5.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.4A large lake in Montana’s Thompson Chain of Lakes, with a Forest Service-listed shoreline trail and boat ramp at its western end.
The strongest sourced reason to visit is the chance to explore the lakeshore in a national forest setting: McGregor Lake covers 1,240 acres, and a 2.9-mile shoreline trail offers a way to experience more than a roadside glimpse. The source material does not substantiate the Lake District location or the more elaborate claims in the imported description.
Wild
Find your way
Open mapKootenai National Forest, Montana, USA
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
A lakeside visit in Kootenai National Forest, with a listed shoreline trail, boat ramp, swimming and boating opportunities. Check current access and conditions before setting out.
Things to do
Walk the shoreline trail
The Forest Service lists a 2.9-mile trail along McGregor Lake. Confirm current trail conditions before setting out.
Check locally
Launch a boat
A boat ramp is listed at the campground. Check current access and any applicable requirements before launching.
Swim
Swimming is listed among the lake’s recreation opportunities. Check local conditions and current guidance before entering the water.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A short lakeside visit
- 01
Check current access and day-use arrangements.
- 02
Visit the campground area at the west end of the lake.
- 03
Take in the lakeside setting; do not assume the campground’s overnight fee applies to day use.
Half day · Check locally
Walk the McGregor Lake shoreline
- 01
Check trail and weather conditions before setting out.
- 02
Walk the listed 2.9-mile McGregor Lake Shoreline Trail.
- 03
Return to the campground area.
When to go
May · June · July · August · Check current weather and access conditions; no specific time of day is established by the supplied sources.
The Forest Service says the campground is managed from Memorial Day through Labor Day, although it is available year-round subject to weather-dependent access.
Access is dependent on weather conditions. Check Forest Service alerts and local conditions before travelling.
Worth pairing with
Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area
A separate forest stop described by Montana’s tourism listing as a grove of large, old western red cedars. It is a substantial detour rather than an immediate lakeside pairing; check route and conditions.
What to look for
Look for the changing shoreline and forest setting along the 2.9-mile McGregor Lake Shoreline Trail. Specific wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn; campground management runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Access is weather-dependent.
The Forest Service says the campground is managed from Memorial Day through Labor Day and that access depends on weather. Confirm current conditions before travelling.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Anglers · Swimmers
Practical information
Opening & access
The lake is reached via McGregor Lake Campground, at the west end of the lake off US Route 2. The US Forest Service describes a boat ramp and shoreline trail. Check current conditions and any day-use requirements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
A campground entrance and parking area are described by the Forest Service. Check current access and day-use arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Vault toilets are listed at the campground.
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Pets are welcome at the campground but must be leashed.
Accessibility
The supplied official source does not describe accessible routes or facilities. Check trail and site conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Lake
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around McGregor Lake
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
