Dickey Lake, a brushy, but rewarding hike in the end

The hike to Dickey Lake in the Great Bear Wilderness just west of Essex is a short but somewhat challenging hike through thick woods to a rewarding destination, a crystal blue tarn with very few hikers and stunning views.

To get there, follow Highway 2 and turn off on Dickey Creek Road, about 25 miles from West Glacier. Follow road 1639 for four miles to a turn off which is the trailhead.

First, cross a low stream then hike through thick brush along the trail for two and a half miles. Crews have cleared some of the trail, but there is significant overgrowth so pants or gaiters would be recommended for this hike. It was so thick in fact my hiking poles were getting caught in the vines.

While the heat wave in Kalispell brought temperatures over 90 degrees in the Valley, it was a cool 75 once I reached the trailhead. Most of the hike is in the shade and the only significant elevation gain is in the last half mile.

After one and a half miles, there are a series of ledges that must be gained to reach the lake. There aren’t any switchbacks so where solid shoes. The most significant elevation gain is just before the lake. It may be steep, but the views are absolutely breathtaking.

Hike through a final forest and a clearing will reveal Dickey Lake, as well as a large snowfield that dumps into the lake. Ice was cracking off into the lake that could be heard from where I was standing, as well as the occasional rockfall. There was also a pleasant place to set up a tent, and some rocks not far from shore that were an easy swim away.

Getting back down the steep section was a little tricky, but the rest of the trail was very smooth heading back – minus the overgrowth. I ran part of the way back until I began to admire some of the wildflowers and berries growing along the trail.

The hike was a total of five miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gained and lost that took me two and a half hours to complete.