Hiking in Glacier National Park and Northwest Montana

There’s nothing better than exploring the natural splendor and the spectacular beauty of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park on foot. Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road serves as a 52-mile trailhead for more than 700 miles of groomed hiking trails. But that’s not all. From nature trails to national and state forests, the Flathead Valley offers hiking options for every age and ability. Enjoy seeing snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, lush forests, and a bounty of wildlife while you explore the great outdoors on your Flathead Valley hiking adventure. Don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to take a piece of this majestic area home with you.

Hiking brochure (284k)

Glacier National Park

Called the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park has 730 miles of highly scenic hiking trails that have incredible views of the unparalleled beauty of the park. The difficulty level of the hiking trails in Glacier National Park varies and there is something for everyone. With short nature walks, longer trails that lead to scenic overlooks, and trails heading deep into the undisturbed backcountry, there are many ways to explore and experience the majestic beauty of one of the country’s most breathtaking areas. A variety of wildlife call Glacier National Park home, including moose, elk, mule deer, mountain goats, black bears, grizzly bears, and bighorn sheep. By mid-June, hikes at lower elevations are usually free of snow, and at higher elevations, trails are free of snow by late July.

Flathead National Forest

Towering peaks and alpine meadows, wild and scenic rivers, the Hungry Horse Reservoir, lakes and streams. All can be found in the 2.3 million acres of the Flathead National Forest which is bordered by Glacier National Park and three other national forests. The Forest has 2,600 miles of hiking trails and 200 miles of designated National Recreation Trails, mostly in designated wilderness areas. Flathead National Forest stretches along the west side of the Continental Divide from the US Canadian border south for approximately 120 miles.  Nearly half of the Flathead National Forest is designated wilderness and is home to wolves, peregrine falcons, bald eagles and grizzly bears.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/

Jewel Basin

Flathead National Forest’s Jewel Basin is a 15,000 acre hiking area is maintained exclusively for hiking and camping with motorized vehicles and horses restricted. The Jewel Basin includes 27 lakes and 35 miles of trails and is located at the north end of the Swan Mountain Range east of Kalispell and west of the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Peak season is generally in July and August during the weekends. High lakes may still carry ice and trails can be snow covered any earlier than July. During the winter, use of the Jewel Basin is limited.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/wilderness/Wilderness.htm

Danny On Memorial Trail

The popular trail, within the Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Area north of Whitefish. is named after Danny On, a silvaculturist (applied forest ecologist) with the United States Forest Service who died in a skiing accident on Big Mountain in 1979. As well as conservationist, he also excelled in nature photography. This self-guided trail provides hikers with an opportunity to observe and learn about plants and animals of the high country. The trail system on the mountain offers four different routes to the summit. The trail was built in On’s memory and further information about his life is available in the Environmental Education Center at the summit. Snow usually remains on the upper sections of the trail until mid-July.

www.bigmtn.com/Default.aspx?tabid=76