By Lisa T. Bergren

On a gorgeous late July day, we went to Jewel Basin, a lovely back country preserve. Here, there are 50 miles of hiking trails and 27 alpine lakes among over 15,000 acres for hiking and camping. Looking for a trail our 7-year-old could handle, we chose to head toward Twin Lakes, a 5 mile, “moderate” hike with about a 1000’ elevation gain. (Trails 8 and 721)

Most of the elevation gain is up front in the first ¾ mile—it took some cajoling and frequent breaks to get our youngest to continue to the saddle and over to the lake. But the wildflowers—red Indian paintbrush, white bear grass, delicate bluebells, golden daisies—made for some gorgeous water/breath breaks. And lovely views out over the Flathead Valley encouraged us forward too.

On the other side, it feels like true wilderness, with mountain peaks a hundred miles away still visible. There were still snow patches in some low-lying areas along the trail, which was a kick for the kids (snowball fight, anyone?). The lake itself was that alpine green-blue, rimmed by trees stunted by the altitude. We picnicked there, but didn’t stay long, since the mosquitoes and flies were getting to us.

Part of our group took the loop trail back (Trails 7 and 68), which was about the same distance but with more elevation gain. Tim says it was stunning, with continuous views of the Basin. Most of the group elected to return on the same trail to take advantage of the downhill slope/ease for our 7-year-old (and those of us who were getting tired).

Our comrades met up with us ½ an hour after we arrived at Camp Misery at our cars, and we all headed to Bigfork’s Dairy Queen as a reward for all those calories burned.

To get there: Hwy 35 to Hwy 83. Head east on Hwy 83 to the junction of the Echo Lake Road. Head north on Echo Lake Road about 3 miles to junction with the Jewel Basin Road (No. 5392). It’s about 7 miles to the trailhead. (Plan on about a 35 minute drive from Bigfork.) There’s a parking lot and pit toilet at Camp Misery, the trailhead.

Need more info? Swan Lake Ranger District Office: #406.837.7500

We also took a lovely hike to Glacier Lake, in the Mission Mountain Wilderness. Check out that report too, if you’re looking for good trails in NW Montana!

Taken a hike with the family in Montana? Share your favorite trail in the comments below!