Is Upper Red Rock Lake Polluted?
Yes — Upper Red Rock Lake in Beaverhead County, Montana is on the EPA's Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired-waters list (2021 assessment cycle). It is cited for Hydrologic alteration, Sediment / turbidity. No cleanup plan (TMDL) has been completed yet. "Impaired" is a legal designation, separate from the lake's EPA condition class water-quality readings: it means at least one designated use (such as swimming, aquatic life, or fish consumption) does not meet state standards for the listed pollutant.
EPA 303(d) Listing
| On 303(d) impaired list | Yes |
| Cleanup plan (TMDL) | Not yet written |
| Assessment cycle | 2021 |
| EPA IR category | 5 |
| Uses not supported | Aquatic life |
| EPA names this lake in the listing | Yes |
| Location | Beaverhead County, Montana |
Pollutants Cited
- Hydrologic alteration — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
- Sediment / turbidity — listed by EPA as exceeding water-quality standards for at least one designated use.
Specific parameters in the EPA record: Flow Regime Modification, Sedimentation/Siltation.
What this means for using Upper Red Rock Lake
Review the EPA assessment and any state advisories before relying on Upper Red Rock Lake for swimming, fishing, or other uses. An impairment listing does not mean the lake is closed — most impaired lakes remain open for boating and swimming. It means a specific pollutant exceeds a standard for a specific use. See the full breakdown on the lake report. The official EPA assessment is available in the ATTAINS waterbody report.
Stays via Stay22
Where to stay near Upper Red Rock Lake
Compare cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Upper Red Rock Lake in Beaverhead County, Montana. Live availability and prices for your nights. Switch the map to Satellite to see how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Upper Red Rock Lake
Prices for Oct 2–4, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Upper Red Rock Lake?
Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Upper Red Rock Lake — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Watch Upper Red Rock Lake water quality
Get an email when the clarity or algae readings change. Unsubscribe anytime.