Great Falls, MT: Renshaw Lake Loop
This 13.9-mile backcountry getaway features a secluded mountain lake, countless stream crossings, and views across untouched wilderness.
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Get an early start to squeeze this 13.9-mile loop into one day, or savor this super-scenic trip over the course of a weekend. From the overflow parking area in Benchmark, follow Benchmark Creek Trail to the northeast. The trail parallels and crisscrosses its namesake creek—and several tributaries—for the first 3.7 miles. (Tip: Bring an extra pair of socks.) Near mile 4, the path crests an unnamed summit, then climbs to the southeast before dropping down to Renshaw Lake, a quiet mountain tarn rimmed by conifers and a steep scree field. Set up camp beneath the trees, or continue the hike, following Renshaw Creek past wildflowers and grassy meadows. After 8.4 miles, turn right at the T-junction for the return trip, paralleling Fairview Creek. The hike finishes off with an easy, 1.6-mile road walk back to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Mark Taylor
Trail Facts
- Distance: 22.3
Waypoints
REN001
Location: 47.4944943, -112.8843015
From the overflow parking area, follow Benchmark Creek Trail to the northeast. Ahead, the trail parallels its namesake creek.
REN002
Location: 47.5008514, -112.8685355
Rock hop across a clear stream crowded with willows (the first of many stream crossings).
REN003
Location: 47.5050841, -112.861948
Walk upstream and cross the creek on rocks and logs.
REN004
Location: 47.5085339, -112.858901
Cross creek (easy crossing) and continue hiking northeast.
REN005
Location: 47.5106645, -112.8508759
Take off your shoes for this lengthy ford up Bench Mark Creek (you’ll walk through a ripple at the end of the ford).
REN006
Location: 47.5191571, -112.8437948
Stay left @ trail fork.
REN007
Location: 47.5264969, -112.8351822
Crest an unnamed summit that was burned in the 2007 Ahorn Fire. From here the trail winds to the southeast toward Renshaw Mountain.
REN008
Location: 47.5162152, -112.8225946
From this vantage point, you can see Renshaw Lake nestled between forested slopes to the southeast. Next, the trail descends a ridge north of Renshaw Creek.
REN009
Location: 47.5181861, -112.8142691
Turn right @ T-junction, heading south. In 700 feet, keep left @ junction.
REN010
Location: 47.5155792, -112.8109894
You’re almost to Renshaw Lake. Bear right @ 3-way junction, and cross the wooden bridge. Ahead: The numerous trails that crisscross the route all lead to the lake.
REN011
Location: 47.5134964, -112.8140717
Renshaw Lake: Drop your packs and take a break (or stay the night) at this small mountain lake rimmed by conifers and a steep scree field. During the summer, fish, relax, and take a dip. Next, go back to Waypoint 10 and turn right @ Y-junction.
REN012
Location: 47.5136414, -112.8006058
Hike past wildflowers and meadows on the descent to Renshaw Creek. Cross Renshaw Creek in 0.5 mile.
REN013
Location: 47.4964153, -112.7993774
Turn right @ T-junction. Hike west along the foot of Burn Top Mountain.
REN014
Location: 47.4920998, -112.8177567
Here, the dirt trail cuts across a small, grassy meadow flanked by conifers and impressive views of a rugged ridge to the south.
REN015
Location: 47.4772453, -112.8507156
Stay right, heading southwest above Fairview Creek.
REN016
Location: 47.4769849, -112.8643084
Turn right onto Bench Mark Road. Follow 1.6 miles back to the parking area.
Views of Renshaw Lake
Location: 47.516679, -112.8217363
©Mark Taylor
Creek Crossing
Location: 47.5007354, -112.8683639
©Mark Taylor
Woods
Location: 47.5027358, -112.8640723
©Mark Taylor
Creek
Location: 47.5085918, -112.8587294
©Mark Taylor
Woodpecker Nest
Location: 47.510708, -112.8548884
Woodpecker nest to the right of the trail. ©Mark Taylor
Water Crossing
Location: 47.5107224, -112.8506613
©Mark Taylor
Small Waterfall
Location: 47.5123892, -112.8492236
©Mark Taylor
Rocky Peak
Location: 47.5113891, -112.8501678
Stop and watch the early morning sun hit the cliffs. ©Mark Taylor
Rocky Slopes
Location: 47.5158529, -112.8496528
©Mark Taylor
Ahorn Fire
Location: 47.5255763, -112.8342247
©Mark Taylor
Trail Junction
Location: 47.5153457, -112.8111792
©Mark Taylor
Renshaw Lake
Location: 47.5133457, -112.8129816
©Mark Taylor
Campsite
Location: 47.5134907, -112.8135395
©Mark Taylor
Rocky Peak
Location: 47.4913989, -112.8195047
©Mark Taylor
Trail Views
Location: 47.4824087, -112.8419495
©Mark Taylor
