The Pine Creek Lake Trail in Montana's Paradise Valley climbs from Pine Creek Campground through the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness to a high alpine lake at approximately 9,400 feet, covering 10.4 miles round trip with 2,900 feet of elevation gain. It is one of the most demanding day hikes in the Paradise Valley south of Livingston, combining a forested lower canyon, a dramatic waterfall, and steep switchbacks to a remote cirque.
The trailhead is at Pine Creek Campground, reached by driving 27 miles south of Livingston on US-89 South and then 2 miles east on Pine Creek Road. The campground provides vault toilets and a small parking area. No entry fee is charged for day hiking in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness; overnight camping may require a wilderness permit—confirm current requirements with the Livingston Ranger District. The road typically opens by late May.
From the trailhead, the route follows Pine Creek through a forested canyon of Douglas fir and cottonwood for the first 2 miles, with the creek audible and visible throughout. Around mile 2, Pine Creek Falls—a powerful cascade—marks the transition from valley terrain to sustained switchbacks. The trail gains the majority of its elevation in the 3-mile section above the falls, climbing through open subalpine terrain with scattered whitebark pine before reaching a broad shelf below the final cirque. Wildflowers, including paintbrush and fleabane, cover the open slopes from July through early August.
The final half-mile to Pine Creek Lake crosses boulder fields and rocky terrain with snow patches persisting until mid-July. The lake occupies a rugged cirque at approximately 9,400 feet, fed by snowfields from the surrounding ridgeline. Absaroka Range peaks exceeding 10,000 feet form the backdrop on three sides. Pine Creek provides reliable water throughout the lower canyon and should be filtered before drinking. No shelters or huts exist along the route. Both grizzly and black bears are present in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness; bear spray is essential.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Paradise Valley / Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
- Best season
- July–September
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Bear spray
- Trekking poles
- 3L water
- Warm layer
- First aid kit
Location
Pine Creek Campground, Pine Creek Rd, Emigrant, MT 59027
45.4196, -110.5481 View on map
Highlights
- Pine Creek Falls at mile 2—a dramatic cascade marking the transition from valley canyon to alpine switchbacks
- High-alpine cirque lake at 9,400 ft ringed by Absaroka Range peaks exceeding 10,000 feet
- Remote Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness setting south of Livingston with minimal crowds relative to Glacier NP trails
- Rich subalpine wildflower slopes of paintbrush and fleabane blooming from July through early August
- Forested lower canyon with reliable Pine Creek water and rich riparian habitat throughout the route
Tips for visiting
- Start before 7 a.m.—the 10.4-mile round trip with 2,900 feet of gain is long, and afternoon thunderstorms are common over the Absaroka peaks
- Carry at least 3 liters of water and a filter; Pine Creek provides reliable water through the lower canyon and requires treatment
- Trekking poles are strongly advisable for the steep switchbacks above Pine Creek Falls and the rocky final descent
- Snowfields persist in the upper cirque into mid-July; microspikes improve safety on these sections in early summer
- Bear spray is essential—both grizzly and black bears are present throughout the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness
- The upper boulder field to Pine Creek Lake involves route-finding; follow cairns and note landmarks for the return descent
When to visit
July through mid-September offers the best conditions, with the upper cirque typically snow-free after mid-July and the falls at full flow through early summer. An early start before 7 a.m. is essential to complete the 10.4-mile round trip before afternoon thunderstorms develop over the Absaroka Range.
Accessibility
The Pine Creek Lake Trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The route involves 2,900 feet of elevation gain, steep switchbacks, stream crossings, and rocky boulder field terrain near the lake, making it entirely unsuitable for mobility aids.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pine Creek Lake Trail within a national park?
No, the trail is located in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness within Gallatin National Forest south of Livingston. There is no entry fee for day hiking and no vehicle reservation is required.
Can hikers turn around at Pine Creek Falls for a shorter outing?
Yes, Pine Creek Falls at approximately mile 2 makes an excellent turnaround point for a 4-mile round trip. The falls are visible from the main trail and represent the most dramatic feature of the lower canyon section.
How strenuous is this trail compared to other Paradise Valley hikes?
It is one of the most demanding day hikes in the Paradise Valley, with 2,900 feet of elevation gain concentrated in the steep switchback section above the falls. Strong trail fitness and prior experience with long elevation gain are recommended before attempting the full round trip.
When does the upper trail become snow-free?
The lower canyon is usually clear of snow by late May or early June. The upper cirque and the final approach to Pine Creek Lake typically retain snowfields until mid-July. Trail conditions are available from the Livingston Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
Are there camping options near Pine Creek Lake?
Wilderness camping is permitted in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness under Leave No Trace practices. Pine Creek Campground at the trailhead offers developed sites. Backcountry camping near the lake may require a wilderness permit; contact the Livingston Ranger District for current requirements.