Mystic Lake, lake of Stillwater County, Montana, United States of America
Mystic Lake is a deep mountain reservoir in the Beartooth Range, reaching over 300 feet (90 m) in depth and stretching about 2 miles in length, surrounded by Lodgepole Pine and Aspen forests. The lake sits within Custer National Forest and is influenced by a small hydroelectric dam, whose remains are still visible today.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Montana Power Company built a 400-foot (120 m) dam to increase water storage, transforming the area. A landslide damaged the structure in 1984, and it was removed the following year, after which the region largely returned to its natural state.
The lake's name reflects the sense of mystery that many visitors feel in the mountain quiet. The area is primarily used for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, with local anglers traditionally trying their luck near the shallow shores and small islands.
The lake is accessible from May through October, though the access road may be rough during shoulder seasons and parking is available at the trailhead. Bring plenty of water and hike early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat, especially over rocky sections where footing can be unreliable.
A striking feature is that visitors here have the rare opportunity to see a working small hydroelectric installation amid untouched mountain landscape. The ruins of the original 1924 dam stand as silent witnesses to industrial history, while nature around them has largely remained unchanged since its destruction.
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