Hidden Lake Road (Forest Road 722)
Technical alpine access with Glacier Park views
Hidden Lake Road winds 18 miles into the remote northwest corner of Montana, ending at a pristine alpine lake with direct views of Glacier National Park’s peaks. The first 12 miles are decent gravel, but the final stretch turns nasty with embedded boulders, off-camber turns, and a creek crossing that swallows bumpers during runoff. You’ll climb through dense cedar and hemlock before breaking into subalpine meadows where the Cabinet Mountains dominate the skyline.
This route demands experienced drivers and capable rigs—stock vehicles with good skid plates minimum, but lockers help on the technical sections. Access is July through October only due to snow. No permits required, but it’s Grizzly country so pack accordingly. Dispersed camping allowed at the lake, but sites fill fast on weekends. The payoff is worth the beating: crystal-clear water, mountain goats on the ridges, and some of the best stargazing in the Northern Rockies.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6420 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Libby, Montana |
| Land manager | Kootenai National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4WD truck handle Hidden Lake Road?
Yes, but you need skid plates and decent ground clearance. The rock sections will test your undercarriage, and aggressive tires help with traction on wet granite.
Is Hidden Lake Road accessible in early summer?
Not until July at the earliest. Snow lingers at 6,400 feet and the higher sections stay muddy well into late June.
Do I need permits to camp on Hidden Lake Road?
No permits required for dispersed camping in Kootenai National Forest. Follow Leave No Trace principles and camp 200 feet from water sources.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The final 3 miles to the lake involve steep granite slabs and loose rock shelves. Take your time and spot difficult lines - recovery would be a nightmare up there.
How many days of fuel should I carry for Hidden Lake Road?
Plan for a full tank from Libby plus extra jerry cans. It's 36 miles round trip on technical terrain that burns fuel, and Libby is your only reliable fuel stop.