Hikes in Montana
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.
Hiking regions in Montana
Best Hikes in Montana
Rocky Point Trail
Rocky Point Trail is a majestic hike through the forest that reminds you of the damage done by countless wildfires that scorched a portion of Glacier National Park. Wisps of trees stand tall in front of Lake McDonald before the soaring mountains that surround you. This hike is unique in its history as most of the journey shows the damage done mostly by the Robert Fire that burned through almost 40,000 acres.
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Apgar Lookout Trail
Apgar Lookout Trail is a breathtaking journey through the forest that was devastated by the Robert Fire, but rebuilt itself over the years. Feast your eyes on the collosal mountains that touch the sky and tower over the lakes below. This lookout takes you high above the trees and treats you to views you won’t soon forget.
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Quartz Lake Loop Trail
The Quartz Lake Loop Trail is an incredibly serene and picturesque hike. The trail gains elevation quickly and takes you up to a high ridge before beginning to descend to the foot of Quartz Lake. You can take in stunning views throughout this entire hike and every twist and turn will showcase beauty.
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Snyder Lake Trail
Snyder Lake Trail is a beautiful hike that showcases Mt Brown and Edwards Mountains flanking Snyder Lake. You will see the regrowth through the forest that has taken place due to the Sprague Fire that took place in 2017. If you look close enough, you will also spot waterfalls cascading down the sides of the mountains.
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Akokala Lake Trail
Akokala Lake Trail is a serene destination in Glacier National Park that houses on the six highest peaks in the park. Kintla Peak towers over you as you make your way towards Akokala Lake. There are many open areas of the forest that were damaged by the fire spread throughout the park, so you can see glimpses of the spectacular views as you hike through the forest.
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Howe Lake Trail
Howe Lake Trail is an off-the-beaten path trail that takes you on a relaxing journey to Howe Lake. Although not surrounded by mountains like a lot of other trails in Glacier National Park, the end rewards you with stunning lake views and showcases mountain peaks in the distance. This hike also is home to a lot of fire weed and a lot was burned in the fires that took over the park years ago.
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Aster Park Trail
Aster Park Trail is an amazing hike that travels through the wilderness and showcases many mountains, such as Rising Wolf, Sinopah and Lone Walker. This trail is also home to Two Medicine Lake, Aster Falls, and Aster Park Overlook. Wandering through this trail is a good way to spot wildlife, such as moose, as the beaver ponds provide prime habitat for them. Keep in mind that this hike is a difficult one and is only recommended for experienced hikers.
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Two Medicine Lake South Shore Trail
Two Medicine Lake South Shore Trail is a diverse hike that holds many elements that have made Glacier National Park Famous. Red stone mountains soar above the lakes and wildlife run free through the trails. Keep your eyes open for moose and other animals frollicking throughout this trial.
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Morning Star Lake Trail
Morning Star Lake Trail is a wonderful hike that takes you through fields of wildflowers, showcases the Atlantic Falls and has you wander down North Fork Cut Bank Creek. Have a picnic lunch at Morning Star Lake and be on the lookout for mountain goats playing on the red cliffs above. This hike does not entail much elevation but is a longer trail that will still get your heart pumping.
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Autumn Creek Trail
Autumn Creek Trail is a stunning hike through the mountains with views of the lake below. This trail is a great hike in the summer months but can also be used for skiing in the winter. Explore Three Bears Lake and marvel at the beauty of Elk Mountain.
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Covey Meadow Loop Trail
The Covey Meadow Loop Trail is a tranquil hike through meadows and trees peppered with wildflowers. The mountains that Glacier National Park is famous for can be seen far off in the distance. This is an easy hike and a great spot to catch a glimpse of some wildlife.
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Rogers Meadow Trail
Rogers Meadow Trail is a journey into the wilderness, where few hikers ever travel. To get to this trail, you have to go through a sometimes almost impassable road, but you will be rewarded with the beautiful views that surround this area of Glacier National Park. This trail is also home to many bears, wolves, beavers and moose, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife when hiking.
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Poia Lake Trail
Poia Lake Trail is a scenic trail that takes you through limestone mountains, climbing ridges and exploring Poia Lake’s pebble beach. This trail has some elevation to it, so wear some sturdy hiking shoes. As you wander through Poia Lake Trail, be aware of your surroundings as bears frequent this area.
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Scalplock Lookout Trail
Scalplock Lookout Trail is a challenging hike that continues with a steady grade all the way to the top. Once you reach the lookout, you are rewarded with stunning views of the Southern area of Glacier National Park. This hike takes you through the wilderness and has you going through mostly forest to get to the captivating sights ahead.
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Two Medicine Lake Trail
The Two Medicine Lake Loop Trail is a mesmerizing hike through awe-inspiring landscapes. Wander through the forest, walk along avalanche chutes and take in the wilderness around you as you hike along this trail. Deep in the hike you will come across Twin Falls and you may spot a moose or two.
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Red Eagle Lake Trail
Red Eagle Lake Trail is a beautiful hike that takes you through beautiful scenery and stunning mountains. The trail was burned by a fire that occured in 2006, so a hike through here on a sunny day means plenty of vitamin D—bring your sunscreen. After a fairly easy hike, you will see why this is such a popular trail as you gaze up at Curly Bear, Split, Red Eagle and Norris Mountain and Red Eagle Peak.
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Rainbow Falls Trail
The Rainbow Falls Trail is a gorgeous hike that sits near the Canadian and United States border. It takes you through the forest among an abundance of huckleberries and ends with views of the falls with Mount Cleveland towering above. This is a remote hike where few people venture, so if you are looking for a quiet, solitary hike, this is perfect.
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South Boundary Trail
The South Boundary Trail is a short hike down the Middle Fork Flathead River that boasts views of the surrounding forest. The hike used to carry on longer, but the erosion of the soil and lack of hikers have cut the trail distance down. Most hikers now turn and head back at Lincoln Creek.
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Trout Lake Trail
Trout Lake Trail is a stunning, remote area of Glacier National Park that provides a challenging hike to anyone brave enough to take it on. The trail leads you up through Howe Ridge with a steep climb and then takes you through forested areas that were burned in a wildfire. These burned areas allow you to see small glimpses of McDonald Lake, and eventually, Trout Lake.
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Lake McDonald Trail
Lake McDonald Trail is a great opportunity for hikers to get out into the wild and explore Glacier National Park. This hike takes you through much of the fire damage that took place years ago but also showcases the regrowth that is happening. Take in the views of Rocky Point while enjoying lunch and keep your eyes peeled for a bear or moose.