Are dogs allowed on Helen Lake?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Helen Lake but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Helen Lake?

No, Helen Lake does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Helen Lake?

Helen Lake is rated difficult. It is 6.5 miles long with 3,471 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

Shasta National Forest/California

Helen Lake

Mccloud, California

6.5 mi

Distance

3,471 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 54m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Helen Lake is located in Glacier National Park, in the U.S. state of Montana. Helen Lake is at the head of the Belly River and is situated below Ahern Peak to the west and Ipasha Peak to the northwest. Numerous small streams feed the lake in addition to melt waters from the Ahern Glacier which descend 1,680 feet (510 m) over Ahern Glacier Falls in one sheer drop to a talus slope below en route to the lake.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,120 ft

Max:3,170 ft

1,058 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

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Managing agency

United States Forest Service
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Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting unit

CA Unit X1· X

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Helen Lake

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting unit

Nearby Trails

Mount Shasta via Avalanche Gulch Route

Bunny Flat to Panther Meadow

Horse Camp on Mt. Shasta

Casaval Ridge

Dog Trail from Bunny Flat

Sand Flat Road

Other trails in Shasta National Forest

Heart Lake Trail From Castle Lake

McCloud Waterfall Trail

Mount Shasta via Avalanche Gulch Route

Bailey Cove Loop Trail

McCloud Middle Falls Short Hike

Mount Eddy Trail via PCT at Parks Creek

Campgrounds near this trail

Bunny Flats Camp

Red Fir Flat Group Campground

Panther Meadows Walk-In Campground

Mcbride Springs Campground

Mount Shasta City KOA

LOGE Mt Shasta

Similar trails in California

Mirror Lake Loop

Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail

Lost Horse Mine Loop

Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson Trail

Eaton Canyon Trail