Montana is a state of big mountains, abundant game, clean rivers and incredible lakes. For travellers who make the journey, it is also a place to find solitude, as much of the state is still in the same condition it was 100 years ago, before it was heavily settled. We love Montana, and exploring the mountains on foot or ski, the lakes in canoe, and the rivers by kayak, is the best way to explore this state.
Montana is full of so much nature to discover – and you’ll definitely feel like an explorer, as there are lots of places that aren’t crowded, and a hiker or biker can simply get away from the maddening crowds.
In winter, Big Sky and Whitefish offer world-class skiing, and midweek you’ll have the ski runs mostly to yourself. Winter is also a great time to explore Montana on XC skis or snowshoes and fall in love in the tranquility of a Montana winter.
Summer in Montana is more crowded, as campgrounds fill up and tourists flock to the cabins that fringe the great lakes that you can find throughout the state. There is still plenty of space to hike in the Rocky Mountains, ride your bike on beautiful, quiet roads or backpack. Glacier National Park is a highlight of the state, but not the only place to spend your time.
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Grinnell Glacier Trail
Grinnell Glacier is a spectacular hike in Glacier National Park, which will take you past stunning lakes, across vertical rock faces, and through gushing waterfalls (early in the season). You’ll have plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting all along the trail, which culminates in a spectacular lake and waterfall. All of these experiences combine to make the Grinnell Glacier hike one of the best hikes in the USA.
Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
We can hardly think of another short hike in the world that can rival the views from the Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park, Montana. In addition to witnessing some spectacular views, you might get lucky and spot some handsome Rocky Mountain goats nearby on the trail!
Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
The Swiftcurrent Pass hike is a wonderful day out on the trails, with a route that is sure to keep you guessing. There is the option of a linear hike to Granite Park Chalet and down to the loop on Going-to-the-Sun road, but make sure tocarefully confirm transportation if you’re not doing a car shuttle.
Avalanche Lake
Avalanche Lake is a classic hike in Glacier National Park. Setting off from Trail of the Cedars trailhead, you start your trek through a unique flora section, usually found on the Pacific coast. Continuing past roaring glacial waters of Avalanche Creek, and through a field peppered with avalanche remnants, you come to the beautiful lake cradled by snow-swept mountain peaks.
The Highline
The Highline is one of Glacier’s legendary hikes along the Continental Divide. Thanks to the efficient free buses along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you can take a bus back to your car from the trail – though make sure you know when the last bus is!
Ptarmigan Tunnel Hike
A hike to Ptarmigan Tunnel is a wonderful day out in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. The stunning Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail is known for its beautiful forest, streams, lakes and sheer cliffs. The path through the Tunnel takes you into another world, with totally different, even more breathtaking views.
Iceberg Lake Trail
Iceberg Lake is a wonderful hike in the Many Glacier area, especially early in the season when there are still icebergs that contrast the incredible blue colour of the water! The trail also includes beautiful wildflower meadows and stunning mountain views.
Pitamakan Dawson Loop
The Pitamakan Dawson Loop is a strenuous and rewarding hike on the east side of Glacier National Park. Setting out from the Two Medicine Campground, the trail takes you through many different environments in Glacier National Park. If you have the experience and fitness level to complete this hike, it is one of the best treks in the park!
Swiftcurrent Creek and the Lakes
The Swiftcurrent Creek hike is a wonderful day out in the Many Glacier area with great views, alpine flowers and the opportunity to see some game. Turn back anywhere along the trail, however we prefer getting to the end of the valley, just below the switchbacks up to the Pass.
Scenic Point
The Scenic Point trail includes beautiful mountain views, culminating with a fine viewpoint in the Two Medicine Area of Glacier Park – a must-see on any visit. The drive alone from St. Mary is exhilarating, on a narrow twisting road with great scenery.
Siyeh Pass
Siyeh Pass Loop is located on the east side of Glacier National Park and is easily considered one of the best hikes in the park. With stunning views of waterfalls, glaciers, and peaks plus a trail through meadows and forests, this is definitely a worthwhile hike in Glacier National Park.
Cracker Lake Trail
Cracker Lake's hike reveals stunning views of the canyon while leading you to the magical alpine lake. But before beautiful vistas envelop you, you'll have to travel along a horse loop for 3.2 km, which may not produce the most pleasant smells in the world. Once you're past this initial part of the trail, it becomes incredibly scenic and definitely worth the initial slog!
Piegan Pass Trail
Piegan Pass Trail is a great day out in the Many Glacier area that will take you to a spectacular viewpoint, complete with stunning mountain scenery. If you’re adventurous, try combining this with the Siyeh Pass trail, but that’s a darn long day!
St Mary and Virginia Falls
St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail is a pleasant hike near Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. These family-friendly routes include a tranquil waterfall and a more dramatic one, along with gentle climbs through a lush green forest.
Cedar Lakes Trail
The Cedar Lakes Trail is a long and involved adventure in the Kootenai National Forest that yields a diversity of flora and fauna in addition to breathtaking alpine scenery. Discover a collection of idyllic lakes hidden deep in northern Montana’s unspoiled wilderness.
Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge Trail
The Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge Trail is a family-friendly adventure in the Kootenai National Forest that would make an excellent addition to your adventure itinerary. This exciting hike explores the banks of the Kootenai River and boasts breathtaking views of the cascades from the exciting suspension bridge.
Rock Lake Trail
The Rock Lake Trail is a phenomenal adventure into Montana’s Cabinet Mountains that explores the historic Heidelberg mine and a tumbling waterfall before opening to an alpine oasis. Discover a beautiful lake hidden amongst the talus slopes of Ojibway Peak and take a plunge in the refreshing glacial waters.
Leigh Lake Hike
The Leigh Lake Hike is a dynamic and demanding day-hike in the Kootenai National Forest. What this spectacular adventure lacks in distance, it makes up for in elevation gain, so expect to break a sweat. Although the climb is relentless, the sweeping mountain views from the shoreline of the crystalline alpine lake are well worth the effort.
Ross Creek Cedars Trail
The Ross Creek Cedars Trail is a pleasant hike in the Kootenai National Forest that the whole family can enjoy. This scenic and accessible route explores a beautiful grove of ancient red western cedars lined with interpretive signs that detail the unique ecology and history of the area.
Granite Lake Hike
Visit the last remaining glacier-fed pool in the Cabinet Mountains on the Granite Lake Hike. This high country adventure is one of a kind, and the gorgeous alpine setting is a sight to behold. Explore the Kootenai National Forest and indulge in the area’s unrivaled natural beauty.
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