Mount Brown Lookout

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Views · Wildflowers

This route includes travel on a very demanding trail. It climbs and climbs and climbs. There are no level spots on the trail! Wonderful views throughout make all of that effort worthwhile though!

Bring plenty of water, there is no opportunity to replenish.

This trail climbs nearly 5,000 feet in five miles, so it's a strenuous ascent. There are wonderful views of Lake McDonald along the way. Be well prepared as there is no water along the way and zero flat ground.

At about mile three, you'll come to the first significant viewpoint. From here, there are great views of the surrounding mountains. You'll really be able to appreciate how much you've been climbing, as the views have changed, even from McDonald Lake. Once you've caught your breath, continue along the trail. At about 4.4 miles, you'll reach another great viewpoint and stopping spot. About a half mile later, you get the first view of the Lookout. This is about the area I ran into the goats.

I was ultimately cut short of reaching the lookout due to two mountain goats who blocked the trail and were rather aggressive. They forced my retreat about a quarter mile from the lookout. They actually followed me down the trail for a third of a mile or so, and there was no way around them. The appearance of these goats is a good reminder to respect the wildlife in the park. Don't get too close to ANY of the full-time residents of the park.

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You'll enjoy typical alpine natives such as pine, pika, marmots, and even mountain goats.