Maps: Vipond Park and Mount Tahepia USGS Quads, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Map.
Finding the trailhead: Drive south of Butte on Interstate 15 and take Exit 93 for Melrose. From Melrose, follow the fishing access signs west across the Big Hole River, passing by a campground on the left. Continue across a second bridge and straight through a four-way intersection. After 1.5 miles from Melrose, the road forks. The left road goes to Cherry Creek, and the right road continues toward Canyon Creek. Go right. Follow the road straight up Trapper Creek for 5 miles to the old smelter town of Glendale. At the intersection in Glendale, turn right (uphill) on Forest Road 187 for Canyon Creek. After 9 miles from Melrose, cross Canyon Creek. After 3 more miles, pass by the old Canyon Creek charcoal kilns. Then, after 13 miles, turn left on FR 7401 for the last 4 miles to the trailhead. It is 17.5 miles of dirt roads from Melrose to Canyon Creek Campground and Trailhead.

Parking & trailhead facilities: Ample parking, a pit toilet, and vehicle camping. You may want to camp, because after the long drive, you may want to stay awhile.

Key points

1.5 Junction with Lion Creek Trail (28)
5.5 Grayling Lake
6.0 Lion Lake

Trail 88 begins by crossing Canyon Creek on a two-log bridge. Canyon Creek supports small finger-sized brook trout. On the other side of the creek, the trail turns to the right and up the opposite slope. The old trail follows the river, but it ran too close to the ranch and was relocated. At 0.5 mile, the trail crosses through a gate. Be sure to completely close it behind you. Continue following Canyon Creek Trail for 1.5 miles to its intersection with Lion Creek Trail (28). This section climbs gradually uphill through the trees and along the creek.

At the intersection, take Lion Creek Trail to the left. It is 4 miles from this intersection to Grayling Lake. The first 2 miles continue along Canyon Creek at stream grade. Then, Lion Creek Trail turns west for the first stream crossing over Lion Creek. In the next 2 miles, the trail crosses Lion Creek four times. Almost all crossings are negotiable without getting wet feet. The next mile is a climb, the only real climb of the hike.

After the ascent, the trail crosses the flatlands below Vera Lake. You can easily reach Vera Lake by navigating south and a little east after the fourth crossing of Lion Creek. Vera Lake used to have fish, but one visit will explain their absence. The lake is not deep enough for fish to survive the winter freeze.

Grayling Lake is just a little farther up the trail. It is listed as having grayling, but according to the Forest Service, the fish died. However, good fishing for cutthroat-rainbow hybrids lure anglers to this area. Grayling Lake offers a view of the steep ridge separating it from Canyon Lake, which you can get to via Trail 88.

Half a mile above Grayling Lake is Lion Lake, which has similar fishing to Grayling and a view of Sharp Mountain. To the south, Sharp Mountain is fairly obvious and definitely sharp. The return hike retraces your route to the trailhead. Not too many people hike here, but be sure to use low impact camping methods.

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