Montana's greatest draw is its vast stretches of desolate, remote landscape within its borders, which beckons intrepid wanderers to explore its beauty. There are so many scenic lakes in Montana that you won't have difficulty finding a remote spot to sit beside. That said, one lake is so remote that it'll take the better part of your day simply getting to it. I guarantee you'll find these one-of-a-kind views well worth the effort – and the journey – to get there.
As you prepare for your hiking excursion, be sure to reference our Ultimate Packing List for guidance on what items to bring to make the most of your experience. Please don't forget bug spray as the mosquitoes can be quite bothersome without it during the warmer summer months.
Sapphire Lake is situated approximately 7,000 feet in elevation. It is about 24 miles north of Seeley Lake or 11 miles southeast of Condon, Montana. The trailhead to Sapphire Lake is accessed via East Holland Trail No. 415, which is located off Montana Highway 83 and Holland Lake Road. Continue along this road, keeping left at each road intersection until you reach the parking lot at the dead end. This is where you'll find the trailhead and a pit toilet if needed.
Take special note that even the summer months can see snow at the end of the trail approaching Sapphire Lake, so take note of the conditions, read reviews, and download the offline trail and topographic maps on AllTrails before you start your hike.
Follow East Holland Trail Number 415 along the northern fringes of Holland Lake toward Upper Holland Lake. You'll approach a series of switchbacks followed by a branch in the trail a couple of miles in, and you'll want to continue following Trail No. 415. After about a half mile, branch off to the right to continue making your way toward Upper Holland Lake.
All along the trail, especially as you increase in elevation, you'll be mesmerized by the towering Mission Mountains and the glassy, crystal-blue waters of these alpine lakes. I recommend that you take plenty of opportunities to drink in the surrounding scenery and capture the gorgeous landscape on your camera or cell phone!
As you continue to meander your way along the winding switchbacks, you'll pass several gorgeous waterfalls intermixed with jaw-dropping cliff-edge views of the valley and Upper Holland Lake below you. You'll also encounter a handful of creek crossings, so waterproof hiking boots and poles are especially useful during these portions of the trail.
Eventually, you'll arrive at a high plateau and your final destination of Sapphire Lake at 7,100 feet in elevation. This pristine lake is so incredibly remote, you're likely to have it all to yourself to enjoy, so you'll want to spend some time to soak it all in. This trail is great as a backpacking adventure and is best split over two days so that you can spend more time immersed in the wilderness. However, hard-motivated hikers can conquer the trail in one day if you begin your hike very early in the morning, as it can be completed in about eight hours.
Holland and Sapphire Lakes are a truly stunning area of the Flathead National Forest in Montana. Come and explore this remote and beautiful landscape.
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