Basin Lakes

We drove down the West Fork Road near Red Lodge Montana to hike up to Basin Lakes in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, 8 miles round trip with 2,100 ft of gain. We saw 5 other hikers when we were coming back down the trail.

There are several cascades along the creek next to the trail.

Most of this trail is in the forest, but there is an open area near the beginning of the trail.

Another cascade where a low bridge crosses the creek further up the trail.

Lower Basin Lake

A small pond between the two Basin Lakes

Our first view of Upper Basin Lake

wide angle view of Upper Basin Lake

Another view at Upper Basin Lake

An old cabin near the trail, we didn't see the boot track to the cabin until we were hiking back down the trail.

With the sun higher in the sky (and less shadows) on our hike down, I was able to get photos of the surrounding mountains when we returned down the trail.

some of the fall color, wildflowers and fungi seen along the trail today: