High Alpine lakes Montana

[802flyfish]

My wife just picked up a new 4 Runner and we’re hoping to put it to use this weekend. We’re located in the Gallatin Valley. Can any recommend a high alpine lake in the Tobacco, Beartooths or Crazies with decent fishing and good car camping ?

 

[ZMT588]

South Meadow Creek Lake. I've never been but have seen pictures, looks beautiful.

 

[802flyfish]

Thanks!

 

[406LIFE]

It's a bit of a drive for you, but worth the hike in and you can camp nearby. Best of all, there are very hungry grayling up there: Fuse Lake on Skalkaho Pass.

 

[802flyfish]

I’ll keep that one in mind. A little too far for us this weekend.

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

Cliff and Wade. Absolutely gorgeous and good fishing. Stole a screenshot from internet since I dont have any pics on my phone of it. Less than 2 hours from Bozeman.

 

[802flyfish]

Beautiful area. We went a couple weeks ago.

 

[LopeHunter]

Aufwucks Lake by Pinnacle Mountain. Drive to Cooke City then up Daisy Pass to the trailhead on the north side. Hike 11 miles to north. Fish. Take picture of any mountain goats you see. Oh, the fishing is not much to write home about as is some underfed Cutthroat but you will experience a scenic drive over the pass (plenty of snow still) and the hike is scenic as well. But, take lots of goat pictures. Don't pet the grizzlies. Or the wolves. You da man.

 

[Straight Arrow]

South Meadow Creek Lake. I've never been but have seen pictures, looks beautiful.

Believe me ... she will not want to drive her new vehicle up the rocky steep, boulder laden road to South Meadow Lake.

Cliff or Wade Lake are a better choice for a new vehicle. Be prepared to please her by washing the road grime off upon your return.

 

[Southern Elk]

South Meadow Creek Lake. I've never been but have seen pictures, looks beautiful.

You do not want to drive a new 4 runner to south meadow lake! It’s a boulder filled road more suited for a four wheeler or side by side. Sureshot lakes up north meadow are easier to get to in a truck or SUV.

 

[MTLabrador]

I’d say take it up the Goose Lake road out of Cooke City. Shake the dust off the suspension and see what that 4 Runner can do.

 

[ZMT588]

You do not want to drive a new 4 runner to south meadow lake! It’s a boulder filled road more suited for a four wheeler or side by side. Sureshot lakes up north meadow are easier to get to in a truck or SUV.

I've had friends take their lifted Tacomas and 4runners up there.

OP should also let us know if the 4runner is stock or not because @Southern Elk is right. There are some places you do not want to take trucks around here lol.

 

[802flyfish]

It’s stock TRD Pro.

 

[kylemcintyre67]

Man I love that army green. Wish it would have been an option when I was getting my Tacoma, probably better off though I don't feel the need to baby the silver paint the same way.

 

[802flyfish]

I’d say take it up the Goose Lake road out of Cooke City. Shake the dust off the suspension and see what that 4 Runner can do.

Scenery looks awesome.

 

[MTLabrador]

Scenery looks awesome.

Before you drive up there I was being half sarcastic, it will beat the crap out of any vehicle. It is an awesome spot though.

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

View attachment 146915It’s stock TRD Pro.

I couldnt talk my wife into that color. She was dead set on that dark red idk the actual name of it. But regardless of color it performs well.

 

[Bambistew]

You do not want to drive a new 4 runner to south meadow lake! It’s a boulder filled road more suited for a four wheeler or side by side. Sureshot lakes up north meadow are easier to get to in a truck or SUV.

He wants to test it out, its a mediocre spot to try... haha Twin lakes is a better test but bring a high lift jack, and the trail might take those nerf bars off for you.

When I was a teen I had a SR5 pickup that I took to both places a number of times, with little trouble. I wouldn't take a FS pickup up to either one though. Jeep or smaller SUV sure. Twin lakes trail sucks , but easy on an ATV. Not sure how bad the roads are now though. One trip I picked up a couple about half way to South Meadow lake, they parked their subie at the Missouri mine turn off, and rode in the back... at the sidehill creek crossing they had to shift body weight to get 3 of 4 tires to touch.

Fishing is (was) better at Twin Lakes. Bring a float tube.

 

[Southern Elk]

I've had friends take their lifted Tacomas and 4runners up there.

OP should also let us know if the 4runner is stock or not because @Southern Elk is right. There are some places you do not want to take trucks around here lol.

That new 4 runner could make it up there no doubt. I just wouldn’t want to face the wrath of my wife, if I scratched or dented her new ride.

 

[rmyoung1]

I’d say take it up the Goose Lake road out of Cooke City. Shake the dust off the suspension and see what that 4 Runner can do.

Years ago my dad hauled our family up that road in an old Dodge Ramcharger. After bouncing our way up to Long Lake, Dad stopped to check the dipstick. The frame got so warped on the jarring drive that he couldn’t get the hood to open! Mom walked out.