Visiting Fairy Lake by Jason Frey

Southwestern Montana is dotted with a plethora of clear mountain stream and crystal lakes, and many of them are located a short distance the recreation centers of Bozeman and Big Sky.  The trouble lies not in the decision to visit these natural wonders but in which one to choose as the days destination.  A couple weeks back, my wife and I loaded up kids, car seats, stroller and camera and headed to Fairy Lake which is located in a mountain cirque in the Bridger Range north of Bozeman.  After exiting the asphalt we followed the Forest Service road approximately 7 miles to the campground, trailhead and parking lot. 

 The parking lot also services hikes for the North and Middle Forks of the Brackett Creek hikes as well as the trails to Sacagawea Peak, Hardscrabble Peak and the Bridger Foothills National Recreation Trail so there were more than a handful of cars present on this beautiful Montana day.  For you hardcore back country ski enthusiasts, this may be an area to place on your list.  We saw over a half-dozen hikers sporting skis, boots and poles on their ascents up to Sacagawea Peak.  The north side of this cirque that tops out at over 9,665 feet was still holding tight to its snowpack on this mid-July day.

Our destination was approximately a half-mile from the parking lot down a well maintained and traveled path.  We were pleased to find that the trail was wide enough and smooth enough to get our stroller down to the water’s edge.  The water was exceptionally clear and fish were visible cruising the shallow waters well out into the lake from the shore.  Small groups of people dotted the shoreline, fishing, lounging in the sun, exercising their dogs and hiking along the creek that emanates from the lake.  We hiked leisurely around about half of the lake, allowing the kids to dive off the trail to explore wildflowers, collect sticks and throw rocks into the glassy surface of the lake.  The hike around the entire lakeshore is just over 1.2 miles and takes approximately 40 minutes, if you do not stop to explore wildflowers, collect sticks and throw rocks into the water.  But if you do not take the time to do those things, you have essentially missed out on the best part of any outing.  Taking time to enjoy the little things that are easily overlooked define the experience that you take with you. 

This family outing was one that we thoroughly enjoyed, and being a mere 30 minute drive from the center of Bozeman, one we will most certainly re-visit.  To plan your own outing to this beautiful destination follow Rouse Ave./Bridger Canyon Road from downtown Bozeman approximately 21.5 miles north, passing Bridger Bowl ski area, Bohart Ranch cross-country ski resort, and the Battle Ridge Campground.  Turn left on Fairly Lake Road/FS Road #74 and follow to the campground and trailhead.  

All best,
______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

 

PureWest, Inc. 

jason.frey@purewestproperties.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonfreylifewideopen

www.PureWestProperties.com