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Cobalt Lake

Name: Cobalt Lake
Rating: 4.25

Type: Trail

Length: 5.70 Miles

Elevation Gain: N/A

Cost: N/A

Rating:

(4.25)2

Difficulty: 3stars

(3.25)

Solitude:

(2.25)

ADA Accessible: N/A

Bikes Allowed: N/A

Dogs Allowed: N/A

Interpretive Guide: N/A

City: Cut Bank

County: Glacier

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Photos

If only the smoke from the wildfires wasn't present! Nonetheless, the view was great! (Photo by MikeHikes)

Beautiful waterfall! Take the time to sit and relax in the cool, moist air. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Trail is very smooth for the most part and easy to traverse. Watch for wild life! (Photo by MikeHikes)

At the top of the trail, this view greets you! Haze is from wildfire smoke. (Photo by MikeHikes)

Why did the Ptarmigan cross the trail? Apparently, because he could, with no fear. This fellow and a couple of others walked right in front of us along the trail. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

After doubling back towards the trail head we heard a rustling in the brush and saw a big brown butt. Grizzly Bear? We made noises and started to back away when this moose raised its head, gave us a quick look over and ambled off into the distance. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Coppertone along the shore of Cobalt Lake. Things had actually cooled down quite a bit from when we started the hike. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

The trail leading up into the valley that contains Cobalt Lake. The haziness is not due to fog, but rather the widespread fires in the area at the time. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Coppertone is prone to motion sickness, so this swaying bridge gave her some pause but she made it across without any problems. (Photo by Austin Explorer)

Log Entries

Glacier National Park - Aster Falls, Aster Park Viewpoint and Rockwell Falls
By MikeHikes on 9/7/2017
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 8.80 Miles Duration: N/A

The trail is described in detail in various books and websites related to Glacier National Park; this report deals with my impression of the trail.

I'm including this hike under the "Cobalt Lake" group because if you hike Two Medicine Trail, you will pass both falls and a scenic overlook on your way to Cobalt Lake - stops at all three locations are well worth it!

The hike starts at the Two Medicine boat dock and is well marked. At approximately 1.5 miles, there is a metal sign for the trail to Aster Falls and Aster Park Viewpoint. Aster Falls is seen first and was crowded with people, the trail continues uphill for the Viewpoint and the climb is well worth the view! We spent some time at the viewpoint talking to other hikers before retracing our route back to Two Medicine Trail. Once you get to the junction, you'll turn left and continue - Rockwell Falls is approximately 1.5 miles away.

There is a swinging bridge just before Rockwell Falls you have to cross. This bridge has a sign that states only one person at a time can be on the bridge. Take your time crossing and have your hands free to hold the cables! After crossing, you have a short distance to go before coming to Rockwell Falls. The Falls are very nice and very popular! We spent time looking around, listening to the falling water and enjoying the cool air. We saw other hikers going further up the Falls but we didn't follow. We made the Falls our turn around point and returned along Two Medicine Trail back to the parking area at the Two Medicine dock area.

NOTES

There is a lodge/store at the dock area BUT it was closed when we arrived (due to fires). There are toilets available in a separate building.

BRING YOUR OWN WATER AS THERE IS NONE AVAILABLE ON THE TRAILS unless you bring your own filtration system.

First hike of our Glacier National Park trip
By Austin Explorer on 8/27/2003
Rating:

Difficulty:

Solitude:

Distance: 11.10 Miles Duration: 7 hours, 31 minutes

Cobalt Lake did not live up to its name, but that's only because of the smoky atmosphere due to the nearby fires. Though there were a number of people near the trailhead, we didn't encounter another person around the lake itself.

What we did encounter was a variety of wildlife, but none more impressive than the large bull moose! When we first spotted the large brown butt off in the distance off trail we thought it might be a bear. As we prepared to back away slowly he lifted his head from the brush, gave us a lazy glance and headed off in the opposite direction.