Flathead National Forest, Montana

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Flathead National Forest

  • Kalispell, Montana

    Notch Trail, Overlook Trail, and Plum Creek Road Loop

    3.85 mi / 801 ft gain
    Notch Trail, Overlook Trail, and Plum Creek Road Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Kalispell, Montana.
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  • Columbia Falls, Montana

    Canyon Creek Snowmobile Trail

    27.51 mi / 3856.3 ft gain
    Canyon Creek Snowmobile Trail: Montana's Winter Backcountry Epic The Canyon Creek Snowmobile Trail starting at Canyon Creek Road delivers a 27.5-mile round-trip winter adventure through some of northwest Montana's most spectacular terrain. This route winds through pristine alpine forests, climbs...
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  • Columbia Falls, Montana

    Apgar Lookout

    4.3
    7.23 mi / 1890 ft gain
    Precursor: I completed this hike in November, hence the snow in the photos. Due to a lack of tree coverage, this hike is best suited for a cool summer day, or in the late spring and early autumn. It is doable in the heat of the summer, but be sure to pack plenty of water. This hike begins by tre...
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  • Condon, Montana

    Climb Holland Peak

    11 mi / 5200 ft gain
    About 2 mi. south of Condon, MT, take Rumble Creek Road east to Cooney Lookout and park at the trailhead at 4550 ft. Follow the trail for about 1 mi. and after about 100 yards after the third bridge, look for a well worn trail heading up the hill side. Take this steep, hard-packed trail and follo...
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  • West Glacier, Montana

    Rocky Point Trail

    5.0
    2.04 mi / 197 ft gain
    From the trailhead, just past Fish Creek Campground on the North Fork Road, begin strolling along the trail towards Rocky Point. The trail meanders through some forest, and along a stream, and then eventually gets you some views of Lake McDonald. The trail is signed the whole way. Finish off your...
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  • Whitefish, Montana

    Lion Mountain Trail

    2.92 mi / 453 ft gain
    Lion Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Whitefish, Montana.
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  • West Glacier, Montana

    Rocky Point via Lake McDonald Trail

    5.0
    1.63 mi / 138 ft gain
    The Rocky Point Trail via Lake McDonald is a short, scenic hike in Glacier National Park that offers peaceful views of Lake McDonald, gentle terrain, and a quieter alternative to more heavily trafficked areas. Ideal for families and casual hikers, this easy trail winds through a fire-scarred lo...
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  • Glacier County, Montana

    Rockwell Falls Trail

    5.0
    6.7 mi / 545 ft gain
    Rockwell Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near East Glacier Park Village, Montana.
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  • Glacier County, Montana

    Two Medicine Lake

    5.0
    Two Medicine Lake sits in the southeastern part of Glacier NP away from the more popular Going-to-the-Sun Road. The 2-mile long lake has a 100 site campground that serves visitors on a first-come-first-serve basis; the campground opens mid-April and closes in November. From the main parking area...
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  • Glacier County, Montana

    Hike to Two Medicine Pass

    7.9 mi / 2350 ft gain
    Starting at the South Shore trailhead on Two Medicine Lake (parking available), you'll follow the lake through alternating forest and meadows and eventually cross a small suspension bridge.  Afterwards the trail forks. Take the "Two Medicine Pass" trail on the left rather than the Twin Falls/Upp...
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  • Glacier County, Montana

    Hike to Scenic Point in Glacier National Park

    5.0
    7.74 mi / 2205 ft gain
    Park at the trailhead and begin the hike. The trail starts out relatively flat until you reach a small waterfall. Then, hike up the switchbacks for about 4 miles while gaining around 2300 feet. From the top, you can see both Upper Two Medicine Lake and Two Medicine Lake. The views are stunning. ...
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  • East Glacier Park, Montana

    Dawson Pass

    5.0
    12.01 mi / 3123 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 ...
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  • 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...
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  • Glacier County, Montana

    Upper Two Medicine Lake

    5.0
    9.67 mi / 719 ft gain
    I did this trip during the end of autumn, and was pretty much the only person on the entire lake. With it being so serene and so quiet, I had the perfect nature getaway. I made sure to watch an epic sunrise on Two Medicine Lake, then spend the day taking my time to the upper lake and back, with a...
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  • Flathead County, Montana

    Snowshoe the North Fork Area of the Flathead River

    1.5 mi / 0 ft gain
    Starting in Columbia Falls, MT, which is 17 miles from Kalispell, MT, locate North Fork Road off of Railroad Street. Follow North Fork Road about 17 miles. While along the Flathead River, there are many Forest Service roads that are accessible to snowshoe along. There are roads that lead to the F...
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  • Glacier County, Montana

    Running Eagle Falls

    5.0
    0.68 mi / 33 ft gain
    Running Eagle Falls is located just 1.1 miles west from the Two Medicine entrance in Glacier National Park. The trailhead parking lot is just off the main road going to the lake– it is essentially impossible to miss. It mimics parking spots on the side of a city street. This hike is handicap ac...
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