Necklace Lakes

Hike Name: Necklace Lakes Location: northwest MT Length: 12 Submitted by: Richard Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Montana trail reviews Montana national parks Montana state parks
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Description
The best (but not the shortest) way to get to Necklace Lakes is via Upper Holland Lake. From the Holland Lake Trailhead follow trail 415 about 7 miles to Upper Holland Lake, take the left fork (signed to Sapphire Lake) another very steep mile or two to a junction not far from Saphire Lake. Take the right fork, hike another uphill mile to Necklace Pass, the boundary of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The trail (marked as Smokey Creek Trail on maps) descends past several large lakes, each with excellent camp sites. From the second lake (from the pass) there is an unmarked but very good trail to Woodward Lake. You can take the Smokey Creek Trail all the way to the junction of Big Salmon Creek trail, about six miles from the pass. Great scenery, little traffic, plenty of wildlife (including bears), good fishing, and many opportunities for day hikes. To return to the trailhead, re-climb to Necklace Pass, follow a short spur trail to a prominent notch and follow trail 42 back to Holland Lake. It's much shorter than the route in but after a truly spectacular traverse from the notch much less interesting. And it's really steep - a long series of switchbacks that ends at trail 415 about a mile from the trailhead. Variants of this hike can take you to Lena Lake, Pendent Pass, and Sapphire Lake, all very worthy destinations or day hike options.

Directions to Hike
Holland Lake Recreation Area is clearly marked on Montana Rte 83, about halfway between Missoula and Kalispell. Take the dirt road all the way to the parking lot at the end.

Contact Information
Swan Valley or Spotted Bear Ranger Stations.

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