Trail of the Week: Recent Episodes
Wild Montana
Rising above the rolling ridges of the Elkhorns, Casey Peak delivers big views. Starting at the Casey Meadows Trailhead, this 10-mile hike climbs steadily through aspen groves, several creek crossings, and open ridgelines. At the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic vistas stretching from the Helena Valley to Elkhorn Peak to the south. Expect solitude, scenery, and a classic Montana alpine adventure.To learn more about Casey Peak, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
This challenging 7-mile loop climbs steeply through pine forest and alpine meadows before emerging onto the windswept expanse of the Silver Run Plateau. With expansive views, wildflower-filled basins, and a chance to spot mountain goats, this route showcases the raw beauty of the Beartooths. Best tackled mid-summer to fall, it’s a rewarding adventure for experienced hikers craving high-country solitude.To learn more about Ingles Creek–Silver Run, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Cliff Creek Trail offers a peaceful escape into the Gallatin Range, winding through lodgepole forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and along a tumbling creek. This out-and-back hike delivers big views with a gentle climb, making it a great pick for a day hike or beginner backpacking trip. Wild Montana’s Madison-Gallatin Chapter has helped maintain this trail since 2018, ensuring continued public access to the Gallatin Crest.To learn more about Cliff Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Tucked deep in the Great Burn, the North Fork Fish Creek Trail winds through lush cedar forest, meadows bursting with wildflowers, and alongside a crystal-clear creek. With gentle grades and plenty of solitude, it’s perfect for a quiet hike, fly-fishing escape, or intro to backpacking if you want to venture deeper into the Great Burn proposed Wilderness. Keep an eye out for wildlife in this remote corner of western Montana.To learn more about North Fork Fish Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Winding through limestone canyons, dense forests, and wildflower-strewn meadows, the hike through the Middle Fork Judith Wilderness Study Area offers quiet beauty in the Little Belts. This out-and-back hike follows the crystal-clear river past cliffs and swimming holes, with chances to spot elk, black bears, and soaring hawks. See firsthand the river restoration work that was completed in recent years in this treasured landscape.To learn more about Middle Fork Judith, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
This 12-mile hike climbs steadily along a creek, passing waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and dramatic granite cliffs. The payoff? A pristine alpine lake cradled beneath towering peaks in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Keep your camera ready — mountain goats, moose, and pika are frequent trail companions. Ideal for a long day hike or peaceful overnight, this gem is a backcountry classic.To learn more about Lake Fork Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Following the banks of the Missouri River, this short out-and-back hike offers stunning canyon views and peaceful riverside walking. The Beaver Creek Trail winds through rocky outcrops and cottonwood groves, with opportunities to spot bald eagles, deer, and other wildlife. Just north of Helena, it’s a serene, family-friendly hike with gentle elevation — perfect for spring wildflowers or a quiet fall stroll along Montana’s storied waters.To learn more about Beaver Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Mill Creek Trail is a scenic 10-mile hike nestled in the Bitterroot Mountains near Hamilton. The trail follows a creek through a breathtaking canyon in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, featuring cascading waterfalls just 3.5 miles into your hike, rugged cliffs, and towering pines lining the way. Ideal for hiking, fishing, or trail running, it offers year-round beauty and a good chance to spot wildlife. To learn more about Mill Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Climb into the heart of the Highwoods on the Center Ridge Trail, a 6-mile hike that rewards with sweeping views and solitude. Wind through aspen groves, grassy ridgelines, and patches of lodgepole pine. Keep an eye out for elk, wildflowers, and panoramic vistas of central Montana’s island ranges. A local favorite for a peaceful day hike with a big sky payoff.To learn more about the Highwood Mountains, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Only accessible by boat, Wild Horse Island in Flathead Lake features a small trail system with big views. Beginning at Skeeko Bay boat landing, hike along the lakeshore and then through old-growth Ponderosa pine while keeping a close eye on your surroundings. Wildlife abounds at this state park! You’re likely to see bighorn sheep, songbirds, bald eagles – and if you’re lucky, maybe even the handful of remaining wild horses for which the island is named.To learn more about Wild Horse Island State Park, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org
Ringing Rocks is one of the most unique places in Montana. This boulder field just west of Butte is one of only seven places in the world where the rocks chime like bells when you tap them with a hammer. Find the right rocks, and you can tap out your favorite tune. A short hike leads you to the boulder field. Leave no trace and leave the rocks where you found them — if you remove a rock from the formation, it loses all its musical properties. To learn more about Ringing Rocks, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
This 4.5-mile out-and-back hike in Makoshika State Park may be one of the most unique hikes in the state. Hungry Joe Overlook, named after an old prospector, provides a rugged taste of the badlands that make this part of eastern Montana famous. Hike along a ridge over wind-sculpted hoodoos and other rock formations. To learn more about Makoshika State Park, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Thanks to the Beaverhead Trails Coalition, there is a growing trail system providing recreational opportunities just west of Dillon. The High Trails System encompasses over 10 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The most recent addition of the Land Bridge Loop Trail connects the trail system to BLM land to the north. The trails offer spectacular views of Dillon, as well as the Tobacco Roots, East Pioneers, and Blacktail Mountains.To learn more about Dillon High Trails System, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
The Swift Creek Loop Trail offers sanctuary in old-growth forest right outside of Whitefish. This flat loop, just over a mile long, passes through a lush forest and offers views of a serene lake, tall mountain peaks, and Swift Creek. The well-maintained trail surface is suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and small children, making it a perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape the crowds of downtown Whitefish.To learn more about Swift Creek Loop, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
The 6.5-mile Limekiln Loop Trail in the Judith Mountains offers big views just north of Lewistown. If you hike the loop counter-clockwise the first 1.5 miles are a leg burner as you climb toward New Year Peak, but the next three miles are mostly flat and very scenic as you trek toward Burnett Peak. The final few miles are downhill, and you can take a side trail to the Lewistown Overlook to add an additional mile to your hike.To learn more about Limekiln Loop, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Explore the Jewel Basin Hiking Area east of Kalispell. Begin at the Echo Broken Leg Trailhead and climb steadily through alpine forests and wildflower meadows until you reach the boundary of the hiking area. Turn around here for an 8-mile round-trip hike. For a multi-day backpacking trip to crystal-clear alpine lakes with exceptional fishing opportunities, continue on to explore more of the trail system in Jewel Basin. To learn more about Birch Lake in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Explore Bear Creek Overlook Trail near Victor for spectacular views of the Bitterroot Mountains. As you hike up a series of switchbacks, plentiful pine trees offer shade before opening up to views of the Bitterroot Valley and the Sapphire Mountains to your east. At the overlook you’ll get a breathtaking view of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. For another view of the canyon, hike nearby Bear Creek Trail to enjoy a series of waterfalls along the canyon floor.To learn more about Bear Creek Overlook Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
The Glacier View Mountain Trail north of Columbia Falls begins on the border of Glacier National Park. This out-and-back trail is about 8 miles roundtrip, and despite beginning your ascent via switchbacks, the first few miles are still quite steep. But the view at the top is worth the effort. Looking east from the summit, you’ll be greeted with gorgeous views of the North Fork Flathead River and a unique view of Glacier without entering the park.To learn more about Glacier View Mountain Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
The Suce Creek Trail is a lovely and less-visited route on the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. It’s at its best in the fall, when the aspens glow golden in the afternoon light and the leaves form a crunchy carpet on the trail surface. In the winter, when the road to the trailhead is snowed-in, don skis or snowshoes and trek a few miles to the picnic area for a short and sweet winter adventure.To learn more about Suce Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Enjoy a nordic ski adventure along Refuge Point Trail on the banks of the Madison River near Yellowstone National Park. Follow blue diamond markers through stands of aspen, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine, and enjoy views of the serene Quake Lake and the rugged Madison Range. In the spring and summer, this 2.5-mile loop is also a relaxing place for hiking and running.To learn more about Refuge Point Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
The Seeley Creek Trails are great all year round, but they really come to life when it snows. Volunteers groom this 26-kilometer trail network near Seeley Lake almost daily for both skate and classic skiing, and the Swan Range’s regular snows mean the coverage and conditions are excellent all winter long. There are plenty of easy, moderate, and difficult trails to choose from through snow-dusted forest.To learn more about Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
This short hike features a picnic area and an easily accessible trail for kids and adults alike. The Ten Mile Environmental Trail near Rimini begins at a small creek surrounded by Douglas fir, juniper, and Rocky Mountain maple. In the spring and early summer, you’ll be surrounded by lady slipper orchids and other wildflowers. Be sure to stop at each station along the trail to learn about the wildlife and lifecycle of the forest.To learn more about Ten Mile Environmental Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Enjoy a snowshoe adventure along a ridgeline to the boundary of the Cube Iron-Silcox Roadless Area. This popular access route near Thompson Falls sees little use outside of hunting season, making it a relaxing respite for a winter hike. About 2.5 miles up the Sqaylth-Kwum Creek Trail you’ll cross the namesake creek, a Salish word describing a place where “falling waters” can be heard. Turn around here for a 5-mile out-and-back hike.To learn more about Sqaylth-Kwum Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Year-round fun awaits at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center in Bridger Canyon. In the winter, explore 28 miles of groomed trails on Nordic skis. The trail system offers a variety of runs for beginners and experts, including trails for snowshoeing and fat biking. Enjoy a peaceful winter adventure with views of meadows, mountain vistas, conifer and aspen forests, with direct access to the Custer Gallatin National Forest trail system.To learn more about Crosscut, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
If you’re looking to try cross-country skiing for the first time this winter, the Big Fork Community Nordic Center in the Flathead Valley is a great place to learn. Here, the groomed trails are mostly flat, and beginners can keep right at every junction for an easy-going adventure. If you feel the need for a little speed, trek to Little Jewel Loop to ski some steep downhills.Enjoy the crisp, cold air while soaking in the pine forest blanketed in snow. Snowshoers are also welcome to enjoy the trails — just be sure to avoid the groomed track and follow trail etiquette.To learn more about Big Fork Foothills, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
This winter hike to Marshall Lake in the Mission Mountains offers breathtaking views of the Swan Range. Cross-country ski or snowshoe just over a mile and cross the West Fork of the Clearwater, where cool waters provide vital bull trout habitat. As you climb to views of the Swan Range and the valley below, see if you can spot and identify wildlife tracks, which are sure to abound in this winter wonderland. Continue along Marshall Creek until you come upon scenic Marshall Lake.To learn more about Marshall Lake, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Cross-country ski along the Continental Divide Trail from Stemple Pass for spectacular views of the Lincoln Valley.The majority of this ungroomed trail is on a rolling ridgeline just outside the Nevada Mountain recommended Wilderness and is suitable for intermediate skiers. Travel through an old-growth forest and, if conditions are right, take in views of the Scapegoat Wilderness and the Mission Mountains. See for yourself why Wild Montana is working to protect this spectacular place. To learn more about Skiing Stemple Pass unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Explore wild country in the Silver Butte Fisher River drainage on a hike to Jumbo Peak. You may encounter other hikers or horseback riders on the trail, but you’ll likely get to enjoy quiet solitude. Venture into the Kootenai National Forest on a short and steep snowshoe to a false summit and take in grand views of the Cabinet Mountain Wildernessand the Fisher River. See for yourself why Wild Montana is working to protect nearby wildlands.To learn more about Jumbo Peak unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Explore the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains on the Larry Creek Ecology Loop near Florence. This trail is popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. In the warmer months, the wildflowers are plentiful, and the forest floor is blanketed in green. In the winter, cross-country ski or snowshoe through ponderosa pine, and enjoy views of the valley and the Sapphire Mountains to the east. This is an interpretive trail, and you can learn about the roll of fire in wildlife ecosystems by reading signs along the way.To learn more about Larry Creek Ecology Loop, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Explore Mount Haggin in southwest Montana under the cover of snow. Cross-country ski through Montana's largest Wildlife Management Area, which provides year-round habitat for elk, deer, moose, antelope, and other wildlife.Every winter, Mile High Nordic grooms 17 miles of trails that wind through historic logging camps up to the Continental Divide, giving skiers plenty of options to explore pine forests in the Pintler Mountains south of Anaconda.To learn more about Mount Haggin, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Located in the heart of Big Sky, the Ousel Falls Park Trail is just a short stroll to a cascading waterfall. The smooth, broad path descends gently to the falls, and viewpoints from below and above let you take in the cascades from multiple angles. The trail is popular year-round, but in the winter the cascade freezes into icy pillars, turning the narrow canyon into a winter wonderland. Listen closely, and you might hear the Falls’ namesake bird, the water ouzel.To learn more about Ousel Falls, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Hike to the McCart Lookout in southwest Montana for expansive views of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness.As you gradually climb Johnson Peak Trail to the lookout, enjoy enchanting light filtered through dense stands of lodgepole pine and abundant shade. In the spring, the wildflowers will add bursts of color to your hike. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Bitterroot Mountains and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. If you’d like to stay a while, the historic fire lookout tower can be rented by the night.To learn more about Johnson Peak Trail, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Near the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, Spar Lake offers superb huckleberry picking in the summer and the opportunity to admire old-growth forest. Beginning at the campground, head out on Big Spar Lake Trail and hike around the northeast side of the lake. Enjoy a snack at the water’s edge, and then continue south through a breathtaking grove of old-growth cedar and hemlock. Turn around at the trail junction for a 6-mile out-and-back hike, or continue on to Spar Peak or Little Spar Lake.To learn more about Big Spar Lake, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Strawberry Hill Recreation Area near Miles City spans over 4,000 acres, featuring native grass and sagebrush, ponderosa pine, and rock formations unique to this part of the state. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the 3.5-mile loop, and stick around to see the sunset from Strawberry Hill for a breathtaking view of the Yellowstone Valley. You may encounter another hiker or trail runner, but they’ll be few and far between. Primitive camping is permitted if you’d like to stay the night. This hidden gem is a spectacular spot to view the stars.To learn more about Strawberry Hill Recreation Area, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge west of Kalispell offers year-round opportunities to watch migratory birds, a resident elk herd, and other wildlife.In 2022, the refuge added 38 thousand acres with the addition of the Lost Trail Conservation Area, which now includes a dozen designated hiking trails through the seasonal wetlands. Several gated roads make for excellent biking or walking, and the open landscape lets you wander to your heart’s content.To learn more about Lost Creek Wildlife Refuge, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Enjoy this family-friendly hike to May Creek Cabin in southwest Montana. Soon after hitting the trail, you’ll cross a small wooden footbridge and follow May Creek as it meanders through a willow flat and lodgepole pine forest. About two miles down the trail, you’ll see a sign directing you to the forest service cabin, which is available to rent by the night, year-round. In the winter, this is a great home base for cross-country skiing when the campground is closed for the season.To learn more about May Creek Trail, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Enjoy a short, family-friendly hike to Bailey Lake on the edge of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Leaving the trailhead, you’ll hike through dense forest, but soon the trail opens up to fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. Near the Montana-Idaho border, you’ll arrive at Bailey Lake, which feeds into nearby Lost Horse Creek. The small lake offers a quiet retreat to take a swim or go fishing. Relax and enjoy lunch before hiking a mile-and-a-half back to the trailhead.To learn more about Bailey Lake Trail, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Tahepia Lake Trail in the East Pioneer Mountains is a great place to get a taste of this rugged range. From the trailhead, follow Jacobsen Creek, alternating between flat sections and short climbs through deep forest. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The trail emerges into a lovely meadow near the lake, providing an opportunity to admire Tahepia Peak towering above. Set up camp near the lake, and spend the evening catching trout that call this lovely alpine lake homeTo learn more about Tahepia Lake Trail, unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Explore the Reservation Divide Roadless Area on a hike to Ch-paa-qn Peak, an iconic landmark overlooking Missoula. The hike along the trail includes short stretches of steep climbs, but at the viewpoint on the southern side of the peak you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Mission and Bitterroot mountains. There are other trails in the area, but Reservation Divide Trail is recommended for those visiting for the first time.See for yourself why Wild Montana is working to protect this spectacular place.To learn more about Ch-paa-qn Peak (pronounced "Cha-Pa-Kwin"), unique hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Baker Lake Trail, a shining example of stewardship success, is a short, but steep, hike into the Selway-Bitteroot Wilderness offers a peaceful retreat to multiple mountain lakes.The 2.5-mile hike begins with steep switchbacks to Baker Point, an outcropping of rock formations that overlooks the Anaconda Range and Sapphire Mountains. Catch your breath and enjoy the view, before continuing to Baker Lake nestled under Trapper Peak.Extend your adventure by making your way up to Middle Lake and Gem Lake in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.Wild Montana’s Shining Mountains Chapter dedicates several days each year to clean up illegal fire rings and pack out garbage along the trail.To learn more about Baker Lake Trail, nearby businesses, and great trails all across Montana, visit hikewildmontana.org.
One of the newest hiking trails in the Lincoln Ranger District, the Sauerkraut Wall Trail consists of a series of switchbacks down the side of a narrow valley to Sauerkraut Creek. Follow the trail as it cuts downward through a conifer and aspen forest, with several open meadows. Spot prairie-fire or paintbrush, Bear Grass, and Lupine as you hear birds serenading you from the trees. The trail ends at Sauerkraut Creek, where a small footbridge leads across the stream to a campsite on the other side. Cross the bridge and cut through the campsite to an old logging road and follow it south past an abandoned cabin, to see the wall bordering the nearside of the stream.
Depart from the seldom-used Mill Creek Trailhead in the Bear Creek Wildlife Management Area for a 7-mile out-and-back hike into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Much of the hike will be in the deep forest along Mill Creek until you break into high-elevation grassy meadows. If you visit in the spring, you’ll be greeted with wildflowers. After hiking about 3 miles, the trail peters out, and Mill Creek becomes heavily braided. This is your cue to take a break to enjoy the solitude and a snack, and then turn around and head back to the trailhead.To learn more about Mill Creek Trail, nearby businesses, and great trails all across Montana, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Just outside of Anaconda, the hike to Lost Creek Falls is short, but rewarding. Cascading 50 feet down moss-covered rocks and dense forest, the falls offer a relaxing spot to take in the beauty of the park. Gaze up to the cliffs to spot golden eagles and bighorn sheep, and keep your ears open and you’ll likely hear pikas calling out.If you prefer a longer hike or bike, take the Forest Service trail just north of the parking area. You’ll enjoy traveling along Lost Creek through forests and meadows with views of the surrounding mountains.To learn more about Lost Creek Falls, nearby businesses, and great trails all across Montana, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Take a hike, or mountain bike, along the Kading Trail west of Helena.This 7.5-mile out-and-back hike winds through the Little Blackfoot River watershed and offers views of the Flint Creek Range.The Kading Trail was created in 2019 by a coalition of hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and conservation partners working together to create more recreational opportunities along the Continental Divide while preserving the nearby Electric Peak recommended Wilderness.To learn more about Kading Trail, nearby businesses, and great trails all across Montana, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Enjoy a wooded trek along the foothills of the Swan Mountains in northwest Montana. Beginning at Cooney Lookout, traverse south along gently rolling terrain. Along the journey, catch glimpses across the Swan Valley of the majestic Mission Mountains. The cold waters of Holland Lake await at the end of your hike. If you have the energy to trek a bit longer, you can enjoy the refreshing mist of Holland Falls.Organize a car shuttle if you’d like to make this an 8-mile hike to Holland Lake, or plan for a 16-mile out-and-back adventure. The trail is open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.To learn more about East Foothill Trail, nearby businesses, and great trails all across Montana, visit hikewildmontana.org.
The Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area in the Kootenai National Forest is cherished backcountry, spanning nearly 15 thousand acres alongside the Canadian border near Eureka.The hike from Little Therriault Lake through Bluebird and Poorman Basins is one of the more interesting routes in the area. Stride alongside several beautiful lakes, meander through meadows filled with wildflowers, and take a side trip to the summit of Poorman Peak for sweeping vistas. Then circle Wolverine Lakes, dip your toes in the cool mountain water, and check out the Historic Wolverine Cabin.To learn more about Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area, nearby businesses, and great trails all across Montana, visit hikewildmontana.org.__Photo by Dee Linnel Blank
Take a 7-mile out-and-back hike to Cedar Lake in the northern Mission Mountains Wilderness. This challenging, but rewarding, route will lead you alongside Fatty Creek in dense forest before opening up to big views and a couple of unnamed pothole lakes. You can stop here before making your way up switchbacks cresting the saddle of Cedar Peak. From here, take your time descending to the shores of Cedar Lake, where you’ll find a delightful summer respite.To learn more about Cedar Lake, nearby businesses, and great trails all across Montana, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Explore one of Montana’s newest public parks just outside of Missoula. Thanks to the efforts of Friends of Marshall Mountain, Five Valleys Land Trust, MTB Missoula and community partners, residents can now enjoy 480 acres of open space at the former Marshall Mountain Ski Area northeast of Missoula.Marshall Mountain Park is located at the confluence of the Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers and is home to many acres of wetlands, riparian forest, scrub-shrub, and natural springs. The park provides outdoor recreation opportunities and habitat protection, with single and multi-track trail systems suitable for hiking, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and more.To learn more about Marshall Mountain Park, nearby businesses, and great trails all across Montana, visit hikewildmontana.org.
On the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Jones Gulch is an easy hike that provides great views into Montana’s premier wilderness area. Leaving the trailhead, you’ll cross over tiny Jones Creek and hike through young, dense, and emerald-green forest. Before long, the trail crosses an old dry riverbed filled with wildflowers that bloom in early summer. Continue on, especially if you’ve brought a picnic lunch - the trail eventually peters out at a great picnic spot, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy views that stretch deep into the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
East of Helena, the Boulder Lakes Trail leads you to a series of sparkling alpine lakes in the Big Belt Mountains. The main trail follows a reclaimed road grade before cresting a small ridge and dropping down to meet Boulder Creek, which flows through a corridor of lush vegetation. The trail is moderate and well-maintained, making for easy walking, and the trees provide plenty of welcome shade. If you want to spend the night, pitch your tent near the lower of the two lakes, which has a few flat sites that are perfect for a night under the stars.
Deep in the Yaak Valley, the Vinal Creek Trail is a one-of-a-kind adventure through northwest Montana’s inland rainforest. The trail follows Vinal Creek through old growth cedar and larch before passing through a recovering burn and criss-crossing the creek on a series of small bridges. Keep an eye out for thimbleberries and pikas, and don’t miss the short detour to 60-foot tall Turner Falls. Turn around here for a 6 mile roundtrip, or keep hiking to a string of four small lakes with a few small campsites and plenty of cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout.
Photo by Alison Kreiss
It’s not often that a flat half-mile hike leads you to a stunning waterfall, but the Elk Creek Trail isn’t your usual hike. Starting about 40 minutes west of Augusta, you’ll criss-cross over Elk Creek to the foot of Cataract Falls, which tumbles down spectacularly from cliffs carved out of the Rocky Mountain Front. The hike is kid friendly and the trail is lightly used, so you may well have this incredible sight all to yourself. The falls are most majestic when runoff is high in the spring, but they’re well worth a visit any time of year.
Photo by Sara Schroeder
For a taste of the Continental Divide Trail, check out the Mile Creek Face Trail in southwest Montana. Wide-open views and easy walking are the name of the game here, as you’ll cruise along a broad valley full of sage, wildflowers, and occasional aspen groves. Come in late spring for the most spectacular wildflower blooms, or in fall to see the leaves glowing gold. The trail never gains too much elevation or dips too far away from civilization, making it a uniquely accessible way to enjoy the spectacular Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Photo by Sally Kelsey
Way down in southwestern Montana, the Deadman Lake trail is a scenic gem with a wonderful view of the Italian Peaks. The trail actually starts from Deadman Lake, and climbs through a cliff-lined valley across dry streambeds and old lake basins. Switchback up a steep climb and you’ll find yourself on the shores of Divide Creek Lake, a small but lush oasis tucked away between emerald green hills. Pitch a tent here, and then hike up another few minutes, crossing back and forth over the Idaho-Montana state line, for great views of the sunset over Italian Peak.
Photo by Zach Schmaus
If you’re looking for a short hike that’s perfect for kids, the Wagner Basin Trail fits the bill. From its starting point on the Rocky Mountain Front west of August, this one-mile round trip features plenty of adventure. Walk just a few hundred feet to a cave and a nearby petroglyph panel, and continue around the cliffs to a grassy meadow and a grove of Douglas fir. A shady picnic table under the trees is the perfect spot to eat a snack and examine a small art installation featuring animal skulls beautifully painted with native birds.
Photo by Kerry Neils
The Upsidedown Creek Trail, in the heart of the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, offers endless possibilities for adventure. The trail switchbacks through the woods, offering occasional but spectacular views of the Boulder River, Box Canyon, and the jagged peaks of the Absarokas before topping out at Horseshoe Lake. Here, you can bask in views of the Beartooth Mountains or hike a few more miles to reach Lake Plateau, a wonderland of lakes, streams, ridges, and mountains. The open terrain lets you wander to your heart’s content, and the endless beauty means you can’t make a bad decision about which way to go.
Photo by Travis Doke
The hike to Lucifer Lake, in the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness east of St. Ignatius, is rugged, but this stunning alpine lake is well worth the effort. You’ll climb moderately up a shady valley until you reach Mission Falls, cascading down from the lake above. From here, the trail gets steep and rugged, but you’ll forget the pain when you emerge on the stunning shores of Lucifer Lake, full of fish and sparkling under the afternoon sun. Don’t forget that you need a permit from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to hike and fish in the tribal wilderness.
Photo by Randy Holm
At the far southern end of the Bitterroot Valley, the Little Boulder Trail is a lightly used path to a group of gorgeous alpine lakes. The trail climbs steadily through dense conifers, ponderosa pine, and old burned areas, passing through patches of mid-summer thimbleberries and late-summer huckleberries. After 4 miles, you can choose to summit 9,000-foot Piquett Mountain or keep heading uphill to Piquett and Slate Lakes, which sparkle under the late-afternoon sun. Campsites are limited on the steep and rocky shores, but the alpine beauty might well lure you into spending a night watching the stars overhead.
Photo by Mark Wetherington
At just 1.5 miles, the Schley Mountain Trail isn’t long, but it packs a scenic punch. This largely forested trail on the Idaho border west of Missoula climbs gradually towards the rocky summit, and while it doesn’t quite reach the top, it’s an easy off-trail scramble to the true peak. It’s a kid-friendly adventure, as the trail only climbs 500 feet from the parking lot, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Great Burn, Mission Mountains, Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, and lots of colorful wildflowers. As a family outing goes, Schley Mountain is tough to beat!
Photo by Zack Porter
Hiking to Meadow Peak Lookout between Libby and Kalispell is a surefire way to enjoy incredible vistas and serious solitude. While the climb to the lookout follows a Forest Service road rather than a trail, the odds are good you’ll have it all to yourself, along with big views. At the top, a historic tower built in 1951 looks out over the Cabinet Mountains, the peaks of Glacier Park, and the Canadian Rockies, and you’d be hard pressed to find better lunchtime views. On a hot day, cool down with a dip at Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park on your way home.
Photo by Allison Kreis
North of Thompson Falls, the Fishtrap Lake Trail is a lush and quiet loop around two forested lakes. Starting at a secluded Forest Service campground, the narrow and well-maintained trail circles Fishtrap and Upper Fishtrap Lakes, passing through stands of ponderosa pine, larch, and beargrass. The lake stays in view most of the way, and you’re likely to be the only hiker enjoying the trail. When you wrap up this 3.5-mile loop, pitch your tent at one of the 13 campsites and take your canoe or kayak out for an evening paddle on the glassy water.
Photo by Alison Kreiss
The Crazy Mountains are dotted with stunning alpine lakes, and Campfire Lake might be the loveliest of them all. To get there, follow the Trespass Creek Trail as it meanders through a draw along its namesake creek, diving in and out of shady trees and rolling meadows. After a steep climb, you’ll crest a ridge high above Campfire Lake. Enjoy the breathtaking views and wind down the other side of the pass to the wildflower meadows on the lakeshore. Turn around for a 12-mile day, or pitch a tent and enjoy the sunset over the walls of the rocky cirque.
Photo by Emily Cleveland
In the Flathead National Forest west of Whitefish, the hike to Sylvia Lake Overlook delivers sweeping 360-degree views of northwest Montana. The trail starts at the Sylvia Lake Campground and climbs quickly up a hillside that burned in a 2007 wildfire, so you’re able to enjoy great views and lush, low greenery right off the bat. When you hit the ridge, follow it to connect with another trail for a five-mile loop or head back the way you came to spend a sunny afternoon pulling arctic grayling and cutthroat trout out of Sylvia Lake.
Photo by Jeff Holm
Just a stone’s throw from town, the hike around the Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir is a beautiful change of pace when the town trails are snowy or muddy. Alternating between single and doubletrack, the trail makes a five-mile loop around the reservoir, weaving through tallgrass meadows, passing small wetlands, and contouring along the shoreline. There are steady views of the mountains surrounding the Helena Valley, and several short spur trails give birdwatchers great views of the wetlands, where you can spot migrating birds. There are a handful of lovely aspen groves, too, so visit in fall to catch some spectacular foliage.
Photo by Mary Vandenbosch
In southwest Montana’s Snowcrest Range, the hike up Antone Peak serves up big views of the surrounding country, and you’re likely to have them all to yourself. From the trailhead northeast of Lima, an old trail gradually climbs to the broad meadows of Antone Pass. From the pass, you’ll meander through meadows and skirt stands of timber as you contour your way to the summit, which sits above 10,000 feet. From there, you can enjoy wide 360-degree views of southwest Montana, including the Centennial Mountains, Gravelly Range, Lima Peaks, and southern Madison Range.
Photo by Neal Strauss
Tucked away in southeast Montana’s Powder River Valley, Buck Creek is an 8,000-acre patch of shortgrass prairie speckled with sagebrush, sandstone outcroppings, and colorful badlands. There are no trails here, so you can choose your own adventure as you follow the game trails that weave in and out of Buck Creek’s many nooks and crannies. There are plenty of dry creek beds and broad sandstone ridges where you can pitch a tent, and the area is home to healthy populations of mule deer and elk, which thrive in the hidden valleys that make Buck Creek so fun to explore.
Photo by Forrest Theisen
The Pryor Mountains are one of Montana’s most spectacular places, and the Rocky Juniper Trail is a stunning and seldom-used route through this wild country. It starts on the south side of the range, snaking up through a red-rock canyon lined with Juniper. This is excellent bird habitat, so keep an eye and ear out for everything from falcons to pinyon jays. The trail is rough and can be hard to follow, so follow the drainage to a small saddle, from which you can enjoy views of the southern Pryors and explore to your heart’s content.
Photo by Dick Walton
If you’d like to leave the beaten path behind and get a taste of eastern Montana’s rugged coulee country, try the Gunners-Graveyard-Bucket loop in Makoshika State Park. It’s one of the longest routes in the park, and the rough terrain and occasional route-finding can make it a challenge even for experienced hikers, but the scenic rewards are a huge payoff. You’ll climb up rugged buttes, wind through deep coulees, cross grassy plateaus, and pass twisted hoodoos sculpted by the eastern Montana winds. In the spring, vibrant wildflowers glow against the sandstone backdrop, making this backcountry loop even more spectacular.
Photo by Zack Porter
Please note: to protect wildlife, the O'Brien Creek Loop Trail is CLOSED from December 1 - May 15 every year.
If you’re looking for an after-work or moderate weekend outing near Missoula, it doesn’t get much better than the O’Brien Creek Loop Trail. Starting on the west side of town, this hidden gem of a trail climbs quickly along its namesake creek. Soon, it mellows out and traverses across meadows that burst with wildflowers in spring and early summer. From the top, you can take in views of the Missoula Valley and O’Brien Creek drainage. Be sure to keep an eye out for the wildlife, especially elk and deer, that frequent the area.
Photo by Maxwell Rebholz
There’s no official trail to the summit of Mount Brown, but it’s easy to string together game trails and old two-tracks to make your way to one of north-central Montana’s highest points. Mount Brown is in the Sweetgrass Hills, an island mountain range just a few miles south of the Canadian border. Its grassy flanks and broad ridges provide panoramic views into Alberta and across the Milk River drainage, and mule deer and sharp-tailed grouse thrive on the rich grasslands. Come in the spring to see colorful bursts of pasque flowers, phlox, and other vibrant highlights.
Photo by Zack Porter
It’s not every day that you get to follow a trail once used as a secret route for cattle rustlers, but the Barry’s Island Trail isn’t your everyday hiking route. Starting on the shores of Bighorn Lake in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the trail winds around Chain Canyon, which old-time rustlers once used to make their escapes from local lawmen. If you want to spend the night sleeping under the stars and spinning yarns around the campfire in true old West style, stop at Medicine Creek Campground, which is only accessible by foot or boat, partway down the trail.
Photo: Diane Durant/Devyn Gaudet
Bighorn Canyon is one of Montana’s most spectacular and unexpected locales, and the Ranger’s Delight Trail is one of the best ways to enjoy its singular red-rock beauty. A few minutes of walking will bring you to a stunning overlook high above the Bighorn River which, over millennia, has carved an enormous and sheer canyon deep into the area’s fiery red sandstone. The trail checks in at under a mile, but it’s easy to feel like you’re the only person who’s ever ventured this way along the canyon rim, traversing a landscape that feels more like Utah than Montana.
Photo by Ben Goodlad
The Stark Mountain Trail is one of those hikes that climbs, climbs, and climbs some more, but the view from the summit makes all the effort worth it. From the fire lookout tower, you’ll gaze out at 360 degrees of the Missoula valley, Great Burn, and northern Bitterroot mountains while a carpet of wildflowers glows beneath you. The 4,000 foot elevation gain is tough, but there’s plenty of shade to keep you cool and thick patches of huckleberries to help you keep your energy levels up as you tackle this western Montana stunner.
Photo by Oliver Wood
One of the Lincoln area’s newest trails, the Sauerkraut Wall Trail is a lovely short stroll that winds downhill to a little piece of local history. As you descend, you’ll pass through a mixed conifer and aspen forest rich with paintbrush, beargrass, and lupine, and be serenaded by a chorus of local birds. To see the trail’s namesake wall, which Chinese immigrants built to mitigate spring floods in the early 20th century, cross the creek on a log bridge, follow the old logging road past the abandoned cabin, and keep a sharp eye out for a piece of history.
Photo by Paige Havener
There are no designated trails in the Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge west of Kalispell, but that just makes it more fun to explore! There are several gated roads that make for excellent biking or walking, and the open landscape lets you wander to your heart’s content. Numerous year-round and vernal ponds are great spots to watch migratory birds, moose, or members of the refuge’s resident elk herd, and interpretive signs provide insight into the area’s human and natural history. Not looking to hike or bike? You can drive across the refuge on a well-maintained gravel road – just watch out for wildlife!
Learn more about Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge, get directions, and find nearby businesses on our online hiking guide at hikewildmontana.org.
Photo by Alison Kreiss
About a half-hour west of Bozeman, Madison Buffalo Jump State Park offers a unique combination of hiking and history. The park is perched on a bluff overlooking the Madison RIver and Tobacco Root Mountains, marking the place where numerous Indigenous tribes harvested bison by driving them off the cliffs. Interpretive displays are scattered across the park, and sharp-eyed hikers can spot ancient tipi rings on the ground. Remember, please don’t touch! Winter is a great time to visit the park if you’d like it all to yourself, since the trails are usually snow-free.
Photo by Barbara Geller
If you’re looking for a short nature walk in the heart of Big Sky, the half-mile Kircher Trail is a wonderful option. Easily accessible from town, this short and sweet adventure starts on the paved Lone Peak Trail before turning to gravel and traversing across a grassy hillside. Before long, you’ll come across a tree-fort style playground. Stop here and let the kids run wild, or continue another quarter mile to the banks of a tributary of the Gallatin River, which is a great place to test your fishing skills against the small but abundant trout.
Photo by Ciara Wolfe
Looking for new winter adventures? The Seeley Creek Trails are great all year round, but they really come to life when it snows! Volunteers groom this 18-kilometer trail network near Seeley Lake almost daily for both skate and classic skiing, and the Swan Range’s regular snows mean the coverage and conditions are excellent all winter long. From the warming hut near the parking lot, you can choose from 3, 5, 7, and 10 kilometer loops through the still and snow-dusted forest, and there are plenty of easy, moderate, and difficult trails to choose from.
Photo by Lee Boman
Just west of Billings, Phipps Diamond X Park is home to a multitude of trails that snake along one of Billings’ rimrock buttes. From the parking lot, you’ll head into Echo Canyon and up a hill to the top of the butte. A handful of trails head off in different directions from this junction, so you’ll be able to choose to stay up high and enjoy views of the surrounding buttes or descend to the base of the cliffs and wander through the juniper. Either way, keep your eyes peeled for the prairie dogs, foxes, and eagles that call the rimrocks home.
Photo by Barbara Geller
Named for its uniquely lumpy and rolling topography, the Hummocks Trail is a playful and customizable adventure in the heart of Big Sky’s Town Center. The hummocks themselves are long-overgrown debris piles from an ancient glacial landslide, and the trail dips in and out of the hollows while traversing small wetlands and aspen groves that glow golden in the fall. Three short loop options make it easy to customize your hike, but no matter which way you go, keep an eye out for bears and moose - even though it’s close to town, the area is popular with the local wildlife!
Photo by Becky Brockie
Though it’s less than a mile long, Makoshika State Park’s Kinney Coulee Trail provides a rugged taste of the badlands that make this part of eastern Montana famous. A series of short switchbacks drops you down into the heart of the coulee, where you’ll wind past wind-sculpted hoodoos and other rock formations. The trail can be rough and hard to follow at times, but the stunning geology makes hiking along the coulee bottom feel like completing a natural obstacle course, and a shaded picnic table halfway through is a lovely spot to catch your breath.
Photo courtesy of Zack Porter
The Camas Lake Trail, just south of Hamilton, is one of the easiest ways to explore the spectacular Bitterroot Mountains. This well-shaded trail climbs moderately to the shores of a sparkling alpine lake, ascending about 1,000 feet in three miles. Pleasant campsites dot the shores of Camas Lake, and the rising cutthroat and rainbow trout will lift the spirits and bend the rods of any angler. If you’re looking for more adventure, use the lake as a basecamp for scrambling up East, West, and Middle Camas Peaks, which are also popular backcountry skiing destinations in the winter!
Photo by Mark Wetherington
The crowds flock to Kootenai Falls on sunny summer days, but head across the road and you’ll have the Old Highway 2 Historic Trail all to yourself. While you can’t drive your Model T here anymore, this hand-built road must have been a hair-raising drive when it was the primary route between Libby and Troy. Today, it’s a lovely way to stretch your legs while you enjoy small springs, fossils, and a stunning overlook of the Kootenai Falls river gorge. Owls and bears frequent the trail, which also makes for a great cross country ski in the wintertime.
Photo by Jennifer Betz
In Montana, local politics often have the greatest impact on the management of our public lands and wildlife, how we access essential services, and so many other aspects of our daily lives.
However, many Montanans lack representation in political decision-making and are left out of important conversations. State senator Shane Morigeau understands this and has dedicated his career to serving disadvantaged Montanans to protect their communities and the resources they rely upon.
On Yellowstone National Park’s northern edge, the Slip ‘n’ Slide Trail provides great views of the park, the Absaroka Range, and the famed Paradise Valley. Though it’s only a few short miles from the park boundary, you’re likely to have the scenery all to yourself, and you won’t even have to work too hard to earn it. A three-mile round trip gets you stunning views of Electric Peak, Sepulchre Mountain, and the Yellowstone River, and there are plenty of options to connect to more trails in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness if you’re ready for a longer adventure.
Photo by Barbara Geller
One of only two trails in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, the Odell Creek Trail provides a great taste of southwest Montana. At the trailhead, expansive views of the Centennial Valley stretch out behind you, while the trail leads you through a sun-dappled stand of aspens. As the aspens give way to Douglas fir, follow Odell Creek into a narrow canyon where rushing cascades and small pools make swimming almost irresistible. Cliffs tower above the creek on both sides, and the trail follows the creek all the way to a junction with the famed Continental Divide Trail.
Photo by Erin Clark
Solitude can be hard to come by around Big Sky, but the Madison Loop is a wonderful place to have the beauty of Lone Peak all to yourself. From the parking lot at the Madison Base Area, switchback up the slope, weaving in and out of the forest and catching occasional glimpses of the summits of the Madison Range. While sections of the trail are steep, there are plenty of flat sections and even some strategically placed benches where you can catch your breath and look for moose, deer, and other wildlife.
Photo by Shannon Newth
If you’re trying to beat Big Sky’s crowds, take a hike along the First Yellow Mule trail. From the popular Ousel Falls trailhead, follow the wide and well-maintained trail through a deep dark forest, taking a minute to visit the cascading Ousel Falls and, if it’s hot, several lovely swimming holes. Eventually, the trail heads away from the river and crosses a road before climbing gently past a boulder field and coming to a junction. From here, head back the way you came or keep hiking to reach a scenic ridgetop or make a long loop of Big Sky’s lower elevations.
Photo by Ciara Wolfe
The trail to Bass Lake outside Stevensville is a must-do for anyone who wants to visit the craggy peaks of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The trail starts off following Bass Creek through a narrow forested canyon, while distant summits occasionally peek out from behind the trees. After switchbacking past rocky outcrops, popping in and out of the trees, and passing fields of beargrass and paintbrush, you’ll emerge on the shores of Bass Lake, which is surrounded by near-vertical rock walls and snowcapped summits. Turn around here for an 18-mile trip, or use it as a basecamp to explore the spectacular Bitterroots.
Photo by Oliver Wood
The Doc Hiatt Trail is less than a quarter mile long, but this short outing to the pinnacle of Makoshika State Park packs a scenic punch. You’ll gain most of your elevation driving along a paved road to the trailhead, but the views unfold spectacularly when you leave the car and stroll to the top of the ridge. From the high point, you can see the sculpted badlands, wrinkled sandstone buttes, and rugged coulees for which Makoshika is famous, and timing your walk to watch the sun set over eastern Montana is a treat not to be missed.
Photo by Zack Porter
For a taste of the Continental Divide Trail, check out the Mile Creek Face Trail in southwest Montana. Wide-open views and easy walking are the name of the game here, as you’ll cruise along a broad valley full of sage, wildflowers, and occasional aspen groves. Come in late spring for the most spectacular wildflower blooms, or in fall to see the leaves glowing gold. The trail never gains too much elevation or dips too far away from civilization, making it a uniquely accessible way to enjoy the spectacular Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Photo by Sally Kelsey
In the Little Belt Mountains south of Great Falls, the hike along Pilgrim Creek is a taste of central Montana’s best. From the North Pilgrim Creek Trailhead, you’ll travel below towering limestone cliffs and ford the creek as you enter a narrow canyon. Climbing out of the canyon, you’ll pass a series of small cascades as the creek bottom slowly becomes wider and the ponderosa forest transitions to aspen, cottonwood, and alder. The fall colors can be spectacular and the meadows at the headwaters of Pilgrim Creek are a great spot to have lunch on a brisk fall day.
Photo by Rob Mullin
If you’re looking to add a new backpacking adventure to your bucket list, the Crown Mountain Loop is a prime candidate. Starting on the west side of the Scapegoat Wilderness near Augusta, this 30-mile loop begins with a climb up Crown Mountain Pass before dropping down into a large burn. Shade here is rare, so avoid the peak of summer if you can. As you traverse the southern Scapegoat, you’ll have the chance to summit Scapegoat Mountain and camp underneath the towering cliffs of Halfmoon Park, which rival the Bob Marshall’s famously imposing Chinese Wall.
Photo by George Chord
The Suce Creek Trail is a lovely and less-visited route on the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. It’s at it’s best in the fall, when the aspens glow golden in the afternoon light and the leaves form a crunchy carpet on the trail surface. From the trailhead, you’ll wind gently up through scrubby vegetation before diving down into a shady gully, crossing a bridge, and meandering along a rocky but well-maintained path. At the top, you can choose to venture deeper into the mountains or complete the loop back to the trailhead, passing more spectacular aspens along the way.
Photo by Bob Hughes
Deep in the Yaak Valley, the Vinal Creek Trail is a one-of-a-kind adventure through northwest Montana’s inland rainforest. The trail follows Vinal Creek through old growth cedar and larch before passing through a recovering burn and criss-crossing the creek on a series of small bridges. Keep an eye out for thimbleberries and pikas, and don’t miss the short detour to 60-foot tall Turner Falls. Turn around here for a 6 mile roundtrip, or keep hiking to a string of four small lakes with a few small campsites and plenty of cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout.
Photo by Alison Kreis
It’s not often that a flat half-mile hike leads you to a stunning waterfall, but the Elk Creek Trail isn’t your usual hike. Starting about 40 minutes west of Augusta, you’ll criss-cross over Elk Creek to the foot of Cataract Falls, which tumbles down spectacularly from cliffs carved out of the Rocky Mountain Front. The hike is kid friendly and the trail is lightly used, so you may well have this incredible sight all to yourself. The falls are most majestic when runoff is high in the spring, but they’re well worth a visit any time of year.
Photo by Sara Schroeder
Just south of Essex, the hike to Spruce Park Cabin is a forested adventure along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. From the Bear Creek Trailhead, head south into the Great Bear Wilderness, keeping an eye out for wildlife like bears and moose. The trail is well maintained and not too strenuous, so you’ll be able to make good time, although it does have a few small creek crossings. After six miles, you can head down to Spruce Park Cabin to enjoy lunch with a river view or swimming and fishing in the waters of the Middle Fork.
Photo by Eleanore Eberts
The trail to Badger Cabin captures just how spectacular and wild the Badger-Two Medicine is. From Marias Pass on the southern edge of Glacier National Park, the trail heads south and crosses the South Fork of Two Medicine River over ten times, so be prepared for wet boots. Soggy feet are a small price to pay for the crystal clear swimming and fishing holes, meadows bursting with wildflowers, and the chance to spot wildlife like moose, bears, beavers, and even wolves. Hunker down in one of the rich stands of poplar and cottonwood or pitch your tent in an open meadow to make a gorgeous overnight adventure.
Photo by Eleanore Eberts
Tucked away between Choteau and Browning, the North Fork of Birch Creek showcases the incredible geology of the Rocky Mountain Front. As you walk alongside the cascading creek, you’ll pass through a recently burned area rich with wildflowers and lush new vegetation. You’ll also be treated to spectacular sights of uplifted and folded layers of bedrock that have been sculpted and exposed by water, fire, and wind. For the full Rocky Mountain Front experience, climb to the top of the unnamed pass at the head of the creek for broad views over the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Badger-Two Medicine.
Just west of Hamilton, the hike to Canyon Lake is a western Montana classic for good reason. After a gradual start, the trail climbs steeply to the lakeshore, but the effort is well worth it to enjoy the sparkling turquoise waters. Canyon Lake is nestled in a sculpted basin surrounded by snowy peaks, and the glacially scoured bedrock spills down to the lakeshore, practically begging visitors to tackle the wide-open climb to the ridgeline. A handful of campsites sit close to the water’s edge, but be sure to pitch your tent at least 200 feet away from the water if you’re spending the night!
When you visit Cook Mountain Hiking and Riding Area in southeastern Montana, it’s a good bet that pronghorn, mule deer, and prairie birds will be your only company. Game trails are the only paths across these sprawling hills and sweeping valleys, so let your imagination be your guide as you climb to some of the highest points in this corner of the state. Intermittent streams feed the forests that line the lower-elevation slopes, and the rolling prairie and open meadows make great campsites, if you’re inclined to spend the night.
Photo by Forrest Theisen
Climbing into the eastern edge of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, the trail to Sheafman Canyon is a tough hike to a pair of idyllic alpine lakes. Once you’ve made it up the rugged road to the trailhead, you’ll gain elevation steadily until you pop out on the shores of sparkling Garrard Lake. Stop here to soak it in, or keep going to Knaack Lake, which is tucked into a towering cirque underneath the summit of Castle Crag, one of the Bitterroot’s most popular summits. Campsites are plentiful, making this a great weekend adventure!
The breathtaking views from Greathouse Peak, the highest point of the Big Snowy Mountains, is well worth a journey to central Montana. Starting from the Uhlhorn Trailhead at the bottom of Half Moon Canyon, you’ll weave back and forth across Half Moon Creek before breaking out into a lovely open meadow. Enjoy a snack and some wide-open views before climbing steeply to Half Moon Pass, an open and grassy ridgeline with great 360-degree views.
Photo by Cedron Jones
East of Missoula, the Whitaker Bridge Rail Trail is an easy stroll along the Blackfoot River. The well-packed gravel trail follows an old railroad grade, passing under ponderosa pines and cliffs cut by both the river and the railroad. After half a mile, a series of gravel bars and shallow bends in the river provide a great place to spend a lazy afternoon. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the sunshine and shallow water, or turn around and enjoy the return trip to the trailhead - there’s no wrong option in a place so pretty.
Photo by Kassia Randzio
The Tahepia Lake Trail, in the East Pioneer Mountains, is a great way to get a taste of this rugged and spectacular range. From the trailhead, you’ll follow Jacobsen Creek, alternating between flat sections and short climbs through deep forest. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, adding splashes of color to the side of the trail. The trail emerges into lovely meadows near the lake, providing an opportunity to admire the mini-Matterhorn spire of Tahepia Peak. Set up camp near the lake, and spend the evening catching the trout that call this lovely alpine lake home.
Photo by Tyler Courville
If you’re looking for a quick and accessible stroll outside Whitefish, the Swift Creek Loop Trail might be just the ticket. Part of the impressive Whitefish Trail system, this flat 1.3-mile loop passes through a lush forest and provides plenty of chances to admire the crystal clear Swift Creek. If you’re feeling brave, you can even try taking a dip! The well-maintained trail surface is perfect for strollers and small children, making it a perfect morning or afternoon getaway for anyone looking to escape the summer crowds of downtown Whitefish.
Photo by Whitefish Legacy Partners
If you’re looking for a quick and accessible stroll outside Whitefish, the Swift Creek Loop Trail might be just the ticket. Part of the impressive Whitefish Trail system, this flat 1.3-mile loop passes through a lush forest and provides plenty of chances to admire the crystal clear Swift Creek. If you’re feeling brave, you can even try taking a dip! The well-maintained trail surface is perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and small children, making it a perfect morning or afternoon getaway for anyone looking to escape the summer crowds of downtown Whitefish.
Photo by Whitefish Legacy Partners
Above the Flathead Valley east of Kalispell, hiking to Strawberry Lake is a lovely way to spend a summer morning or afternoon. The trail switchbacks gently through hemlock, fir, and spruce forests for several miles before opening up to broad views of the Flathead Valley as it nears the lake. The final approach to the lake is mostly flat, and you’re greeted by a small sandy beach that makes for a great swimming spot. You can often spot trout in the lake’s clear waters, so bring a rod if you’d like to reel one in!
Photo by John Larson
The hike to St. Mary’s Peak, outside of Stevensville, is guaranteed to provide stunning views and plenty of alpine scenery. You’ll begin by climbing steadily through fir and lodgepole pine forest, before following a broad ridge for about a mile. As you climb toward the summit, you’ll pass through windswept alpine terrain that offers tremendous views into the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. At the top, you’ll be greeted by a lookout tower, and perhaps a volunteer fire lookout during peak fire season - be sure to say thank you before heading back down!
Photo by Elizabeth Wehling
Pine Creek Lake might be one of the most popular destinations in the Paradise Valley, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. The trail starts off by gently following Pine Creek, and before long it brings you to a spectacular waterfall that tumbles down from the lake above. From here, things get steeper as the trail switchbacks through the woods up to Pine Creek Lake. This spectacular gem is tucked into a rocky cirque, and it’s well worth spending the night up here to see the stunning stars that appear when the sun sinks behind the peaks.
Photo by Laurie Thornton
If you’ve always wanted to take a boat to the trailhead, the Meriwether Canyon Trail is for you. Beginning on the banks of the Missouri River east of Helena, this moderately difficult trail switchbacks into the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, made famous by the breathless descriptions of Meriwether Lewis. After a long climb, the trail flattens out and opens up to great views of Sacagawea Mountain and the valley below. From the summit, enjoy the long downhill back to the banks of the Missouri and the boat shuttle back to the west bank.
Photo by Bob Giltrap
If you’re looking for an alpine adventure close to Missoula, the hike up Lolo Peak will fit the bill. It starts off by switchbacking through dense lodgepole pine forest for several miles, before transitioning into stands of western larch. Eventually, the canopy opens up enough to provide expansive views over the Missoula Valley and into the Bitterroot Mountains. You can turn around here or, if you’re up for an adventure, hike along the open ridge past Carlton Lake and scramble to the top of Lolo Peak.
Photo by Tamra Winchell
North of Butte, the Haystack Mountain Trail is a shady summer hike perfect for a half-day adventure. The trail leads to the former site of an old lookout tower, and while the tower might be gone, the views from the summit are still spectacular: you can gaze out over the Boulder River Valley, Elk Park, and broad areas of the Continental Divide. The trail itself is narrow, forested, and intersected by numerous small creeks that flow down from the higher elevations, keeping things lush and cool on a hot summer day.
Photo by Chris McDonald
The breathtaking views from Greathouse Peak, the highest point of the Big Snowy Mountains, is well worth a journey to central Montana. Starting from the Uhlhorn Trailhead at the bottom of Half Moon Canyon, you’ll weave back and forth across Half Moon Creek before breaking out into a lovely open meadow. Enjoy a snack and some wide-open views before climbing steeply to Half Moon Pass, an open and grassy ridgeline with great 360-degree views.
Photo by Patrick Colleran
If you're looking for a summer adventure, try out this loop hike around Edith Lake and Mount Baldy in central Montana's Big Belt Mountains!
Photo by Julie Vollertsen
In the Big Snowy Mountains south of Lewistown, the Crystal Cascades Trail leads you to a cascading waterfall. Starting at the Ice Caves Trailhead, the trail climbs and descends through old growth forest, crossing several small creeks along the way. The final ascent to the falls is steep but short, and your excitement will build as you hear the waterfall before you see it. Take care not to slip on the wet rocks and logs, and spend some time marveling at the cascade, which comes tumbling out of an opening in the limestone cliffs.
Photo by Nikki Yancey
Right now, Montana's highest peaks are still covered in snow, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to get up high. Cyclone Lookout in the Whitefish Range, just west of Glacier National Park, is always one of the earlier lookouts to melt out. From the top, enjoy views across the North Fork valley to the full panorama of Glacier's still-snowy peaks.
Photo by Debo Powers
South of Red Lodge, the Bear Track Trail is a steep and steady climb to the rugged and windswept Silver Run Plateau near the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The initial climb is steep, but the plateau itself is largely flat, so you can catch your breath and rest your tired legs. When you’ve reached the top, you can turn around for a 10-mile day hike or keep hiking into the Wilderness if you’re in the mood for adventure. Don’t forget that you’re in bear country, so be sure to travel safely.
Photo by Keith Strong
The Pryor Mountains - not far from Billings - are home to Montana's only true desert, yet also home to a stunning array of plants and animals. Upper Layout Creek is a short hike to a year-round spring surrounded by a giant mound of green moss and lush tree cover, making for a surprising oasis in this generally dry range.
Photo by Dick Walton
Located in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Two Eagles Interpretive Trail is a short, flat, and paved path that winds past thousands of years of history. The trail passes by over 140 stone tipi rings, which Apsaalooke people used to hold down the edges of their tipis when camped in the area. Using radiocarbon dating, archaeologists have determined that the oldest of these rings dates from 700 C.E. Two Eagles is a place of rich history and cultural significance, and 12 interpretive signs provide a wealth of information along the quarter-mile loop.
Photo by National Parks Service
As one of the easiest and most spectacular hikes in the Whitefish Range, the trip to Thoma Lookout is a can’t-miss summer adventure. You’ll start off by hiking alongside a beautiful mossy creek while a dense spruce forest provides some much-needed shade. After a few miles, you’ll pop out of the trees to jaw-dropping views of the northern Whitefish Range and the towering peaks of Glacier National Park. Eat lunch while you soak in the amazing views, and be sure to say hi to the lookout who’s watching over this stunning slice of northwest Montana.
Photo by Debo Powers
In the Little Belt Mountains south of Great Falls, the South Fork Hoover Creek Loop is a tough and rewarding day hike through old growth forest. To complete the loop, you’ll actually follow the south, middle, and north forks of Hoover Creek, passing through stands of aspen, thimbleberry patches, lodgepole pine, and open grassland. Eventually, you’ll reach Pioneer Ridge, where you can enjoy views of forested mountaintops and scattered meadows. On the way down, you’ll descend back into the forest and enjoy the birdsong on the gentle walk back to the trailhead.
Photo by Tim Faber
Northeast of Lima, the Snowcrest Mountains are one of southwest Montana’s lesser-known treasures. The Snowcrest Loop is a long 22-mile day or a moderate overnight trip that follows lush creeks, climbs through rarely-traveled canyons, and offers nearly 10 miles of gorgeous ridge walking.
Photo by Zack Porter
The Nevada Creek Trail to Nevada Mountain outside Lincoln takes you right down the mighty spine of North America: the Continental Divide.
Photo by Sally Kelsey
South of Great Falls and northeast of Helena, the hike from Monument Ridge to Deep Creek takes you past wildflowers, flowing streams, huckleberries, and a historic fire lookout.
Photo by Randy Gray
Deep in the Pryor Mountains south of Billings, Lostwater Canyon is a spectacular adventure packed with rugged limestone cliffs and dramatic views from the canyon rim. There isn’t much of a trail to follow, but sticking close to the rim will ensure that you stay on course.. You can enjoy numerous jaw-dropping views across the densely forested canyon bottom stretching out beneath you.
Photo by Dick Walton
In the northern Crazy Mountains, the long hike up Loco Mountain serves up stunning views of the Crazy, Bridger, and Absaroka ranges.From the trailhead outside of Wilsall, you’ll cross back and forth over the Middle Fork of Cottonwood Creek and climb gently to a broad, grassy ridge. The trail follows the ridge, which is mostly flat, to the wide summit of Loco Mountain, but you’ll have to remember to watch where you’re going: it’s easy to be distracted by the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding ranges, plains, and valleys.
Photo by Sally Kelsey
Just north of Ovando and not far from Missoula, a walk along Dunham Creek makes for a great spring stroll. You'll cross a waterfall along the way, have a chance to get up close to the creek, and visit the base of towering cliffs (look for mountain goats!) towards the head of the valley.
Photo by Zack Porter
In southwest Montana’s Snowcrest Range, the hike up Antone Peak serves up big views of the surrounding country,and you’re likely to have them all to yourself. From the trailhead, an old trail gradually climbs to the broad meadows of Antone Pass. From the pass, you’ll meander through meadows and skirt stands of timber as you contour your way to the summit, which sits above 10,000 feet. From there, you can enjoy wide 360-degree views of southwest Montana, including the Centennial Mountains, Gravelly Range, Lima Peaks, and southern Madison Range.
Photo by Neal Strauss
For a unique perspective on Billings and the Yellowstone Valley, try hiking around the Rims at Zimmerman Park. The band of rocky cliffs are a well-known landmark that towers above Billings, and the maze of interconnecting trails makes it easy to wander to your heart’s content. As you go, you’ll encounter small canyons cutting through the Rims, along with rabbits, birds, and other small critters. Keep an eye peeled for the interpretive sign detailing the long history of Zimmerman Park, and enjoy this local treasure that Billings residents have loved for generations.
Photo by Barbara Geller
Beginning with a gentle climb along its namesake creek, the South Fork Lolo Creek Trail is a lovely way to explore Missoula’s beautiful and wild surroundings. As the trail climbs away from the creek through an old logging area, you’ll enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding country, including the Grave Creek range to the northwest. Eventually, the trail winds back into the forest for a mile and half before reaching a rock outcropping, where you can stop and enjoy big views down to the creek and out toward Lantern Ridge and Bass Peak.
Photo by Steve Seninger
South of Butte, the Skeeboggan Trail is a perfect family adventure in all seasons. Following the trickling creek, the trail passes short but captivating rock formations, rounded by millenia of wind and rain. They’re perfect kid-sized playgrounds, begging to be used as natural forts or castles. Adults can let their imaginations run wild, too! Continuing on, the trail pops out of the trees for some surprising and pleasant views of the surrounding hills, before circling back around to the creek to guide the family adventure back to the trailhead.
Photo by Barbara Geller
Having spent 35 years working for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), the National Park Service, and Salish Kootenai College, she has firsthand experience of how difficult resource management decisions can be when cultural and conservation values collide with economic interests. She recently retired from her position as information and education specialist for the CSKT’s Natural Resources Department, in which she developed innovative initiatives to promote public engagement and environmental education.
White graciously sat down with Shining Mountains Chapter to share a story from western Montana’s Camas Prairie. She spoke about defending tribal land against serious spills from a Yellowstone Pipeline Company petroleum pipeline that crossed the Flathead Indian Reservation. Notably, a 10,000-gallon petroleum leak at Camas Creek in 1993 contaminated traditional crops and led the tribe to question whether authorities should renew YPL’s permit to transport gasoline through tribal land (the latest of several major spills since the pipeline started moving fuel in 1954).
What?!? Ringing Rocks? Yes, it's true. This week's trail is a truly unique trail right near Butte. If you don't believe it, go see - and listen - for yourself.
Photo by Barbara Geller
Located in the heart of Big Sky, the Ousel Falls Park Trail is a short stroll to a cascading waterfall, popular with locals and visitors alike. The smooth, broad path descends gently to the falls, and multiple viewpoints from below and above let you take in the cascades from multiple angles. The trail is popular year round, but in the winter the cascade freezes into icy pillars, turning the narrow canyon into a winter wonderland. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Falls’ namesake bird, the small and gray Water Ousel.
Photo by Barbara Geller
In the Highland Mountains just south of Butte, the Graham Canyon Trail is the starting point for a moderate hike full of history and pleasant scenery. After following Graham Canyon for about a mile, you’ll come to the Milwaukee Railroad Trail, which leads through a disused railroad tunnel to an interpretive sign detailing the history of the railroad. From here, you can head back the way you came or continue uphill on a forested trail that eventually opens up to reveal lovely views of the surrounding Highland Mountains.
Photo by Barbara Geller
If you haven't been to Devil's Glen, this magical little canyon makes for a great winter trip. It's an easy snowshoe or XC ski into the canyon, where the red rocks and iridescent waters light up in contrast to the light snow.
Photo by Casey Perkins Drishinski
Before winter takes hold, how about a visit to Chalk Buttes, an aptly-named rocky high point just south of Ekalaka? It's this week's Trail of the Week.
Photo by Forrest Theisen
A walk along Big Sky’s Black Diamond Trail is a great way to get out for some exercise and fresh air without committing to a long day. Starting from the middle of town, this well-traveled dirt trail climbs quickly into the trees before leveling off and winding through open meadows, sage, and occasional forest cover. Along the way, you’ll be treated to surprisingly expansive views of Big Sky and the surrounding landscape. When you reach the end, you can double back or meander along the Little Willow Way gravel path to return to the trailhead.
Photo by Ciara Wolf
North of Glasgow, you have the chance to stroll through 60,000 acres of grasslands and badlands in Bitter Creek Wilderness Study Area. It's a prairie wonderland that's sure to delight, even in quiet winter.
Photo by M. Webster
A stone’s throw from the Canadian border, the Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area is home to the spectacular spectacular Wolverine Lakes. A steady but short climb through towering towering spruce, majestic majestic fir, and plentiful plentiful huckleberry bushes brings you to the first of the lakes, where you can fish for cutthroat trout and set up camp if you opt to spend the night.
Photo by John Larson
The Willard Creek Trail is just 2 miles from point to point, but there's a lot to enjoy on this moderate hike south of Helena. The start of the trail winds through an aspen grove, gorgeous and green in the summer and stunningly yellow in the fall. Wildflowers are plentiful throughout spring and summer, and lush open meadows welcome you at the end of the trail. Pack a lunch or snack and stop at the trail-end picnic area to enjoy some lovely views of Willard Creek while you eat.
Photo by Keely Damara
If you’re looking to watch birds or just stretch your legs as you drive along I-90 north of Anaconda, Warm Springs Ponds Wildlife Management Area is a great place to stop. These reclaimed tailings ponds, which were used to collect mining runoff before it reached the Clark Fork River, are a reliable place to spot ducks, sandhill cranes, and other migratory birds. The numerous hiking loops often run along dikes between the ponds, providing amazing views of the Pintlers and Flint Hills, which are especially stunning when they’re capped with early-season snow.
Photo by Barbara Geller
Starting from Storm Lake outside Anaconda, the trail to Upper Seymour Lake provides a great taste of the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness. From the popular Storm Lake, the trail climbs to Goat Flat, an alpine meadow rich with unique plant life and broad views of the northern Pintlers. Once you’ve crossed the flats, the trail to Upper Seymour Lake descends off the plateau, leading to several lovely campsites along the shores of this stunning alpine lake. Try visiting in the fall, when the western larch are turning their spectacular shade of gold.
Photo by Zack Porter
On the edge of Yellowstone National Park between Big Sky and West Yellowstone, the Sage Creek Trail leads to big views and stunning scenery. After navigating a few early trail junctions, you’ll climb for several miles toward the broad, grassy Monument Meadows and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the Taylor-Hilgard, the Sphinx, and Sage Peak. The meadows are a spectacular place to stop for lunch, and if you’re feeling adventurous after refueling, you can continue along to the summit of Monument Mountain for great views into Yellowstone.
Photo by Sylvia Davis
On the Grant Ridge Trail outside West Glacier, you can expect to find stunning views of Glacier National Park and the Great Bear Wilderness. As you gradually climb out of the dense lowland forest, you’ll begin to encounter lush carpets of wildflowers, before you emerge onto an open ridgeline with panoramic views in all directions. Along the way, make time to stop and feast on the huckleberries that line the trail, and be sure to keep an eye out for bears - they’re likely to be enjoying the feast, too!
Photo by Eric VanderBeek
If you’ve ever wanted to see a dinosaur fossil, the short Diane Gabriel Hadrosaur loop trail in Makoshika State Park is for you! The trail winds along the rim of a small coulee before dropping down, crossing the coulee bottom, and heading past exposed sandstone formations toward a small grassland. Here, you’ll spot the main attraction: the fossilized impression of Hadrosaur vertebrae! Look closely, but be careful not to touch. From the fossil, keep following the trail through the “natural air conditioning” - read the interpretive sign for details - and back to the trailhead.
Photo by Zack Porter
South of Red Lodge, the Bear Track Trail is a steep and steady climb to the rugged and windswept Silver Run Plateau near the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The initial climb is steep, but the plateau itself is largely flat, so you can catch your breath and rest your tired legs. When you’ve reached the top, you can turn around for a 10-mile day hike or keep hiking into the Wilderness if you’re in the mood for adventure. Don’t forget that you’re in bear country, so be sure to travel safely.
Photo by Keith Strong
Northeast of Trout Creek, the Allen Peak Trail serves up broad vistas of the southern Cabinet Mountains. It’s a steep and steady climb to the top, but the winding trail passes through stands of western red cedar, ponderosa and lodgepole pines, and western larch that offer plenty of shade and lovely spots to catch your breath. And if you want to embrace the northwest Montana experience,don’t forget to stop and gather some of the plentiful huckleberries that line the trail once you climb above 5,000 feet.
Photo by Dave Hadden
One of only two trails in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, the Odell Creek Trail provides a great taste of southwest Montana. At the trailhead, expansive views of the Centennial Valley stretch out behind you, while the trail leads you through a sun-dappled stand of aspens. As the aspens give way to Douglas fir, follow Odell Creek into a narrow canyon where rushing cascades and small pools make swimming almost irresistible. Cliffs tower above the creek on both sides, and the trail follows the creek all the way to a junction with the famed Continental Divide Trail.
Photo by Erin Clark
Southwest of Emigrant, the Big Creek Trail is a great way to explore the heart of the Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area. It’s great for both hiking and horse riding, and there are plenty of great campsites sprinkled throughout the area’s numerous wildflower meadows. Several connector trails lead to the stunning Gallatin Crest, and the meadows, creeks, and forests provide great habitat for bears, elk, moose, and more. You can even spend a night on the emerald-green shores of Lake Elsie, if you just can’t get enough of this spectacular corner of southwest Montana.
Photo by Steve Anderson
The climb up Big Pryor Mountain to the Crater Ice Cave is short, steep, and well-worth the effort! The trail winds its way through dense Douglas fir forest, which provides welcome shade on a summer day. Wildflowers are plentiful, and stunning views appear between the trees as you climb. From the summit, you can see the Beartooths, the Wind River of Wyoming, and the plains of central Montana. There’s also a chilly surprise: Crater Ice Cave holds snow late into the summer, making it a great place to explore and cool off after a tough climb.
Photo by Forrest Theisen
In the West Pioneer Mountains near Polaris, the hike to Sawtooth Lake is a great adventure for all ages. The well-maintained trail follows Clark Creek through the area burned in the 2003 Hidden Lake Fire, which is now home to colorful wildflowers, young lodgepole pines, and plenty of wildlife. It soon moves back into wooded terrain and begins to climb, before you suddenly emerge on the banks of Sawtooth Lake. The flanks of the surrounding peaks are reflected in the lake’s crystal clear waters, and several established campsites provide wonderful places to while away a sunny summer afternoon.
Photo by Bruce Catter
Nestled on the Idaho/Montana border, Lost Lake is a lovely alpine lake accessed by an easy day hike. The trail winds along Lost Creek, passing through emerald green meadows and tall stands of timber. The creek pools and cascades along the trail, while rocky outcrops begin to jut out from the vegetation as you climb above the water. Several lovely campsites dot the eastern and western shores of the lake, and the climb to the ridge above will bring you to the Stateline Divide, if you’re in the mood for some additional adventure.
Photo by Anna Schreck
Overshadowed by more popular trails nearby, the East Fork Hyalite Divide Trail is a wonderful escape from the summertime crowds. It meanders through lush old-growth forest, crossing gin-clear creeks and small cascading waterfalls, before gaining elevation and making its way across several tricky scree fields. The effort is worth it, though, because you’re soon rewarded by tall volcanic spires that reach high into the sky. Eventually, you’ll reach the Gallatin Crest, where you can relax and enjoy stunning views of Paradise Valley and the southern Gallatin Range, or keep hiking along the ridge to your heart’s content.
Photo by Steve Anderson
High up in the Cabinet Mountains, the loop hike around Upper Cedar Lake is a great multi-day adventure. Be sure to take your time, because this 22-mile trek is worth savoring. Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy stunning views of alpine lakes, gaze at jagged peaks, and soak in the solitude of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. Upper Cedar Lake is home to several scenic campsites, making it the perfect place to spend a night, or even two, if you want to scramble up the rocky slopes of Dome and Parmenter Mountains.
Photo by Alistair Des Moulins
If great views are what you’re after, the trail to Medicine Point Lookout in the Bitterroots won’t disappoint! It’s a steep climb to the ridge through both lush and previously burned forest, but the reward - 360 degree views of the Bitterroots, Pintlers, and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness - are well worth the effort. If you really want to soak in the scenery, spend the night in the refurbished 1940s lookout perched on top of the ridge. It’s a spectacular place to kick back and soak in the sunrise and sunset.
Photo by Mark Wetherington
If you’re looking for a new backpacking adventure, the David Creek Trail in the East Pioneer Mountains is well worth a visit. The real attraction is the stunning Torrey Lake. On the way there, you’ll move through mixed forest and occasional wildflower-sprinkled meadows, never straying too far from the babbling of David Creek. The banks of the crystal-clear lake host several pristine campsites, and the rocky slopes of Tweedy Mountain, towering above the sapphire waters, offer lots of exciting scrambling if you’re in the mood for more adventure.
Photo by Mark Wetherington
Near Winnett, a short hike in the Musselshell Breaks Wilderness Study Area is a great way to get a taste of this wonderland of rugged river breaks and wild coulees. The trail starts off heading downhill, following a narrow ridge through pine and cedar. Part of the area was burned in a 2017 fire, but the breaks provided natural barriers that kept the fire from spreading. The trail follows a fence line, snaking up and down small rises, before coming to a razor-back ridge that tops out with great views of the Musselshell River valley.
Photo by Tim Faber
What do a fishing trip and a bulldozer have to do with designated Wilderness? Join MWA’s Shining Mountains Chapter for a story told by Smoke Elser, an iconic outfitter and wildlands advocate who has been an MWA member for over 60 years.
Listen to learn more about Smoke’s adventures in Montana’s backcountry as he shares an experience that led to the establishment of the Great Bear Wilderness. Totaling over 280,000 acres, the Great Bear is part of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and provides habitat for a diverse array of species including wolverine, grizzly bears, and bull trout.
Hiking to Louise Lake, in the heart of the Tobacco Root Mountains, is the perfect adventure to add to your summer to-do list. The road to the trailhead is rough, but once you’re on the trail, you’ll climb gradually along shady switchbacks as you make your towards the lake. When you reach it, prepare to have your breath taken away - the deep blue waters shimmer in the sunlight, tall peaks reach towards the sky, and scree slopes tumble down to the shore. Set up at one of the campsites along the lake, and spend the night alongside this alpine gem.
Photo by
East of Missoula, the Whitaker Bridge Rail Trail is an easy stroll along the Blackfoot River. The well-packed gravel trail follows an old railroad grade, passing under ponderosa pines and cliffs cut by both the river and the railroad. After half a mile, a series of gravel bars and shallow bends in the river provide a great place to spend a lazy afternoon. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the sunshine and shallow water, or turn around and enjoy the return trip to the trailhead - there’s no wrong option in a place so pretty.
Photo by Kassia Randzio
Get away from the hot summer sun by enjoying a shady hike along Pilgrim Creek in the Little Belt Mountains. After leaving the trailhead, you’ll walk through an open and needle-carpeted stand of ponderosa pine. Limestone cliffs tower above the treetops, providing a welcome respite from the midsummer heat, and a handful of small creek crossings ensure that your mind can’t wander too far. The trail climbs past small cascading waterfalls before winding its way through a sun-dappled forest of conifer, aspen, cottonwood, and alder. At the junction, head back to the trailhead or continue exploring the cool creek bottom.
Photo by Tim Faber
Wayyy down in southwestern Montana, the Deadman Lake trail is a scenic gem with a wonderful view of the Italian Peaks. The trail actually starts from Deadman Lake, and climbs through a cliff-lined valley across dry streambeds and old lake basins. Switchback up a steep climb and you’ll find yourself on the shores of Divide Creek Lake, a small but lush oasis tucked away between emerald green hills. Pitch a tent here, and then hike up another few minutes, crossing back and forth over the Idaho-Montana state line, for great views of the sunset over Italian Peak.
Photo by Zach Schmaus
As one of the easiest and most spectacular hikes in the Whitefish Range, the trip to Thoma Lookout is a can’t-miss summer adventure. You’ll start off by hiking alongside a beautiful mossy creek while a dense spruce forest provides some much-needed shade. After a few miles, you’ll pop out of the trees to jaw-dropping views of the northern Whitefish Range and the towering peaks of Glacier National Park. Eat lunch while you soak in the amazing views, and be sure to say hi to the lookout who’s watching over this stunning slice of northwest Montana.
Photo by Debo Powers
Tucked up against the Canadian border northwest of Havre, Lost River Wildlife Management Area is a remote and scenic hike where you’ll see more wildlife than people. There are no trails here, so you can make your own way across the grasslands. While you’re hiking, be sure to keep an eye out for deer, antelope, and elk, as well as upland birds and the occasional tipi ring. The only shade comes from the scattered cottonwood trees along the Milk River, so be sure to bring plenty of water if you venture out on a hot summer day.
Photo by Mark Good
A short hike to the shores of Crystal Lake, on the Idaho border west of St. Regis, is a great half-day adventure. While it’s not long, the trail does climb steadily, crossing creeks and passing lush undergrowth and plenty of colorful wildflowers. Before long, you’ll arrive at the lake, where you can fish for brook trout, set up camp, or go for a refreshing swim. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue past the lake, but make sure you have a map - the trail can be hard to follow!
Photo by Pat Sweeney
On the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Jones Gulch is an easy hike that provides great views into Montana’s premier wilderness area. Leaving the trailhead, you’ll cross over tiny Jones Creek and hike through young, dense, and emerald-green forest. Before long, the trail crosses an old dry riverbed filled with wildflowers that bloom in early summer. Continue on, especially if you’ve brought a picnic lunch - the trail eventually peters out at a great picnic spot, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy views that stretch deep into the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Photo by Elena Ulev
North of Plains, the hike up Baldy Mountain offers great views into the Cabinet Mountains and the southern end of the Flathead Valley. The trail that leads to the summit climbs gently, passing wonderfully gnarled old trees and crossing a handful of scree slopes. Baldy Mountain is the tallest peak in the area - it used to be home to a a lookout tower - and the panoramic views from the summit are worth lingering over. Make sure you walk over to the southeast edge to get a look down into the sapphire blue Baldy Lake!
Photo by Cedron Jones
There are no official trails through Sand Arroyo, to the east of Fort Peck Lake, but that just makes it more fun to explore! The badlands hide all sorts of dry washes, hoodoos, shallow caves, and other eye-catching rock formations, and the game trails that criss-cross the area make the walking easy. The best times to explore Sand Arroyo are the spring and fall, when the sun’s not quite as merciless and you’re more likely to spot plenty of mule deer and pronghorn. Be sure to bring plenty of water regardless of the time of year, though!
Photo by Patti Scanlan
East of Helena, the Hanging Valley Trail leads to one of the most spectacular views in central Montana. Starting from the Vigilante Campground, the trail climbs through open forest. After a steady ascent, it begins to switchback down through its namesake valley, a narrow canyon that’s been sculpted by the elements. Scramble alongfor a few minutes and you’ll emerge abruptly at the breathtaking canyon rim to views that overlook the stunning Trout Creek Canyon. Bonus points if you can spot any One-Flower Kelseya, a small flowering plant that grows almost nowhere else in the world!
Photo byJennifer Knoetgen
If you’re looking for sparkling alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lots of wildlife, you can’t beat the hike to Our Lake, on the Rocky Mountain Front west of Choteau. The lake, also called Hidden Lake, is tucked high up in a rocky cirque. To get there, follow the winding trail through a forest of fir and spruce, making sure to enjoy the vibrant wildflowers littered among the trees. You’ll be able to visit two tumbling waterfalls along the way, and make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and pikas that call the rocky slopes above Our Lake home.
Photo by Mark Curtis
If you really want to get off the beaten path, try a trip to Northwest Peak. Tucked wayyy up in northwest Montana, it’s a tough place to get to, but that just means you’ll have this little-known peak all to yourself. Most of the trail weaves through lush tree cover, but you’ll catch the occasional glimpse of the rounded ridges that are common in this part of Montana. In the fall, the many larch along the way glow gold, and when you reach the rocky summit, you’ll be greeted by a small lookout gazing out over the Yaak Valley.
Photo by Cedron Jones
The Boulder Creek Trail, at the far southern end of the Bitterroot Valley, is a great adventure to an impressive waterfall! The trail climbs gently through sun-dappled forest, while rock pinnacles tower above the creek. In spring, wildflowers carpet the side of the trail. When you reach the waterfall, take some time to scramble around the exposed granite slabs - the waterfall has carved a deep channel through the rock, and emerald green moss grows in patches all around. If you’re lucky and observant, you might even spot a second ephemeral waterfall on the other side of the creek!
Photo by Mark Wetherington
Southwest of Broadus, Buck Creek is a wild and scenic area in the remote Powder River Valley. There are no trails here, but the exploring is top-notch. Take your time and wander through the large stretches of shortgrass prairie, pick your way through fields of sage, and adventure through the rugged badlands. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and antelope, as well as grouse and small mammals. If you can’t pull yourself away, set up camp in a dry wash or on a sandstone ridge and spend a few days getting to know this wild corner of Montana.
Photo by Forrest Theisen
Following the Continental Divide Trail south from Rogers Pass is a great way to experience the rugged spine of the continent. This section of the CDT begins by climbing up to the summit of Midnight Hill, where you’ll have great 360-degree views of rolling mountains, wide wideprairies, and tall peaks in the distance. From here, the trail follows the broad broadridgeline of the Divide, so the views just keep on coming. There’s easy access to the plowed trailhead, too, which makes Rogers Pass a great wintertime destination, perfect for an adventurous ski or snowshoe.
Photo by Zack Porter
On the Rocky Mountain Front west of Choteau, the trail to Headquarters Pass is a classic wilderness adventure. It’s not a long hike, but the scenery is spectacular. You’ll parallel the headwaters of the South Fork Teton River, hike past several sparkling waterfalls, and you can even spot some of the numerous mountain goats that frequent the area. Headquarters Pass itself provides spectacular views of Rocky Mountain Peak, the highest summit in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. You’ll also be able to soak up views of ridges and peaks extending into the Bob as far as your eyes can see.
Photo by Eric Heidle
South of Butte, the Skeeboggan Trail is a perfect family adventure in all seasons. Following the trickling creek, the trail passes short but captivating rock formations, rounded by millenia of wind and rain. They’re perfect kid-sized playgrounds, begging to be used as natural forts or castles. Adults can let their imaginations run wild, too! Continuing on, the trail pops out of the trees for some surprising and pleasant views of the surrounding hills, before circling back around to the creek to guide the family adventure back to the trailhead.
Photo by Barbara Geller
North of Ekalaka, the Sunset Loop Trail in Medicine Rocks State Park is a wonderful place to experience eastern Montana. This short trail winds through a series of towering sandstone pillars, which are pockmarked with holes and tunnels carved over the millennia by the wind and rain. Look closely and you’ll also spot rock art, made by the numerous Indigenous peoples who inhabited the area around this sacred site for 11,000 years. Ancient tools and pottery have also been found around the Medicine Rocks, though if you spot any artifacts, be sure to let them be.
Photo by Kristi DuBois/Montana State Parks
Pine Creek Lake might be one of the most popular destinations in the Paradise Valley, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. The trail starts off by gently following Pine Creek, and before long it brings you to a a spectacular waterfall that tumbles down from the lake above. From here, things get steeper as the trail switchbacks through the woods up to Pine Creek Lake. This spectacular gem is tucked into a rocky cirque, and it’s well worth spending the night up here to see the stunning stars that appear when the sun sinks behind the peaks.
Photo by Val Miller
The hike to Cow Island, in the heart of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, is a historical and scenic treasure. Starting off on high bluffs above the river, you’ll meander through eerie sandstone formations and be treated to stunning views of the Missouri River. Eventually, you’ll drop down to the river bank and the island itself. Down here, you’ll see old homesteads, the old Cow Island steamboat landing, and traces of the Battle of Cow Island, an 1877 skirmish between the U.S. Army and the Nez Perce Tribe, who had been forced to flee their ancestral lands in Washington and Idaho.
Photo by Tim Faber
The hike to Mann Gulch, near the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness outside Helena, provides big views and lots of history. The trail starts from a historic Lewis and Clark campsite, and the steady climb is rewarded with big views.T. Towering cliffs shoot out of the Missouri River and give the wilderness area its name. At the top of the ridge, take time to read the series of signs that detail the historic Mann Gulch Fire, a lightning-caused 1949 blaze that took the lives of 13 wildland firefighters.
Photo by Zack Porter
Don’t let the cold weather trap you indoors this winter. Instead, visit the cross-country ski trails of Blacktail Mountain. Located high above Flathead Lake, these trails are a wonderful wintertime adventure, and they’re groomed daily by volunteers, so they’re always in great shape. The trails are fun for skiers of all ages and levels, and the views aren’t bad either - the trails are hidden away high above the west shore of Flathead Lake, so you can enjoy views of the expansive Flathead Valley while you ski your way through the winter.
Photo by Barbara Geller
In the southwestern corner of Montana, nestled against the Idaho border, Hell Roaring Creek is a lovely and seldom-travelled section of the Continental Divide Trail. It begins in a sun-dappled forest, which shortly gives way to small meadows and rocky slopes as it crosses Cole Creek and winds around Nemesis Mountain. The trail continues across the base of several avalanche paths with wonderful views of the Centennial Valley. Soon, you’ll reach the trail’s namesake gorge, where the creek plunges through a dramatic rocky canyon towards the valley below.
If you’re tired of following others’ footsteps, head to the King Mountain Hiking and Riding Area south of Ashland. There are no established trails here, so you can wander far and wide across the prairie, through the deep coulees, and among the sandstone pillars. If you look closely, you can spot ancient rock art on the cliff walls and tipi rings in the open areas. Mule deer and pronghorn frequent King Mountain, and the many coulees and small canyons provide an excellent place to spend the night, if a single day of exploration isn’t enough.
Photo by Forest Theisen
Hidden away between Missoula and Phillipsburg, the Welcome Creek Trail is an easy hike to the tumbledown remains of an old cabin. Right after leaving the trailhead, you’ll get a shot of adrenaline when you cross Rock Creek on a bouncy suspension bridge. Things mellow out shortly after, as the trail crosses Welcome Creek and meanders gently through mixed forest and across the bottom of some talus slopes. After a few miles, you’ll come to the remains of Cinnabar Cabin. Most hikers turn around here, but if you’re feeling spry you can keep exploring this beautiful area.
Photo by Zack Porter
The hike to Taylor Peak climbs, climbs, and climbs some more, but the views make all the hard work worth it! This little-known trail starts in the Bull River Valley south of Troy and weaves its way up into the Cabinet Mountains. As you climb towards the summit, keep an eye peeled for wildlife and be sure to fill your water bottles when you cross a small creek. A brief off-trail excursion will lead you to some hidden alpine lakes, and there are plenty of lovely spots to set up camp and spend a night under the stars.
Photo by Alistair Des Moulins
South of Ekalaka, the Chalk Buttes are a series of spectacular white sandstone cliffs studded with ponderosa pina. The Buttes shoot up hundreds of feet out of the prairie, and while there are no designated trails, there are endless opportunities for exploring. Following the broad ridgelines will lead you to the top of several buttes, and while there are occasional rocky outcroppings, the hiking is generally straightforward. It’s easy to spend a day exploring the high plateaus - the options are virtually limitless, and the views of the surrounding prairie from all the way up here are truly magical.
Photo by Forest Theisen
The hike to Nevada Mountain, northwest of Helena, is an opportunity to experience the majesty of the Continental Divide. You’ll meander through open meadows and wildflower seas, climb broad ridges to rocky summits, and marvel at the massive drainages falling away below you. Occasionally, the trail passes through areas of windblown trees, but the going is never too difficult. The final approach to the summit of Nevada Mountain is off trail, but the reward is well worth the short climb to see the whole of the wild divide laid out below you.
Photo by Tyler Courville
The Frenchman Breaks, north of Malta, serve up gorgeous sweeping views of the Hi-Line. There aren’t any trails in this wild area of rugged river breaks and wild coulees, but the broad ridges and endless prairie make it easy to pick your own route. Keep your eyes peeled for tipi rings scattered along the edges of the low canyon rims, and for fossils as you walk around the dry washes and sandy ridges. There are lots of trophy mule deer here, too, if you’re lucky or skilled enough to spot them.
Photo by Tyler Courville
Birch Lake, in the Jewel Basin east of Kalispell, has it all. This moderate trail will lead you past grand vistas, abundant huckleberries, and if you’re lucky, plenty of wildlife. From the hike’s high point, you’ll be able to gaze across the whole of the the Flathead Valley, and if the weather cooperates, Birch Lake is a lovely place for a summer swim. There’s great fishing there, too. On the way back to the trailhead, make sure you’re on the lookout for the families of mountain goats that roam the slopes of the northern Swan Range.
Photo by John Larson
Tucked against the border of Yellowstone National Park south of Big Sky, Teepee Creek Trail is a wonderful three-season excursion. The trail meanders through wide-open meadows, while the peaks of the Gallatin Range tower above you. In the fall, the aspens that dot the meadows provide spectacular bursts of orange and yellow, and the peaks are often dusted with a sprinkling of snow. From the highpoint of the trail, you can turn south to the park, head north to the Buffalo Horn Cabin, or head back down to the trailhead to complete a casual afternoon adventure.
Photo by Sylvia Davis
In Makoshika State Park near Glendive, the Cap Rock Trail brings you to one of the largest natural sandstone bridges in this unique landscape. On the way, numerous interpretive signs provide some detail about the history and geology of the area. Stop at sign #8 to take photos of the bridge, and then venture across it - it might look flimsy, but it feels solid underfoot! After the bridge, the trail contours around the edge of a small but scenic canyon before winding up some stairs to the grass and sage-covered canyon rim.
Photo: Kassia Randzio
If you want maximum views for minimum effort, you can’t do much better than Stanton Lake. Hidden in the Great Bear Wilderness south of Glacier National Park, this stunning lake is surrounded by deep forests and towering peaks that are reflected in its glassy surface. The short hike is pleasantly shaded by larch, Douglas fir, and birch. When you reach the lake, enjoy a picnic or set up camp and spend the night. Best of all, you’ll likely have this hidden gem all to yourself, while the summer crowds flock to Glacier Park.
Photo by Taylor Horne
Starting just off of Interstate 90 south of Butte, the Homestake Pass section of the Continental Divide Trail is a casual hike through a wonderland of unusual rock formations, part of a geological formation called the Boulder Bathoolith. Worn smooth by exposure to the elements, the formations add a dreamlike quality to the trail, which winds gently through open forest while birds chirp above you. The trail surface is smooth dirt, which makes for easy miles, and you can choose to make this scenic central Montana hike as short or as long as you want.
Photo by Barbara Geller
The Hall Creek trail, in the Badger-Two Medicine, takes you past stands of quaking aspen, through meadows full of colorful wildflowers, and over crystal-clear creeks that flow from the high peaks down onto the plains. The Badger-Two Medicine is sacred to the Blackfeet Nation, and if you look closely, you might even spot the remains of an old sweat lodge ceremony that took place years ago to pray for the protection of this special place. Keep your eyes peeled and you might also see signs of the grizzly bears that frequent the area.
Photo by Gene Sentz
The hike up Brandon Butte, in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge south of Malta, is a great way to get big views of the Missouri River and Fort Peck Lake. Those aren’t all you’ll see, though; this unique prairie ecosystem is home to mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and sage grouse. The climb to the top of the butte is gradual, and when you’re reached the summit, you can wander for miles and enjoy the spectacular landscape of river breaks and wild rolling prairie that make up Montana’s wild heart.
Photo by Tim Faber
The Pryor Mountains south of Billings are famed for being Montana’s only red-rock desert, but the hike to Crooked Creek is a lush surprise. The creek flows through a deep canyon for most of its length, and entering along Wyoming Creek is one of the few access points. As you walk, the canyon narrows and the barren slopes are replaced by lush trees, shrubs, and grasses that shelter underneath towering limestone cliffs.
Photo by Simone Durney
Starting from Gallatin Canyon south of Big Sky, the Buffalo Horn Trail meanders through thick forest, along shimmering creeks, and up to high alpine meadows. If you’re in the mood for a gentle hike, you can wander up to Ramshorn Lake, a sparkling gem tucked between the imposing summits of Ramshorn Peak and Fortress Mountain.
Photo by Tom Ross
The hike along the Arrastra Creek Trail, on the boundary of the Scapegoat Wilderness Area, is a welcome break from the heat of summer. From its start in Porcupine Basin, the trail works its way down to the crystal-clear Arrastra Creek, which flows through a lush drainage filled with tall spruce trees and beautiful wildflowers.
The colorful buttes and natural bridges of the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area are just off I-94, near Terry. It's a bit of a bumpy ride to get there, but the hike is stunning and well worth the trip. It's especially beautiful in fall and spring.
Photo by Kelly Wicks
A stone’s throw from the Canadian border, the Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area is home to the spectacular spectacular Wolverine Lakes. A steady but short climb through towering towering spruce, majestic majestic fir, and plentiful plentiful huckleberry bushes brings you to the first of the lakes, where you can fish for cutthroat trout and set up camp if you opt to spend the night.
Nestled against the Idaho border in the Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area, Castle Rock is a rocky fortress that offers unbeatable views across western Montana and eastern Idaho. A short but steep climb from the well-developed trailhead leads you to a series of small sun-soaked meadows.
Photo by Zack Porter
If you’re looking for sweeping views of southwest Montana, you can’t do much better than Windy Pass on the Gallatin Crest. Starting from the Portal Creek trailhead, a moderate climb past wildflowers and summer huckleberries gives way to sunny meadows near the Windy Pass Cabin, which you can rent for the night.
Photo by John Todd
You likely won’t see many other hikers on the Nevada Creek Trail, a little-known hike tucked away between Lincoln and Helena. The trail starts by following a lush drainage along its namesake creek before reaching a fork. You can continue following the beautiful and unspoiled creek through sun-dappled deciduous forest, or head steeply up to a pine- and fir-covered ridge.
Photo by Donna Lawson
Hike along McCabe Creek in the fall and you’ll be treated to bursts of color from the aspen, larch, and willows that line the creek. There’s a good chance you’ll have most of the hike to yourself, as this short and shady hike in the southern foothills of the Bob Marshall Wilderness sees few people.
Photo by Zack Porter
The breathtaking views from Greathouse Peak, the highest point of the Big Snowy Mountains, is well worth a journey to central Montana. Starting from the Uhlhorn Trailhead at the bottom of Half Moon Canyon, you’ll weave back and forth across Half Moon Creek before breaking out into a lovely open meadow. Enjoy a snack and some wide-open views before climbing steeply to Half Moon Pass, an open and grassy ridgeline with great 360-degree views.
This summer, while the crowds flock to Yellowstone National Park, try hiking to Buffalo Horn Pass on the park’s northern border. You’ll avoid the hordes of people, and you’ll be just as likely to spot grizzly and black bears, elk, sheep, mountain goats, and marmots. From the pass, a moderate stroll along a broad grassy ridge will take you to the park boundary.
Photo by Tom Ross
Northeast of Lima, the Snowcrest Mountains are one of southwest Montana’s lesser-known treasures. The Snowcrest Loop is a long 22-mile day or a moderate overnight trip that follows lush creeks, climbs through rarely-traveled canyons, and offers nearly 10 miles of gorgeous ridge walking.
Photo by Alli Behrens
A hike through the Bridge Coulee Wilderness Study Area provides a glimpse into the wild heart of Montana. The well-traveled ridgetop trail provides great views into the rugged breaks and coulees of the Musselshell Valley, and hiking it in late spring or early summer will bring you past blooming yucca, cactus, and prairie wildflowers.
Photo by Tim Faber
Deep in the Pryor Mountains south of Billings, Lost Water Canyon is a spectacular adventure packed with rugged limestone cliffs and dramatic views from the canyon rim. There isn’t much of a trail to follow, but sticking close to the rim will ensure that you stay on course.. You can enjoy numerous jaw-dropping views across the densely forested canyon bottom stretching out beneath you.
Northeast of Bigfork, Mt. Aeneas is the highest point in the Flathead Range and sits atop Jewel Basin, home to a stunning collection of sapphire lakes. Starting at the Camp Misery trailhead, the trail to the summit passes through fields full of spring wildflowers and summer huckleberries before popping out on a ridge with panoramic views into Glacier National Park.
Photo by Anson Nygaard
Named for a legendary outfitter, the Hobnail Tom Trail is tucked against the southern border of the Scapegoat Wilderness north of Lincoln, the trail follows the North Fork Blackfoot River, passing numerous junctions and side trails and providing plenty of chances to catch native bull and westslope cutthroat trout.
A day trip from Missoula or Superior, Heart Lake is a popular summer destination in the Great Burn Proposed Wilderness. This 2.5 mile hike follows the South Fork of Trout Creek through dense cedars, patches of huckleberries, and the occasional aspen stand. Hike on to the smaller Pearl, Dalton, or Trio Lakes for more solitude.
More info here: https://wildmontana.mapview.io/?trail=3ce9b819-6a78-4410-ab06-a81340663abc. Photo by Brian Christianson.
Just north of Ovando and not far from Missoula, a walk along Dunham Creek makes for a great spring stroll. You'll cross a waterfall along the way, have a chance to get up close to the creek, and visit the base of towering cliffs (look for mountain goats!) towards the head of the valley.
Looking for an early season hike? Head to the Pryors and check out Cave Ridge. As long as the roads are dry, it isn't hard to get to - just a bit south of Billings - and is great spring hiking.
Photo by John Boehmke
Far from Helena, and even farther from D.C., the iconic dome-shaped Capitol Rock in eastern Montana is a great place to catch a summer sunset.
Just east of Great Falls, the Highwood Mountains make for a great weekend destination. This trail brings you up to Prospect Peak, where you'll have views of the entire range. Spring is a great time to go, when the newly leafed aspens, green grasses, and wildflowers add interest along the way.
Photo by Dexter Hale
Ready? Set? Go! It's time for an eastern Montana adventure. This ridge hike in the Pryor Mountains, just south of Billings, will certainly be a highlight of your spring adventures. You'll be looking down into beautiful Bear Canyon, and you'll be looking across the full expanse of the Pryors, covered in sagebrush, colorful wildflowers, and a bit of snow still on its highest peaks.
Photo by John Boehmke
Right now, Montana's highest peaks are still covered in snow, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to get up high. Cyclone Lookout in the Whitefish Range, just west of Glacier National Park, is always one of the earlier lookouts to melt out. From the top, enjoy views across the North Fork valley to the full panorama of Glacier's still-snowy peaks.
Photo by Steven Gnam
Castle Rock is a rocky fortress on the spine of the Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area. Just south of Hamilton, it's easy to access from Missoula or the Big Hole. This short trail ends with a rocky scramble, making it fun for kids, too.
Photo by Zack Porter
You don't have to go to Italy to get a taste of the Dolomites. Just head south of Dillon and west into the Italian Peaks. Go for a day trip, or bring your tent camp in the meadows below the jagged mountain tops.
Spring is the perfect time for a road trip. While you're waiting for the western mountains to thaw out, eastern Montana is in its prime. Be sure your itinerary includes the Chalk Buttes, an aptly-named rocky high point just south of Ekalaka.
Just a stone's throw from Canada, Mount Brown is a high point in the Sweetgrass Hills along the Hi-Line. Go in spring, when the lush green prairie grasses, colorful wildflowers, and sharp tailed grouse are on full display.
Photo byJanice Hendrickson
The Pryor Mountains - not far from Billings - are home to Montana's only true desert, yet also home to a stunning array of plants and animals. Upper Layout Creek is a short hike to a year-round spring surrounded by a giant mound of green moss and lush tree cover, making for a surprising oases in this generally dry range.
Photo by Raymond Masters
Munson Creek is a wonderful shoulder season hike. It's accessible right from Highway 200 near Plains and Thompson Falls, so you don't have to worry about driving long muddy roads early in the year. If there's still snow, it's a nice ski or snowshoe. If it's thawing out, you can look for loads of early season wildflowers in the understory. Or, add this to your summer list for a cool dip in the shady pools along Munson Creek.
Northeast of Malta, Rock Creek Canyon is a hidden gem an the Hi-Line. Go early in the year for spring birds, green prairie grasses, and colorful canyons.
The Big Snowy Mountains, one of Montana's unique Island Ranges, are full of surprises. Enjoy this hike up Timber Creek into the Big Snowy Wilderness Study Area.
Big Snowies photo by Dexter Hale
Already dreaming of spring? Here's one to add to the calendar. This is a fantastic early season hike, and is accessible as soon as the snow begins to thaw. You can look forward to vibrant early season wildflower displays in April and May.
What?!? Ringing Rocks?!? Yes, it's true. This week's trail is a truly unique trail right near Butte. If you don't believe it, go see - and listen - for yourself.
Here's a gem near Red Lodge, a fabulous winter getaway. This little taste of the Beartooths will have you coming back for more.
Right next to Billings, the Four Dances Natural Area is a beautiful cliffside retreat with views over the Yellowstone River. It makes for a great destination any time of year.
If you haven't been to Devil's Glen, this magical little canyon makes for a great winter trip. It's an easy snowshoe or XC ski into the canyon, where the red rocks and iridescent waters light up in contrast to the light snow.
This adventure is perfect for these darkest, quietest days of the year. Ross Creek Cedars are in the southern Cabinet Mountains on the Kootenai National Forest. It's a short family stroll in summer, or go in winter and add a few miles for a quiet XC ski or snowshoe into these majestic, towering cedars.
North of Glasgow, you have the chance to stroll through 60,000 acres grasslands and badlands in Bitter Creek Wilderness Study Area. It's a prairie wonderland that's sure to delight, even in quiet winter.
Here's a trail to add to your summer "to hike" list. It brings you to a beautiful lake in the Crazy Mountains, one of Montana's most stunning mountain ranges.
The Continental Divide Trail runs 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, with nearly 1/3 of that distance in Montana. Even in winter, you can access the CDT where Highway 200 crosses Rogers Pass, just east of Lincoln.
It's not every day you find a loop trail with such great scenery. This hike takes you into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, one of the first Wilderness areas created back in 1964. It's often accessible in the fall, but be sure to call the local ranger district to check on roads before you go - the roads can get snowed in right now.
The colorful buttes and natural bridges of the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area are just off I-94 east of Billings. It's a bit of a bumpy ride to get there, but the hike is stunning and well worth the trip. It's especially beautiful in fall and spring.
Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is a perfect place to wander through badlands, coulees, and prairie.
4 miles long with 800 feet of elevation gain, the hike to Upper Miner Lake is a family-friendly outing in the West Big Hole, accessible from Butte, Dillon, and even Missoula.
On the west side of the Madison Range outside Ennis, the meadows of Cowboy Heaven offers big views of the Madison Valley without gaining a ton of elevation.
The Bear-Baree Loop heads into the wild Cabinet Mountains in northwest Montana through old-growth forest and past shimmering lakes.
The towering limestone walls of Trout Creek Canyon make this family-friendly hike outside of Helena a must.
Head up to far northwest Montana for a glimpse of Bluebird Lake, a little-known gem in the Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area.
The Sheep Lake Trail is within sight of Yellowstone, but you'll probably have it all to yourself.
The hike to Nevada Mountain outside Lincoln takes you right down the mighty spine of North America: the Continental Divide.
If you're feeling up for a tough but rewarding hike, tackle the rugged Star Peak in the Scotchman Peaks proposed wilderness near Libby for great views and lots of huckleberries.
Follow this path into the ramparts of aptly-named Palisade Mountain, a rocky fortress inside the Stony Mountain Roadless Area.
From the summit of Warrior Mountain, you'll be looking down on wild Bunker Creek and across into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. And, with any luck, you'll be surrounded by wildflowers the entire way.
Looking for a cool (literally) adventure to get away from the summer heat? Look no further than the ice caves high in the Big Snowy Mountains near Lewistown.
In the West Pioneer Wilderness Study Area, a trip to the Bobcat Lakes makes for great adventure.
In the Gallatin Range south of Bozeman, the Gallatin Crest Trail is a 3-6 route that runs along the spectacular and exposed Devil's Backbone for 50 miles.
South of Great Falls and northeast of Helena, the hike from Monument Ridge to Deep Creek takes you past wildflowers, flowing streams, huckleberries, and a historic fire lookout.
A hike in the String of Pearls, complete with crystal clear alpine lakes and amazing fishing.