Cliff and Wade Lakes

Hidden behind the tilting uplands of Montana's Upper Madison Valley are a pair of gem lakes that beckon with adventure.  Cliff Lake and neighboring Wade Lake are natural water bodies with pristine shorelines and teal waters, tucked between towering bluffs.  

Cliff Lake

The south end of Cliff Lake is only 5 air miles from Raynolds Pass, but the expansive topography of the Madison Valley gives scant hint of its existence.  Cliff and Wade occupy a long, meandering cleft in the otherwise rolling terrain between the Madison and Gravelly Ranges.  They are only 10 miles from the more visible Earthquake Lake, but their topographic and aquatic characteristics make them feel a world apart.

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 

    4 (Cliff), 3 (Wade)
    Use: Moderate
    Fee: None for day use
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev: 

    6300 (Cliff), 6220 (Wade); 

    minimal variation; natural
    Rec info 
    Weather 

One immediately noticeable feature of Cliff and Wade Lakes is the striking clarity of the water.  When the surface is still, the water colors form a unique spectrum from earthy yellows in the shallows to shades of teal offshore to vivid blues in the depths.  

Cliff Lake Island

Colorful Wade Lake

Both lakes are narrow--they max out at about 1/4 mile across, and are flanked by steep, forested side slopes.  The linear nature of the lakes make them fun to explore without having to traverse a vast expanse of open water.  Cliff Lake in particular has four prongs that radiate from a single central bay with an exotic-looking island in the middle.  

Cliff Lake, Horn Creek Prong

Beautiful Wade Lake

The primary access to Cliff and Wade lakes is from Forest Road 241, which intersects US 287 1 mile north of the US-287 / MT-87 junction.  The Cliff and Wade lake recreation area is 5 miles west of US 287 and includes the Wade Lake, Hilltop and Cliff Point campgrounds, as well as a boat ramp on Cliff Lake and a non-motorized launch point on Wade Lake.  While the lakes themselves are uncrowded, the camping areas can be quite popular in the summer months.  All three campgrounds offer sites on a first come-first served basis.  Cliff Point and Wade Lake also have sites that are reservable through recreation.gov.

A secondary launch location to Cliff Lake can be accessed through the Wilderness Edge Retreat.  The retreat is 4 miles west of MT-87 on Horn Creek Road, which intersects MT-87 about 2.5 miles north of the Idaho border.  While the launch itself is on US Forest Service land, the access road crosses private property.  The retreat permits lake access through their land but asks that all visitors and thru-traffic check in at the office.  Please take a minute to abide by this request and please comply with the speed limit posted on the property.  Consider patronizing the retreat's shop or watercraft rentals.  Beyond the property boundary, the dirt road ends at a sharp bend in the Horn Creek prong of Cliff Lake.  This is a great starting point to tour the island in the middle of the lake or any of the lake's prongs.  

Panorama of Cliff Lake's multiple prongs

Weather and Safety Considerations

With the exception of a few campsites and boat launches, the shorelines of these two lakes are entirely wild and natural.  There are no roads that follow the lakeshores, which are mostly steep and mountainous.  The area is habitat for both black bears and grizzly bears, so it's highly recommended to have a can of bear repellent spray when venturing out in this part of Montana.  The lakeshore is also habitat for small, aquatic garter snakes that slither along the water's edge.  We spotted five in one afternoon here, all different locations.  The garter snakes are timid and harmless, but it can be startling to see one if you're not expecting it.  Be especially attentive when walking in the shallows or along the shore so as not to accidentally step on one.   

Cliff Lake

Cliff Lake's teal waters

Cliff and Wade Lakes are protected by the surrounding topography but are both large enough to to develop choppy waters mid-lake on a breezy day.  If the forecast predicts moderate winds, it may be worth heading to an upwind corner of one of the lakes to find the calmest waters.  If you ride a tailwind out into the lake, be sure you can paddle back to your launch point since there aren't any other realistic exits.  This is a great lake to use kayak blade setup.  It is possible that the canyons may funnel and redirect winds from what is predicted in the local forecast.  Check the hourly and detailed forecasts for the fullest picture of the day's weather, including any predicted wind shifts. 

Bluffs on Cliff Lake

Cliff Lake Island

Nearby Hiking and Biking

A few short hiking trails wind across the hillsides between the Cliff Point and Wade Lake campgrounds.  These can be a nice diversion if camping here.  The southern part of Cliff Lake also features an intriguing but challenging mountain bike trail that skirts the two southern prongs of Cliff Lake en route to Hidden Lake upvalley.  The trail heads south from the Wilderness Edge Retreat and is 6.6 miles each way, also passing tiny Otter and Goose Lakes.  The route climbs and descends through multiple drainages, so it's easy to turn around at an intermediate high point for a shorter but still rewarding ride.  For more complete mapping and guidance on this and other nearby adventures, refer to the Bozeman/Big Sky/West Yellowstone (or Gravelly Range) maps and the Southern Montana Singletrack guide by Beartooth Publishing.  As noted above, grizzly bears inhabit this area so be prepared with bear repellent spray while on the trail.  Have fun and stay safe while exploring this incredible corner of Montana!

A beautiful day on Wade Lake