Essex

The Izaak Walton Inn was established in 1939 to accommodate workers and visitors from the rapid expansion of the Great Northern Railway. Conveniently built near Highway two, it is a short drive from both the West Glacier and East Glacier Entrances. If driving from West Glacier, continue on Highway 2 for about 25 miles and look for the Izaak Walton Inn sign (it will be easy to spot). Take a righ...

*Parking for this hike is very limited, as the parking area can hold one, maybe two, vehicles.  This 5.2 mile roundtrip hike begins near Essex, Montana, at 4,620 feet of elevation, and leads to a small, hidden lake nestled in the Great Bear Wilderness. Immediately after leaving the parking area, you will need to cross Dickey Creek. If you walk upstream 20 yards, there is a log lying across the ...

Devil Creek to Elk Lake is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Essex, Montana.

Fielding Coal Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Essex, Montana.

From Columbia Falls, head East on U.S. Highway 2 past the town of Hungry Horse and turn right to Martin City. Keep driving along the East side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir until the pavement ends (roughly 2miles), then continue 13 more miles until a sign for “Spotted Bear 39” and “Firefighter L.O. 4” appear. You will then make a sharp left turn and continue a half-mile to the trailhead at the ...

To get to this swimming hole you drive south from Hungry Horse on the West Side Road (Forest Road 895) 33.6 miles to the Graves Creek Campground. Park in the small parking lot with the bear box and outhouse, opposite the campground closer to the lake. Follow the path as it leads you past the cascades and down to the lake. The turquoise swimming hole will be to your right once you reach the lake...

Graves Creek Falls are a series of pleasant waterfalls viewable without much effort. To get here From Hungry Horse drive south on the West Side Road (Forest Road 895) 33.6 miles to the Graves Creek Campground. From here turn right into the campground, park and take a short walk of a couple hundred feet to the first water fall. The creek in this area is fun of brook trout, so make sure to stay a...

Aeneas Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Kalispell, Montana.

Loneman Lookout Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near West Glacier, Montana.