Spokane: Lookout Mountain to Fish Lake
Hike into the Bitterroots' untamed backcountry, with its plentiful moose and berries, on this 11-mile out-and-back to an exquisite lakeside campsite.
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-Mapped by Galen Williams
Trail Facts
- Distance: 8.9
Waypoints
FSH001
Location: 47.0445709228516, -115.944801330566
From Lookout Mtn. trailhead, begin hiking WNW on Trail 52
FSH002
Location: 47.0456199645996, -115.952201843262
R @ 3-way, hiking through open meadow
FSH003
Location: 47.0517997741699, -115.952796936035
L @ Y, stay on Trail 52; weathered Widow Mtn. emerges to R
FSH004
Location: 47.0561103820801, -115.95539855957
Continue hiking up gradual incline; sporadic breaks in pine forest provides views W of evergreen-cloaked hills
FSH005
Location: 47.0644416809082, -115.95580291748
Traverse W hill slope; clearing brings views of Grandmother Mtn.
FSH006
Location: 47.0667610168457, -115.956703186035
Cross low-flow, muddy creek; not a recommended water source
FSH007
Location: 47.070011138916, -115.959701538086
Head 100 ft. NE off trail, to view placid waters of Lost Lake below; trail bears W, crossing treeline and skirting E side of lake basin
FSH008
Location: 47.0748596191406, -115.96410369873
Break for blueberries before tackling Lookout Mtn.?s rocky summit
FSH009
Location: 47.0830383300781, -115.966300964355
Huckleberries, raspberries, and views of the Clearwater Mtns. await on Lookout Mtn. (6,789 ft.), where remnants of an old tower deteriorate among white granite
FSH010
Location: 47.0859603881836, -115.969902038574
E view showcases series of shallow ponds; find thirsty moose here
FSH011
Location: 47.0908584594727, -115.971801757812
Cautiously descend rocky granite slope, following gentle, juniper-lined ridge as Fish Lake peeks out to NE
FSH012
Location: 47.1007308959961, -115.970802307129
Turn R onto sidetrail, following stream to Fish Lake. Forest gives way to swampy clearing with good bird-watching
FSH013
Location: 47.1002388000488, -115.963203430176
Fish Lake. Surrounded by thick grass, this oasis attracts moose, elk, and an occasional bear. Fire ring on S shore; no permit needed. Retrace steps to trailhead