ROCK LAKE 4958'

ROCK LAKE 4958’, C.M.W.

EVENT TYPE: EVENT TYPE: Day hiking, paddling, backpacking and climbing
DISTANCE: 8.2 miles RT
ELEVATION GAIN: 1708’ gain
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
MAPS: Kootenai N.F., Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, Elephant Peak topo
GPS: 48°04’00”N 115°68’00”W
Cabinet Ranger District. 406.827.3533

DESCRIPTION:

The Rock Lake Trail has several stream crossings to navigate near the beginning. Spring runoff can be tricky. About a mile in, the road passes near an old mining claim, and heads N.E. past several old mine buildings and Rock Creek Meadows for 2.5 miles to the eastern wall. For about 2 miles the old mining road gains about 593’. In about a mile past the meadows as the trail climbs, is the old Heidelberg mining operation. Its boiler and gravity pump equipment, as well as Rock Creek Falls, are a good place to spend a moment looking over the old equipment. The trail to the lake is about 40’ back down the trail off to the left (E) . After 7 switchbacks, the trail walks out next to the outlet creek to the main body of the lake.
There are some campsites on the right (east) side on a small peninsula, and near the NW end of the lake on the left side (W).
The lake has two small island on the near east side, and a larger peninsula on the N.W. end.
Rock Peak 7583’ towers to the west, St. Paul Peak 7714’ is to the N.W., while Ojibway Peak 7303’ is to the east.

OPTION #1:

At the far end of Rock Lake is the St. Paul Pass at about a mile. Above the Pass are the three Libby Lakes to the right (N). One can continue N.W. from the pass to St. Paul Lake or St. Paul Peak.
The scramble of Rock Peak, is best from Cliff Lake.

OPTION #2:

If you are a hardy hiker, Ojibway Peak towers high above to the east. Ojibway Peak’s S.W. Face is a destination for climbing.
It is not a steep scramble for any but the best climbers/scramblers.

DIRECTIONS:

From Hwy 200 at two miles or milepost 17 past the Noxon turnoff is the Rock Creek Road #150. The turnoff is past a steel bridge and has a specialty lumber cutting operation on Road 150. In about 400 feet the road forks. Take the right fork and drive about 6 miles to a junction with Road #150A. Take 150A about 1.5 miles to the trail head.

HAZARDS:

Up road from the trailhead are two creeks that are difficult in the spring. Please use caution. Take sandals.
The Rock Creek Meadows is a place I’ve seen bears. Move quickly pass the meadows, and make lots of noise.