Blaine Mountain via Doris Creek Trail

This challenging hike to Blaine Mountain passes by the beautiful Jenny Lake and provides panoramic views of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. Perfect for experienced hikers seeking both physical challenge and mental clarity in Montana's wilderness.

Trail Stats:

• Difficulty: Hard
• Distance: 7.3 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 2350 feet
• Time: Half-day to full-day hike
• Best For: Challenging hiking, alpine lake swimming, backcountry camping
• Note: Sometimes this mountain is misspelled as Mount Blane or Blane Mountain

Getting to the Trailhead

To reach the trailhead for this hike, plan for about an hour's drive from Kalispell, Montana. You'll drive around Hungry Horse Reservoir on the West Side Road, then turn onto Doris Creek Road.

Important: Do NOT confuse this with the nearby Doris Ridge Road. Once on Doris Creek Road, it's about a 3.7-mile drive to the parking area.

Trail Description: To Jenny Lake

From the parking area, you'll see a well-maintained ATV trail—this marks the beginning of your hike to Jenny Lake. The trail maintains a medium grade throughout most of the journey, making it a steady cardiovascular workout.

About a half-mile before reaching Jenny Lake, the trail becomes significantly steeper. Push through this challenging section, and you'll be rewarded with a stunning alpine lake nestled in the mountains.

Summit Route: Blaine Mountain (Optional)

Once at Jenny Lake, you can turn back or continue to the summit of Blaine Mountain for breathtaking views of the Flathead Valley. Note: There is no defined trail to the summit.

Recommended Route:

• Skirt around the north end of the lake by bushwhacking through trees
• Reach the rocky area on the opposite side
• Scramble up steep scree and rock plates (use vegetation for handholds)

Safety Warning: This section is very steep. Take extreme care—it's easy to slide backward on the descent. Consider descending via the north ridge for a less steep (but longer) route with more bushwhacking.

Mental Health & Wellness Benefits

The Blaine Mountain hike offers more than just physical challenge—it's a powerful tool for mental wellness and stress relief.

Why This Trail Is Great for Your Mental Health:

Stress Relief & Anxiety Reduction Research shows that challenging hikes in nature can reduce cortisol (your body's stress hormone) significantly. The combination of:

• Sustained physical exertion (natural mood booster)
• Complete wilderness immersion (digital detox)
• Alpine lake scenery (proven to lower anxiety)
• Sense of accomplishment (confidence building)

makes this trail excellent for those seeking stress relief through outdoor adventure.

Better Sleep & Mood The demanding physical nature of this hike, combined with hours of natural sunlight exposure, significantly improves sleep quality and mood. The alpine environment and challenging scramble provide a full mind-body reset.

Nature Therapy at Its Best This remote trail offers true forest bathing and nature therapy benefits. With minimal crowds and pristine wilderness, you'll experience the mental clarity that comes from complete disconnection and physical challenge.

Wellness Tip: Take time at Jenny Lake to practice mindfulness—the alpine setting is perfect for meditation and reflection before your descent.

At Jenny Lake: Swimming & Fishing

Once back at the lake, take a refreshing dip—the cold alpine water feels incredible after the strenuous climb. The lake is also fishable if you bring a pole!

Lake Activities:

• Alpine swimming (cold but refreshing)
• Fishing (bring your pole)
• Lakeside camping (nearby areas available)
• Photography opportunities

Trail Tips

Start early for the best lighting and to avoid afternoon weather
Bring plenty of water—this is a challenging, exposed hike
Pack layers—alpine weather changes quickly
Fishing gear optional if you want to try Jenny Lake
Consider camping to extend your wilderness experience
Download offline maps—cell service is limited

Nearby Trails: Flathead Lookout, Mount Aeneas

Why Choose This Hike?

If you're seeking a challenging outdoor workout with significant mental health benefits, the Blaine Mountain trail delivers. This hike combines:

• Sustained cardiovascular exercise
• Technical scrambling challenge
• Alpine lake swimming
• Panoramic mountain views
• True wilderness solitude
• Natural stress relief

Whether you're training for bigger peaks or seeking nature therapy through challenging hiking, Blaine Mountain (Mount Blane) offers an authentic Montana backcountry experience.