Uncategorized
On the trail
Published
7 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersLava Lake (Cascade Creek Trail)
By Ciara Wolfe BSCO Executive Director
Scattered throughout Gallatin Canyon, there are several U.S. Forest Service trails of varying difficulty and length leading into the Spanish Peaks and other surrounding mountains. Lava Lake trail is one of the most popular. This 6-mile out-and-back hike is known for its steep ascent and rewarding destination: Lava Lake, a beautiful alpine lake in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The elevation gain is significant, but with a steady and gradual climb to the lake, this trail has earned a difficultly rating of moderate.
This well-traveled trail provides ample parking at the easily recognizable Lava Lake trailhead along Highway 191 in Gallatin Canyon with a well-marked and obvious route to the lake. The trail is dirt, but interspersed with large rocks that help the trail dry-out faster in the spring, and provide many “steps” throughout the hike.
At the beginning of the trail, you will pass some summer residences before entering the dense lodge pole pine forest of Cascade Canyon. Approximately 1.5 miles into the hike the forest begins to open up, affording beautiful meadow views. There is also the potential for animal sightings depending on the time of day and season.
The trail runs beside Cascade Creek with one major creek crossing across a log bridge with views of a couple of small waterfalls. The final climb of the hike ascends switchbacks up the hillside, which acts as the lake’s natural dam. At the top, you reach Lava Lake, a crystal-clear mountain lake surrounded by mountain views, and with plenty of recreational options.
Lava Lake is a popular swimming hole in the hot summer months, and also provides great opportunities for fishing. For those who wish to make this hike an overnight excursion, there are a couple of established campsites around the lake, accessible by a trail that leads to the far end of the lake.
Lava Lake is an excellent out-and-back hike to get a true mountain lake experience that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. Make sure to leave ample time for the hike with plenty of additional leisure time to enjoy the lake itself.
For more information about Big Sky’s parks, trails and recreation programs, visit bscomt.org. The Big Sky Community Organization is a local nonprofit that connects people to recreational opportunities by acquiring, promoting and preserving sustainable places and programs for all.
SIDEBAR: Trail stats
Distance: 6-miles roundtrip
Difficulty: intermediate
Elevation: 5,525 feet (trailhead) 7115 feet (lake)
Elevation gain: 1,643 feet
Surface: dirt and rocks
Uses: hikers and horses
Directions: Drive north from Big Sky on Highway 191. The trailhead is located approximately 15 miles north of Big Sky. It’s well marked, has a large parking area and is frequently used as a boat pull-out for rafters.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
more
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome to come, if you don’t know who to bring come alone this is a great mixer event! This is an event hosted by Big Sky OUT as we work to provide queer safe spaces throughout the community.
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Cowboy Coffee
25 Town Center Ave. Big Sky, MT 59716