A Day Trip To This Pristine Montana Lake Will Make Your Summer Complete

If you're the type of Montanan who waits all year long to enjoy long summer days by the lake, you know how fast these few months fly by. Sometimes it's not even possible to get away for an entire weekend. But if you live within a few hours of Lake Como, you owe it to yourself to wake up at sunrise and head that way for a day before summer ends.

Lake Como is located in the Bitterroot Valley between Hamilton and Darby, and with all due respect to the Italian lake by the same name, it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

To reach it, you'll head west on Lake Como Road from Highway 93 about 8 miles south of Hamilton.

This is a picturesque lake in a dramatic mountain setting, and Montanans know it — so it does get pretty crowded during the summer.

The beach swimming area isn't exactly the best place to find solitude, but it's still pretty fun.

Fishing and water sports are popular here, but most people prefer to swim or simply relax at the shoreline.

If it's solitude you're seeking, you might have some luck if you hike the Lake Como Loop Trail.

The 7-mile loop offers some seriously stunning views of the area.

Lake Como is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic.

There is an official picnic area with BBQs, parking, restrooms and a fire pit, but you may want to kick back and relax by the water.

It's pretty much impossible to have a bad day at Lake Como, so make it a part of your summer.

If you can get away for a night, there happens to be an excellent campground nearby.

There's nothing like a summer day trip in the Treasure State. This list has some other fantastic ideas.