National Forest Trail Lake Como National Recreational Loop Trail

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Website http://www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot Phone 406-821-3913

Overview Service & Activities

About Lake Como National Recreational Loop Trail extends around the lake for 7 miles and includes a pack bridge across Rock Creek. Trail is popular for hiking, day use, and mountain biking. Maintained yearly. Trail classified as easy. Trail travels around the Lake. North shore travel by foot only. Stock use allowed on south shore that leads to the Rock Creek Trail. North side trail is suitable for use by persons with crutches and/or braces. Lake Como National Recreation Trailhead has parking for 17 vehicles, accessible toilet, picnic tables, pedestal grills, and water. Trailhead access a paved ¼-mile interpretative trail (1/2 mile after that is unpaved), lakeside picnic sites, and the 7-mile Lake Como National Recreation Trail. Length: 7 miles Trail Begins: Forest Road 1111 Trail Ends: Trail 580 Area Map: Bitterroot National Forest Visitors Map USGS Map1: Darby USGS Map2: Como Peaks Township 4N; Range 21W; Section 31 Lake Como dam was constructed in 1905 to provide late season irrigation for the Bitterroot Valley. The lake is typically at full pool from early spring through mid-July. From Memorial Day through Labor Day all vehicles parked within the recreation area must display a valid Recreation Pass. Recreation Passes are $2/day per vehicle or $20/season. Golden Passports are honored at all day use fee sites. The Lake Como Recreation Area has a variety of day, overnight, extended backpacking, motorized, and non-motorized use. Below are a descriptions of the other facilities at Lake Como: Rock Creek Horse Camp has 11 sites, 4 of which are pull-through. Hitch rails, feed troughs, accessible toilets, garbage, no water. One group site with large fire ring, parking for 5 vehicles. Rock Creek Trailhead has parking areas, accessible toilet, accessible loading ramp, no water. This trailhead access the south half of the Lake Como National Recreation Trail. Stock allowed on south side of lake only. The Boat Launch at Lake Como Recreation Area has 40 boat and 8 passenger vehicle parking spots, accessible toilets, dock, no overnight camping or water. Water adequate for boating mid-June through mid-August depending on the water level. Creekside dispersed area is an overflow overnight/day area with one fire ring and outhouse. Lower Lake Como (RV) Campground has 11 pull-through paved sites with electrical and water hookup, one group site, and accessible toilets. Lake Como Beach has two parking areas for a total of 83 vehicles, accessible toilets, dressing room, picnic tables, garbage, water, and designated swim area. No dogs allowed on beach. The Picnic Area has parking for 17 vehicles, accessible toilet, picnic tables, pedestal grills, and a fire ring. Woods Cabin is a rental cabin that sleeps a maximum of 15. Day use maximum of 40. Accessible toilet, water, wood heating stove, and propane cook stove. No power. Upper Lake Como Campground has 11 tent and smaller trailer campsites, accessible toilets, water, garbage service, and native surface roads. Campground has two short trails, one near the campground and one along a small pond. For more information please contact the Darby Ranger District at 406-821-3913.

Contact

MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 388
Darby, MT 59829

CONTACT 406-821-3913

FAX 406-821-4264

Details

SEASON 6/1 - 9/15

SPECIAL DIRECTIONS Travel 4 miles north of Darby on US Highway 93, then go 5.3 miles on County Road 82.

SERVICES Trail

ACTIVITIES Bird Watching Hiking Picnicking Sightseeing Wildlife Viewing