Fall Hike to Harrison Lake

Harrison Lake is an isolated drainage on the southern border of Glacier. With beautiful orange larches and snow -capped peaks, early-to-mid fall is a beautiful time to explore this part of the park.

The lake trail shoots off the southern boundary trail, and is about 12 miles from West Glacier without crossing the river. It is easiest to cross the Middle Fork, which is easiest when the water is not rushing.

Waders or shorts are the best way to cross with a pair of rain pants after a previous night’s storm. The water doesn’t get past your mid thigh. From the boundary trail it is another three to the foot and just under five to the head of Harrison.

Temps are starting to get colder at night and earlier in the day, storms can also blow in on occasion. The clouds cleared just enough as we reached the campsite that we could see Mount Thompson across the lake.

Rumors of fish swim about, but it is a far hike to the head of the lake, and it gets darker quicker, as the lake is set between two walls of cliffs on either side. But, backcountry camping this time of year is still possible with caution and of course, a permit.

A last purple flower bloomed along the trail of the lake, most signs of life had disappeared as snowy clouds loomed overhead. Time to start unpacking and waxing the snow gear.