Strap on those snowshoes and hit the trail to Stanton Lake, located in the Great Bear Wilderness south of Glacier National Park.
This two-mile trail is easily accessible and a great day hike, especially with some of the recent nice weather in Northwest Montana.
Animals are a common sight along the Stanton Lake Trail, which starts along U.S. Highway 2, 15 miles east of West Glacier. About a mile from the trailhead you will reach the junction with the Grant Ridge Trail that veers to the left.
That trail will take you up the steep Grant Ridge. Stay right on the Stanton Lake Trail and soon you will reach the lake.
The trail is popular year round, so expect to encounter other hikers, especially on a nice weekend day.
How to get there:
From West Glacier, drive east on U.S. Highway 2 for 15 miles.
Just past the Stanton Lake Lodge is the trailhead.
There is ample parking on both sides of the highway.