Highlights:
A good overnight stop to explore several high mountain lakes with views
of Sweeney Canyon and the surrounding peaks.
Location: Just south of Florence in the Bitterroot Mountains.
Type of hike: Out-and-back day hike or base camp for side trips.
Total distance: 10 miles to Peterson Lake and 14 miles to Duffy Lake.
Difficulty: Strenuous.
Best months: Mid-June through September.
Maps:
Carlton Lakes, Dick Creek, and St. Mary's Peak USGS Quads; and Selway-Bitterroot
Wilderness Map.
Finding the trailhead: Drive south of Missoula on U.S. Highway 93, 1.5 miles south of Florence. Turn right, heading west on Sweeney Creek Road (Forest Road 14). Shortly after turning, the paved road veers to the left; stay right on dirt FR 1315. About 1.5 miles from US 93, turn right again and drive for 6 miles to the trailhead. The last section of switchbacks on FR 1315 is steep, rough, and might be difficult for a two-wheel-drive vehicle.
Parking & trailhead facilities: A few parking spaces at the trailhead, no restrooms.
Key points
2.0 SpringThe hike: This hike is close to the Missoula area, so you might see a few other hikers on busy summer weekends. However, the hike is pleasant and an excellent overnight trip to absorb the joys of ancient trees and mountain lakes. Duffy, Holloway, and Peterson Lakes all have fish. However, at Peterson Lake, there is not much room for a back cast except at the inlet.
5.0 Peterson Lake
7.0 Duffy Lake
From the trailhead, Trail 393 climbs steadily west
along Sweeny Ridge for 2 miles before reaching a natural spring. Be sure
to carry enough water for the climb. Along the way, you may want to note
the girth of some of the remaining Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine trees;
some are 4 feet in diameter. In addition, midway to the spring, there is
a large rock perfect for pictures. If you use the right angle, it will
look as if you were atop a mountain above the Bitterroots.
From the spring, continue climbing up Sweeny Ridge
until dropping down and traversing the northern side of Sweeny Creek Valley
to Peterson Lake. It is 5 miles to Peterson Lake. Be careful not to create
new impacts and try to use existing campsites and fire rings. Leave no
trace of your visit.
If you feel ambitious, continue on to Duffy and Holloway Lakes. Duffy is another 2 miles of climbing. The farther from civilization you travel, the less wary fish get.
