The Bass Creek Trail of the Bitterroot Valley is a scenic hike that gains elevation gradually on the way to Bass Lake. The trail parallels the constant sequence of whitewater cascades, moss-covered boulders, tiny waterfalls, and speeding pools of the sparsely wooded Bass Canyon. In terms of scenic value, this hike has plenty to offer and observe.
Bass Creek Trail and Lake
The hike starts in a forested canyon on an old vehicle-restricted road. One hundred yards up the road, the trail forks left and stay close to the creek. The first half-mile of the hike meanders through large boulders as the sounds of Bass Creek hum in the open canyon.
The trail elevates high above the creek and hillside. The well-defined path stretches into deep forest and reunites with the creek again at 1.5 miles. Here stands an abandoned log dam and reservoir with a large pond behind it. From there, the valley widens beyond the dam into scenic views of the towering mountains.
For a longer, heartier hike, the trail runs an additional 5.5 miles to Bass Lake, amassing 3,000 feet along the way. Trail use is moderate the first two miles or so, but is rather light once the earliest segments are behind. Most weekdays during prime hiking season, the lake sees few or no visitors.
At 2.4 miles the trail enters the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. At 6.1 miles the trail passes through broad avalanche meadows and rushing brooklets, and one mile later, it reaches the irrigation dam at the end of Bass Lake. At 8.4 miles the trail ends at the head of the subalpine basin of Bass Lake.
Bass Lake, Bitterroot Valley
Bass Lake is the perfect Bitterroot Valley out-and-back day hike, a gorgeous, remote reservoir set in an attractive canyon flanked by mountains. Both well-used and primitive camp sites surround the lake, which is overlooked from the southwest by 8,855-foot Bass Peak. Thanks to its immense depth, the lake provides unfailingly good angling opportunities, with cutthroat and rainbow trout being the most common catches.
Bass Creek Trail, Bitterroot Valley
From Missoula, the Bass Creek Trail can be reached by driving 20 miles south on Highway 93 to Bass Creek Road and turn right. Continue 2.5 miles to the trailhead parking area at the end of the road. From Hamilton, drive 23 miles north on Highway 93 to Bass Creek Road and turn left.
July through September are the ideal months to hike to Bass Lake, although the chance of snow and inclement weather can never be removed from the equation. Connections to the adjacent Kootenai Creek and South Fork drainages make it an attractive base camp.
Brian D'Ambrosio - Brian D'Ambrosio is the author of more than 500 published articles and seven books, including From Haikus to Hatmaking: A Year in the Life ...
