Mystic Lake

The Mystic Lake Trail begins from a small trailhead west of Hwy. 1, climbing steadily through lodgepole forest and open meadows as it enters the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. The route follows an established path along a creek drainage, with a gradual elevation gain and several rocky sections. Around halfway in, hikers pass a confluence where a tributary joins the main stream—stay on the main trail and continue upriver. Multiple stream crossings, some without bridges, may require careful footwork, especially early in the season. As the trail nears the lake, the forest thins and the views open to granite ridgelines and rugged peaks. Mystic Lake sits in a high alpine basin surrounded by cliffs, offering ample space for dispersed camping and a shoreline suited for fishing. Look for mountain goats along the surrounding walls, and be prepared for changing mountain weather. The route returns the way it came. This is one of the more rewarding day hikes in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, particularly for those seeking solitude and a true backcountry experience.