stockade Lake still lives up to its name.
When I arrived at Losekamp Lake I soaked up the sun, the wind, the views. Then, I turned right towards Stockade Lake and Sawtooth Mountain. The trail is next to a creek that serves as a drainage between the two lakes and offers a peaceful soundtrack to the short ¾ mile trek. Directly before Stockade Lake stands an old cabin like an old memory with a tree growing out of it.
The lake took my breath away of course. Sunshine glistened off the surface broken by wind. I walked around the outside of the lake towards rocks that seemed to hold the best lunch view. I couldn’t stop taking pictures but finally put my phone camera down to eat my lunch and sit thinking deep thoughts. Since I had not seen a soul along the trail and got to admire the view of Sawtooth Mountain behind Stockade Lake all to myself, I considered how nice it would be to share the view with someone. Although I used to hike more by myself and didn’t think twice about it, I’ve been missing my hiking buddy, WW, a lot these days. Call it fall nostalgia. Or a weird phase. But I’ve felt a bit lonesome.
On the return trip to my truck, several groups passed me on their way to Losekamp Lake and/or beyond. I even ran into a gentleman who is considered hiking royalty in the area! Suddenly, I felt deeply grateful for having lunch at the lake to myself. How fickle I am. Wanting solitude but also someone to share the magic moments alongside. Isn’t all of life like this? Wanting opposite experiences held at the same time.
But oh, how lucky I am to have both. Not at the same time, of course, but the opportunity to experience trails alone sometimes and with friends at the in between times. Life gives us exactly what we need without us knowing what is was we needed. Isn’t that the sweet side to the bitter indulgences we partake in? I hope this fall brings you sweet spices you so deserve. Lots of cozy moments.