Our Lake Trail: A Rocky Mountain Front Classic

Featured Guide • 8 min read • Updated November 2025

Why Our Lake Should Be On Your Family's Bucket List

If you're looking for a hike that'll light up your kids' eyes and remind you why getting outside matters, Our Lake delivers. Nestled in Montana's Rocky Mountain Front west of Choteau, this trail packs an incredible amount of reward into a manageable distance. Two waterfalls, wildflower meadows, mountain goats on cliffsides, and an alpine lake that appears suddenly in a dramatic natural amphitheater—all in about 3 miles.

As parents who believe that teaching kids to explore wild places is essential to raising confident, capable humans, we've watched our children grow on trails like this one. Our Lake is challenging enough to feel like an accomplishment but forgiving enough for families with strong hikers aged 8 and up. You'll finish the day tired, maybe a little dusty from that scree section, and absolutely buzzing with the kind of stories that become family legend.

Getting to the Trailhead

The South Fork Teton Trailhead sits about 25 miles west of Choteau, roughly 90 minutes from Great Falls. From Choteau, head north on U.S. Highway 89 for seven miles, then turn left onto Teton River Road. At the 18-mile mark, watch for the Forest Service sign directing you to South Fork Teton Road 109. This final 11-mile stretch is narrow, gravel, and winding—drive slowly, stay alert for oncoming traffic, and give yourself extra time.

The parking area at road's end has space for about 8-10 vehicles. On summer weekends, arrive before 8 a.m. to secure a spot. There's a pit toilet at the trailhead, and this is your last chance for facilities until you return.

The Trail: What to Expect

Miles 0–2: The Forested Climb

The first two miles follow gradual switchbacks through shaded pine forest. It's a steady climb, but the grade is gentle enough for conversation. Watch for wildflowers in July and early August—lupine, Indian paintbrush, and beargrass light up the understory. Kids love spotting chipmunks and listening for the sharp whistle of marmots.

About 1.5 miles in, you'll hear the first waterfall before you see it. The trail offers glimpses through the trees, and there's a decent viewpoint if you want to pause for photos. The second waterfall appears around mile 2, more dramatic and closer to the trail.

Mile 2: The Scree Section

This is the crux—a narrow traverse across a steep scree slope. It's not technical, but it requires focus. Kids should go one at a time, and trekking poles are helpful here. The exposure feels bigger than it is; just take your time, watch your footing, and the section passes quickly. The reward? Stunning views of the valley and waterfall below.

This is also where you'll often spot mountain goats on the cliffs above. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Miles 2–3.2: The Final Push

After the scree, the trail steepens. You'll cross a small creek—a good spot to refill water bottles if you're filtering—then tackle the last steep section. Your kids will probably ask "Are we almost there?" at least three times. The answer is yes, and then suddenly, the lake appears.

Our Lake (also called Hidden Lake on some maps) sits in a massive amphitheater ringed by peaks. The water is a stunning blue-green, cold year-round, and dotted with boulders perfect for sitting and soaking it all in. There's a flat loop trail around the perimeter if anyone needs to stretch their legs before heading back.

Fishing Our Lake

The lake holds healthy populations of cutthroat and rainbow trout. Anglers report fish in the 10–14 inch range, with some larger specimens cruising the deeper water. On calm mornings, you can spot them from shore.

What works: Small dry flies (size 14-16 Adams, elk hair caddis) and nymphs (pheasant tail, hare's ear). The fish aren't particularly selective, but they can be spooky in the clear water. Light tippet (5X or 6X) and a cautious approach pay off.

Regulations: This is within the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex management area. Standard Montana fishing licenses apply. Check current limits and restrictions before you go. Barbless hooks are recommended for catch-and-release.

Fishing pressure is light compared to roadside lakes, so even novice anglers have a great shot at hookups. It's an excellent spot to teach kids fly fishing basics in a low-pressure, high-reward setting.

What Other Hikers Are Saying

Is This Hike Right for Your Family?

Best for: Families with kids 8+ who have some hiking experience. The distance and elevation gain are moderate, but the scree section and final climb require sure footing and a bit of grit.

Pace yourselves: Plan for 3–4 hours total—1.5–2 hours up, 30–45 minutes at the lake, and 1.5 hours down. Bring plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person) and snacks.

When to go: Late June through September. Earlier in the season, expect snow patches on the upper trail and potentially trickier conditions on the scree. July and August offer the most stable weather and trail conditions, though afternoon thunderstorms are common—start early and watch the sky.

If your crew has tackled moderate hikes with elevation gain before and you're comfortable with a bit of exposure, this is an amazing hike for any outdoor family.

Trail Map

Pack List & Safety

• Water: At least 2 liters per person, plus filter/purification for refills
• Food: Lunch and high-energy snacks (kids burn through calories fast on elevation)
• Bear spray: This is grizzly country. Carry it accessible, know how to use it
• First aid kit: Bandages, blister care, pain reliever, any personal meds
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (the alpine sun is intense)
• Layers: Weather changes fast at elevation. Bring a windbreaker and fleece
• Trekking poles: Helpful for the scree section and descent
• Navigation: Download the GPX track and bring a backup map
• Fishing gear (optional): Ultralight rod, small fly box, Montana license

Wildlife & Safety

You're in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which means grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, and other wildlife are present. This isn't cause for fear—it's cause for respect and preparation.

• Make noise on blind corners and in brushy areas. Talk, sing, clap
• Keep kids close and in sight, especially near the lake and scree section
• Store food securely and don't eat in your tent if you're camping in the area (though not at the lake itself)
• Know how to use your bear spray and keep it accessible

Mountain goats are commonly spotted on the cliffs. Give them space—they're wild animals, not props for photos. Marmots and chipmunks are curious but should not be fed.

Final Thoughts

Our Lake is the kind of hike that reminds you why you haul your kids into the mountains in the first place. It's challenging without being punishing, scenic without requiring a week-long backpack, and varied enough to hold everyone's attention. The waterfalls, the scree crossing, the wildlife, the fishing, the sudden reveal of the lake—it all adds up to the kind of day you'll talk about for years.

Teaching children to get out and explore isn't just about building strong legs and healthy lungs. It's about showing them they're capable of hard things, that the natural world is theirs to steward and enjoy, and that some of life's best moments happen far from screens and pavement. Our Lake delivers on all counts.

Get out there. Pace yourselves. Bring snacks. And enjoy one of the Rocky Mountain Front's true classics with your crew.

This guide is based on field experience and community reports. Trail conditions, regulations, and wildlife activity change seasonally. Always check current conditions with the Lewis and Clark National Forest before you go.