When you live in Montana, you know there’s nothing better than spending a beautiful day by (or on) one of our lakes. Montana has the best lakes in the country, and there certainly is no shortage of blue water and rocky shoreline. If you’ve never seen Lava Lake firsthand, make this the year you check it out.

Lava Lake is located in Gallatin National Forest near Gallatin Gateway.
Kevin Allen / alltrails.com
It sits nestled in the Spanish Peaks section of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area in the Madison Mountain range.
You won't find Lava Lake near the road -- it involves a bit of a hike to reach.
Reyann Joiner / alltrails.com
The Lava Lake Trail is around 5.5 miles out and back.
Although you'll have to hike a few miles to reach the lakeshore, the trail isn't exceptionally challenging or strenuous, so it's considered a good beginner trail.
Leon Fitzpatrick / alltrails.com
Rocks along the trail and a somewhat steep incline are the only challenges you'll face.

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You'll love every step of this hike, which offers plenty of stunning scenery along the way...
Marianne Brough / alltrails.com
... but of course, the lake is the star of the show.
Jackson Nye / alltrails.com
Lava Lake is nestled among the high mountain peaks that surround it, and it's amazing to stand back and take it all in.
This lake is great for fishing for rainbow trout, and you'll probably see a few anglers here trying their luck.
Kevin Allen / alltrails.com
It's also a fantastic swimming spot on a hot summer day... especially after a nice, strenuous hike.

It’s easy to see why the Lava Lake Trail is so popular — even in a state full of stunning lakes, this one really stands out. For a much shorter hike in the area (that also leads to a lovely lake), check out Bozeman’s Fairy Lake.

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