Outbound Collective logo

Flathead County, Montana

Looking for the best backpacking in Flathead County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Flathead County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Flathead County

  • Browning, Montana

    Backpack to Poia Lake, Glacier NP

    12.8 mi / 1700 ft gain
    Located in Many Glacier, the Red Gap Pass trail begins at the Apikuni Falls Trailhead located east of the Many Glacier Lodge (if you're looking to check out the falls before your hike, check out Hike to Apikuni Falls at Glacier National Park). The trail starts at a gradual incline and continue th...
    Read more
  • Flathead County, Montana

    Camp Out at the Hornet Lookout

    1 mi / 800 ft gain
    Reservations for Hornet Lookout are obtained via Recreation.gov, and can be made up to six months in advance.  Consider a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle with some clearance if available, as the forest service roads aren't always well maintained. Although the hike is short, it is all switc...
    Read more
  • East Glacier Park, Montana

    Dawson Pass

    5.0
    12.01 mi / 2450 ft gain
    This is a somewhat strenuous but extremely rewarding hike in Glacier National Park. It is much less crowded than the more popular Logan Pass and High Line trails, and in my opinion, more rewarding. Dawson Pass is on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 7,598 feet. It sits between Mt. Helen ...
    Read more
  • Glacier County, Montana

    Pitamakan Pass

    15.36 mi / 3064 ft gain
    This gripping, 16 mile round trail reveals adventure at every turn. Nestled behind Pray Lake in Glacier National Park, the Pitamakan Pass hike will begin at the North Shore Trailhead. To access this trailhead, a fifteen dollar fee may be payed to cross Pray Lake by boat. If your pocket book is ru...
    Read more
  • Flathead County, Montana

    Kintla Lake Campground

    * The road to this trailhead/lake is closed during the winter.  Kintla Lake is one of the lesser explored lakes in Glacier National Park. Located on the west side of the park, it is accessible via an unpaved road from the Polebridge Ranger Station. From the Ranger Station, take a LEFT and contin...
    Read more
  • Flathead County, Montana

    Boulder Pass Trail: Kintla Lake to Boulder Pass

    35.06 mi / 5600 ft gain
    Glacier National Park is often touted as one of the best places in the whole USA when it comes to hiking and backpacking, natural scenery and wildlife encounters. With tons of trails to choose from (over 700 miles at last count), it can obviously be tough to decide where exactly you want to explo...
    Read more
  • Glacier County, Montana

    Triple Divide Pass Trail to Red Eagle Lake

    29.22 mi / 5499 ft gain
    A couple of notes to keep in mind before you start... this is a loop that takes you to a different part of the park so you will either need two vehicles (one for the pickup spot and one to take you to the trailhead) or you will need to hitchhike back to you drop off vehicle. Also you will need to...
    Read more
  • Browning, Montana

    Backpack the Continental Divide in Glacier NP

    4.0
    33.4 mi / 5257 ft gain
    Park your car at the Two Medicine North Shore Trailhead, and take a National Park Shuttle (if they are running during the season--they stop around Labor Day in September) or set up a private shuttle service to St. Mary and the Red Eagle Trailhead (only ~$10-20 bucks a person).The first day from t...
    Read more
  • Waterton, Alberta

    Backpack the Alderson-Carthew Trail

    5.0
    12.4 mi / 4101.1 ft gain
    Take the Akamina Parkway in Wateron Lakes National Park to its terminus at Cameron Lake. Your hike will start from here. If you’re through-hiking either drop another vehicle off at Cameron Falls in the town site, or be prepared to hitch a ride back to Cameron Lake, due to heavy traffic this is ...
    Read more
  • Waterton, Alberta

    Hike to Crypt Lake

    4.3
    10.8 mi / 2296.6 ft gain
    The hike begins with a gradual climb through shaded forest, which thins as you progress into the hanging valley. Along the way, you will pass by three amazing waterfalls: Twin Falls at 3.5km (2 mi), Burnt Rock Falls at 5.6km (3.5 mi) and the 600ft Crypt Falls at 8km (5 mi). There is also a 1km (0...
    Read more
  • Flathead National Forest, Montana

    Hike Montana's Swan Crest Trail

    47 mi
    Getting There: Coming from Seeley Lake, take the road towards Bigfork. Continue until you get to mile marker 27 and turn right into the Morrell/Clearwater turn off. Stay on the road most traveled until you dead end at the trail head roughly 7 miles up the road. Park here. The Trail: The trail ...
    Read more
  • Browning, Montana

    Backpack to Cosley Lake

    27.2 mi / 475 ft gain
    The hike goes through different wooded areas, open fields, and passes by the ranger's ranch. In no time, you will be able to see the aqua blue colors of Cosley Lake, as you approach the campground for the night.The campground has pit toilets and a bear bag hanging station, along with a cooking ar...
    Read more
  • Browning, Montana

    Backpack to the Foot of Glenns Lake

    20.6 mi / 950 ft gain
    Starting from the Chief Mountain Parking Area, take the trail to the left of the bathrooms at the end of the parking lot (left of the bathrooms if you are facing the bathrooms and the main road is to your right). You will quickly hike to a wooden kiosk. Read this kiosk for any pertinent informati...
    Read more