Trailhead: Hub/Hazel Lakes #280
Miles to Camp: 4
This trip is open to BIPOC community members only. GBCA is excited to offer this trip in partnership with Here Montana. This trip will be centered around getting to know the Great Burn mission area, why protecting places like the Great Burn is important, becoming comfortable in the backcountry, and getting out to experience a wild place that’s not too far from Missoula. We will be camping at a lake, so if you’re interested in fishing make sure to have your MT license!
Trip is limited to 8. Please submit your application by May 31, 2024. Registration fee is waived for this trip.
Hub, Hazel, and Mary Lakes are popular lakes that lie in the beautiful Ward Eagle inventoried roadless area along the Montana/Idaho border. We will access the lake’s basin via a short hike through pristine old growth forest. The group will learn how to conduct backcountry campsite inventories, clean up around the lakes, do some wildlife surveys, help pull weeds, and maybe even climb a peak or two. Those who want to fish can try their hand at Hub Lake.
**All volunteer trips are subject to change due to ever-changing fire activity.
Difficulty
Hiking
Moderate: The hike in to camp is a short 3 miles, however there is a 1,800 ft elevation gain. The optional hikes to Eagle/Ward Peaks and Mary Lake are considered strenuous due to elevation gain and off-trail travel.
Work
Easy: The group will learn about LNT principles, campsite inventories, and conduct wildlife surveys, and pull weeds.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Meet in Missoula at 0700. Carpool to trailhead. Hike in from the Ward Creek #262 trail to tie into the Hub/Hazel #280 trail. Camp at Hub Lake.
Day 2 | Exploratory day for the group! After breakfast we will take a day trip to Mary Lake to do campsite surveys. Hikes to Eagle Peak and Ward Peak summits are also a possibility which will include weed pulling along the way. Those who have a hankering to wet a line may do so at the lakes! Mary Lake: 0.5 mi, elevation gain 650ft; Eagle Peak: 1.2 mi, elevation gain 1500ft; Ward Peak: 2.5 mi, elevation gain 1500ft.
Day 3 | After breakfast, we will begin our journey back to the trailhead and possibly do another pika survey along the route. After lunch we will head back to Missoula.