Fuse Lake Montana: A Guide to Hiking this Scenic Trail
Packed with stunning alpine lake views, Fuse Lake trail is a beautiful hike in Southwest Montana. If you’re looking for a breathtaking hike without too much of an incline, then be sure to check out – you guessed it! – Fuse Lake Trail. This blog post will cover everything you need to know before embarking on this picturesque journey – including where to find the trailhead, what gear to bring, and what to expect on your hike.
Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout this awesome, helpful, and completely free content. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll absolutely blow on adult things like hiking gear and chai tea.
- Distance: 5.2 miles out & back
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 945 ft
- Trail Traffic: Moderate Use
- Time: 2-3 hrs
- Directions to Trailhead: All Trails Map
First of all, where exactly is fuse Lake Hike?
Fuse lake is located in the Deerlodge National Forest in Southwest Montana. The nearest town is Philipsburg, Montana.
Directions on where to start the hike
From Philipsburg, MT take Highway 1 south for 6.4 miles. Turn left on Highway 38 heading west for 24.7 miles and follow it until you reach Fuse Lake Trailhead #12
What is the distance of Fuse Lake hike?
The total length of this hike is 5.2 miles out and back on a moderately trafficked trail. The trail follows a well-marked path to Fuse Lake, which sits at about 7,751 feet above sea level. Fuse lake can be accessed from June until September depending on snowpack conditions.
How difficult is Fuse Lake trail?
This hike will be moderately challenging with a gradual ascent and an elevation gain of 945 ft. There are some steep sections, but the grade changes periodically so you can take your time as needed. The scenery along the way makes it worthwhile!
Safety tips for Fuse Lake Trail
Montana is a beautiful state, and the Fuse Lake Trail offers hikers an opportunity to experience much of what Montana has to offer.
However, there are some safety recommendations for those who plan on taking this trip:
- Check the weather before you hike
- Have a trail map and compass
- Always be prepared for animal encounters
- Be aware of your altitude
For more information about how to stay safe on a hike check out our Hiking Safety Guide so you can get out on the trail prepared and equipped with the right knowledge and gear.
Hiking to Fuse Lake Montana
Are you ready for a hike? The Fuse Lake Hike is a great way to experience the outdoors in southwest Montana. This trail offers some of the most scenic views you will ever see, and it’s not too hard on your feet either!
The hike begins with a gradual incline for about a mile through a heavily wooded forest. Then, the trail opens up to a small mountain pond on the left. Once you reach the lake you can either go the left, or right depending on your preference on an unmarked trail. (we went to the right).
If you like to fish, bring a rod, because this lake is filled with arctic grayling and some brown trout. We saw a few fishermen at Fuse lake taking advantage of the great fishing opportunity, and it looked like a fun way to spend the day.
The view at the top of Fuse Lake
The hike to the lake was worth it for all of the incredible scenery we saw. There were several campsites so you could easily backpack there and have an overnight stay by a mountain lake.
We wandered around the lake for a while and enjoyed the fresh mountain air. The hike made me hungry so when we found a secluded spot with a nice view, we had lunch before heading back down.
The hike to Fuse Lake in Southwest Montana is a great hike for its beauty and accessibility. The hike is not too long but it still manages to show off some of Montana’s best scenery which makes it perfect for locals or visitors looking for something new!
Gearing up for a hike to Fuse Lake
Be prepared on your hike up to Fuse Lake. Having the right gear can make all the difference for a fun and safe time on your hike.
Hiking Boots: You’ll be able to get a good grip on the trail with your Oboz. They’re great for all of those lake hikes you have planned!
Rain Jacket: The weather is a fickle beast that can change in just the blink of an eye. Just make sure to pack your rain jacket when you plan your hikes!
First Aid Kit: You never know when you could slip and fall, so it’s always helpful to have a first aid kit with bandages on hand.
Water Bottle: You should always have a water bottle on hand, You will want to make sure you stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes.
Camera: You’ll definitely want to remember Fuse Lakes epic scenery. This is the camera we currently use on all our hikes and is great for capturing the beauty around us.
Snacks: Bring along an apple or cliff bars to refuel. On hikes, it’s important that you bring food with plenty of protein and carbohydrates so your body can have the energy needed for a long hike back down the trail.
Backpack: A backpack is essential to carry all of your supplies for the day!
Final Thoughts on Fuse Lake Hike
The Fuse Lake Hike is a beautiful hike where you can expect to see some of the most stunning alpine views on this trail, so it’s no wonder why many people choose this as their favorite place for hiking!
We hope we’ve answered all of your questions and helped make your decision easier when deciding which Montana trail to tackle next. If not then don’t hesitate to comment below- we would be happy to help answer any additional questions about this Southwest Montana hike. Happy Trails!
