Here in Montana, we know that a day spent by the lake is just as relaxing as any day spent by the ocean. And while we’ve got an abundance of lakes here that require little to no effort to reach, if you’re up for a bit of a hike, you’ll appreciate the natural beauty of Mystic Lake. Not only is it breathtaking and peaceful, but you’ll be able to see a hydroelectric dam in action.

The Mystic Lake overlook is amazing.

Lee Gannon / alltrails.com The lake is about 300 feet deep and over two miles long, so it stretches as far as the eye can see.

The Mystic Lake Trail is a 5.5 mile out-and-back hike, and the scenery is stunning.

Michael Woods / alltrails.com The trailhead begins at the hydroelectric plant. Going uphill from there, the trail takes you on a climb through a forest of Aspen and Lodgepole Pine trees. This is the toughest part of the trail.

Eventually, you’ll reach the top of your climb, and the lake will come into view.

Michael Woods / alltrails.com Although parts of the hike can be a bit strenuous and challenging, most people will be able to handle the climb, even beginner hikers.

Mystic Lake is the deepest lake in the Beartooth Mountains, and the Montana Power Company utilizes its power with the dam.

David Kelly / alltrails.com The dam was built in the 1920s, but many Montanans still don’t know it exists.

Once you get down to the lake level, you can cover an additional three miles around the shoreline if you’d like.

Kramer Schlaudt / alltrails.com But even if you don’t walk all the way around, you should definitely walk down and get an up-close-and-personal view.

The lake also happens to have a large sandy beach stretching along the shoreline, perfect for relaxing by the water.

Tracy Litke / alltrails.com The fishing here is excellent, although you can only expect to catch fairly small rainbow trout.

Mystic Lake is one of Montnaa’s most underrated treasures, and it makes for a great day hike.

Jacy Head / alltrails.com You may want to wait until mid-June to make the trip, though – the snow tends to stick around, at least in parts, through May.

Address: West Rosebud Lake Road, Fishtail, MT 59028

Lee Gannon / alltrails.com

The lake is about 300 feet deep and over two miles long, so it stretches as far as the eye can see.

Michael Woods / alltrails.com

The trailhead begins at the hydroelectric plant. Going uphill from there, the trail takes you on a climb through a forest of Aspen and Lodgepole Pine trees. This is the toughest part of the trail.

Michael Woods / alltrails.com

Although parts of the hike can be a bit strenuous and challenging, most people will be able to handle the climb, even beginner hikers.

David Kelly / alltrails.com

The dam was built in the 1920s, but many Montanans still don’t know it exists.

Kramer Schlaudt / alltrails.com

But even if you don’t walk all the way around, you should definitely walk down and get an up-close-and-personal view.

Tracy Litke / alltrails.com

The fishing here is excellent, although you can only expect to catch fairly small rainbow trout.

Jacy Head / alltrails.com

You may want to wait until mid-June to make the trip, though – the snow tends to stick around, at least in parts, through May.

Have you ever hiked to Mystic Lake? Montana’s lakes are second to none — you’ll want to visit some of our best this summer.

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Address: W Rosebud Lake Rd, Fishtail, MT 59028, USA