Mystic Lake in Montana

Mystic Lake is not a lake at all, it is a man-made reservoir that is dammed to supply power for the power plant below. Regardless, it is a beautiful travel destination if you are in Montana. Located in the Custer National Forest in the Bear Tooth Mountains just out of Absaroka (about 1-1/2 hours south west of Billings) it is a perfect day trip for those who live near the Billings area. It is a hike-in lake from the West Rosebud Trailhead, and there is hiking, fishing, and swimming as well as beautiful scenery.

Directions

To get to the Rosebud Trailhead, use the Columbus exit from Interstate 90, and take Montana Highway 78 through Absaroka and turn right toward Fishtail. There is parking at the trailhead.

The Hike

The hike to Mystic Lake is 3 miles up a well-maintained trail. It is up hill most of the way, but isn't overly strenuous. I was able to hike up it with my baby on my back with no problem. The trail is partially covered in shade, which makes for a beautiful hike and provides coolness from the warm mountain sun. The hike consists of a gradual up hill for the first couple miles, and then the last bit is a little bit steeper with switch backs. I had been warned about the switch backs before we went, but they weren't as difficult as they had been made out to be. The total elevation change, according to the National Forest Website, is 1,200 feet over 3 miles.

The Lake

At the end of the trail you go over one final hill and then look down upon Mystic Lake. It is just beautiful with large rocks around it as well as a sandy beach area and plenty of trees for shade. The water is clear, and the bottom is not slimy. Perfect for swimming. My husband fishes, and he was able to see the fish following his lures, that is how clear the lake is.

Swimming

We didn't bring our swim suits but we did take off our socks and shoes to test out the water. Even in August, it was pretty cold, but not too cold to swim!

Be Prepared

When hiking this area, be prepared for a change in weather from blazing hot to wind and rain. It was warm and sunny with no sign of a storm on the way up, and then an hour later it was pouring. A rain poncho does not take up much space in a pack and is worth it to bring. A gun is recommended, as there are grizzlies in the Bear Tooth Mountains. If camping over night, take bear precautions.

Further Destinations

If you want a longer hike (6 miles round trip is quite enough for me, thank you) there are lakes beyond. The Rosebud trail continues to Granite Peak on the trail affectionately know as 'The Switchbacks from Hell'. The hike to Mystic Lake was a great one, and one we plan on repeating in the future. I am kicking myself for not bringing my camera, it was just beautiful!