Author: CH

Flathead National Forest
Swan Lake Ranger District
Bigfork, Montana
406-837-7500
Revised 7/2012

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Turquoise Lake Trail #708

Distance: It is 6 miles from the trailhead to Turquoise Lake.

Difficulty: Difficult
Beginning Elevation: 5,160 ft
USGS Quad: Gray Wolf, Hemlock Lake
Ending Elevation: 6,424 ft

Directions: From Highway 83 south of mile marker 38, turn west onto Kraft Creek Rd also called Forest Service Road #561. Continue for 11.5 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.

Season: This trail is typically clear and snow-free by early to mid-July

Regulations: This trail is in the Mission Mountains Wilderness which allows both hiking and horse riding, but prohibits motorized vehicles and mechanized transport which includes mountain bikes.

Trail Description:
Follow Trail 690 as though heading to Glacier Lake through the mature forest along Glacier Creek. In about one mile the trail will approach the junction of Trail 690 and Trail 742, stay right on Trail 690 and start heading up the numerous, but well-graded switchbacks. While on the switchbacks don’t forget to look down onto Glacier Lake and into the basin in select locations. Trail 690 takes off to the hikers’ right towards Crescent Lake, while trail 708 will continue contouring the hillside, crossing rocky slopes and offering fantastic views of the area ahead. After climbing a couple more switchbacks, the forest becomes sparse and opens up into an alpine environment. Keep a close eye out for mountain goats on this trail. The trail then narrows and descends along rocky ledges down to Lagoon Lake. Due to rocky conditions, stock use in not recommended past Lagoon Lake From Lagoon Lake, an unmaintained trail skirts around, over, and down rock ledges to the roaring outlet of Turquoise Lake. Camping can be limited due to the rugged terrain. If camping, please use Leave No Trace ethics, as this is an extremely fragile environment and a pristine area.

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Kraft Creek Rd
FS 561

Hwy 83

Note: Many roads are not displayed.

PACK IT IN — PACK IT OUT LEAVE NO TRACE

Turquoise Lake Lake

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RESPECT OTHERS RESPECT WILDLIFE LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE TRAVEL & CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE USE

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Disclaimer: The Forest Service reserves the right to correct, modify, or replace GIS products without notification. This information is not accurate for legal boundaries or for navigation purposes; it may not meet National Map Accuracy Standards. The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for the interpretation or application of this data by others.

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