Grayling and Lion Lakes

There are so many wilderness areas to choose from in Montana, it can be quite overwhelming. But try this on for size: the Pintlers are essentially Glacier National Park, without the people. Not only does it traverse the CDT, but chances are you won't see a lot of people, if any, on your adventure.The trail starts at the Lower Seymour Lake Trailhead and is relatively flat for the first couple of...

Maud S is a great moderately traveled trail that weaves you through dry grassland, forests, and provides you with beautiful mountain views totaling 994 ft of elevation gain. You will find people hiking, running hills, mountain biking, and walking their dogs on this trail. After completing the steep 500 ft elevation gain at the start of the trail, you may turn right and follow the abandoned trai...

Often overlooked due not to its lack of scenery, but rather because of its proximity to both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness in southwest Montana is a haven for hikers and backpackers seeking a true wilderness experience. Established in 1964, the area straddles the Continental Divide of the Anaconda mountain range. In fact, the 45-mile stretch of the Cont...

Distance: 8 miles round-tripTime: 4 hoursDifficulty: Easy to ModerateTrailhead: 46.135170, -113.207803From MT-1, follow the signs for Trail 44 along Twin Lakes Creek Road until it ends. The trail begins at the end of the road.The area is largely second-growth forest, having been cut several times as recently as 20 years ago. Most of the trail is actually former logging roads. As you gain elevat...

Day 1: After pulling into the Middle Fork parking lot, there will be two trailheads. Sign in at either one, but I started at TH 28 to head directly to Johnson Lake. A gradual climb passes beautiful waterfalls and recovering burn scars dotted with flowers. To Johnson Lake is 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of a little under 1500 feet.There are established campgrounds around the lake that the f...

Drive along the park road until the road loops back near the campground. Park in any available space. From here, the falls are a short, 200 yard walk down a paved trail. Be sure to wear slip resistant shoes that you don't mind getting wet.After photographing the falls, be sure to follow the trail (a former Forest Service road) for a mile or two to truly experience this subalpine park. If you're...