Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
While the shores of Heart Lake suffered damage from the 1988 fires, it remains a beauti-
ful, rewarding and popular destination. An extensive thermal field extends from the north-
west shore of this 2160-acre lake, showcasing boiling hot pots and a large geyser. Heart
Lake provides rich habitat for waterfowl, and there are plentiful stocks of cutthroat and
elusive but record-setting lake (Mackinaw) trout.
The highest summit in the Red Mountains, Mt Sheridan (10,308ft) rises high above
Heart Lake's west shore, providing terrific panoramas. While the extremely fit can knock
off Heart Lake and climb Mt Sheridan in a very long day hike, it's worth spending a night
(or two) along the lakeshore to relax, watch the bald eagles and osprey, and explore.
Heart Lake trail is closed from April 1 to June 30 due to bear activity: reconfirm the
opening date with a backcountry office. Elk carcasses from winter hardship tend to pile up
here, leading to an early-season grizzly fiesta.
