High in Montana’s Cabinet Mountains, the Upper Cedar Lake Loop is a challenging multi-day adventure through the remote Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. At approximately 35 km, this demanding loop is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with 2–4 nights to fully experience the route.
Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful alpine lakes, rugged mountain peaks, dense forests, and the solitude of the wilderness. Upper Cedar Lake offers several scenic campsites, making it an ideal place to spend a night—or even two if you want to slow down and explore the surrounding terrain.
For experienced hikers looking for an additional challenge, there is also the opportunity to scramble around the rocky slopes of Dome Mountain and Parmenter Mountain.
Trail Details
- Location: Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, Montana, USA
- Nearest town: Libby
- Round-trip distance: approximately 35 km
- Elevation gain: approximately 1,585 m
- Trip length: 2–4 nights
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Route: Loop
- Experience: Experienced backpackers, including families with experienced young hikers
Advanced Backcountry Hiking
This is a challenging backcountry route for experienced hikers.
Expect long hiking days, uneven terrain, elevation changes, and potentially difficult trail conditions. The route is best suited to hikers who are comfortable carrying a full backpack and spending several consecutive nights in the wilderness.
Trail conditions can also change significantly throughout the season. After storms, fallen trees may block sections of the trail. Depending on the amount of blowdown, you may need to climb over, navigate around, or even crawl underneath fallen trees.
If the trail has not been cleared, progress can be slow and physically demanding.
Always check current trail conditions before setting out and be prepared to adjust your plans.
A 2–4 Night Adventure
The loop offers flexibility for a 2, 3, or 4-night backpacking trip.
If you have the time, we recommend slowing down and allowing yourself to enjoy the lakes, mountain scenery, and quiet surroundings rather than rushing through the route.
Spending an extra night at Upper Cedar Lake also gives you more time to explore the surrounding mountains and enjoy the wilderness without your backpack on.
Alpine Lakes and Rugged Mountain Scenery
The scenery is one of the highlights of the Upper Cedar Lake Loop.
The route passes through remote mountain terrain with beautiful alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and forested valleys. Upper Cedar Lake provides a particularly scenic place to stop, rest, and spend the night.
For experienced hikers, the surrounding rocky slopes offer opportunities for additional exploration and scrambling, including around Dome and Parmenter Mountains.
Easy Vehicle Access
Despite the remote wilderness experience, the trailhead offers relatively easy vehicle access.
You can drive to the trailhead, organize your gear, and begin the hike without a long approach. This makes it convenient for a multi-day adventure when you're carrying a substantial backpack.
Watch for Storms and Fallen Trees
Mountain weather can change quickly in the Cabinet Mountains.
Storms can bring strong winds, rain, sudden temperature drops, and fallen trees. Check the weather forecast and current trail conditions before starting your trip.
Recent storms can have a major impact on the trail. Heavy blowdown may turn an otherwise manageable section into a slow and technical obstacle course, with extensive climbing and crawling over fallen trees.
Don't underestimate the effect of storm damage when planning your hiking time.
Mosquitoes and Cold Nights
Depending on the season and location, mosquitoes can be present, particularly around lakes and wetter areas.
And while summer days can be warm, mountain nights can be quite cold. Temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, especially at higher elevations.
A warm, reliable sleeping bag is an important part of your backcountry setup.
For trips like the Upper Cedar Lake Loop, SHISHKA sleeping bags provide warm down insulation while keeping weight low—an ideal combination when every gram in your backpack matters.
After a demanding day on the trail, there is nothing better than getting into a warm sleeping bag and settling in for a comfortable night in the mountains.
Before You Go
For a successful trip, make sure you:
- Check current trail conditions and recent storm damage.
- Check the weather forecast before departure.
- Be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather.
- Carry enough food and water, with a reliable way to treat backcountry water.
- Bring warm layers and appropriate sleeping bags.
Of course, we recommend Shishka Dolpo sleeping bags for kids and Shishka Gimli for adults. They turned out to be perfect even in the middle of summer, as temperatures in the alpine can get pretty cold overnight, and it can be very windy by the lake. - Pack mosquito protection during warmer months.
- Be sure to bring a rope for hanging your food and bear spray, as this is bear country.
- Allow extra time if significant blowdown is reported.
- Carry appropriate navigation and emergency equipment.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the wilderness.
A True Wilderness Adventure
The Upper Cedar Lake Loop is not an easy overnight hike. It is a real backcountry adventure, where conditions can be unpredictable and the trail can demand both physical endurance and good judgment.
But that's also what makes it rewarding.
Quiet alpine lakes, rugged peaks, remote campsites, and long stretches of wilderness create the kind of experience that stays with you long after you've returned home.
If you're an experienced backpacker looking for a challenging multi-day route in the Cabinet Mountains, the Upper Cedar Lake Loop is well worth putting on your list.
Take your time. Be prepared. And enjoy every kilometre of the adventure.
Optional, for replies
No comments posted yet, check back soon.
