Montana

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...

Little Rock Creek is one of the Bitterroots' best kept secrets. In late spring, the glacier lilies are in full bloom, and sprinkle the valley floor. At that time of year, there may also be quite a bit of snow on the ground, which will require some bushwhacking to stay on the trail.Little Rock Cre...

Storm Castle (or Castle Mountain) is a rocky peak that rises to an elevation of 7,280 ft on the east side of the Gallatin Canyon overlooking Beckman Flats. The hike is a gorgeous 5 mile out and back trail located just 30 minutes south of Bozeman, Montana in the Gallatin Canyon. This trail offers ...

Starting from Logan's Pass, make your way along the boardwalk that leads to the Hidden Lake Overlook. Depending on the previous winter, there may be quite a bit of snow covering large portions of the boardwalk and trail that leads to Dragon's Tail, so it is suggested that you take any necessary p...

Swiftcurrent Lake is easily accessed along the shores of Many Glacier Hotel where ample parking is available. The Glacier Park Boat Company offers single and double kayak rentals onsite (pricing and dates of operations are available here: glacierparkboats.com) or you can bring your own.The calm ...

Lake McDonald doesn't offer the close-up views of glaciers and mountains like some of the other spots in Glacier NP, but it does offer sweeping views of park's west side. The most popular spot to photograph this grand perspective is along the southwest beach and dock.  The dock makes the most ...

The hike to Redrock Falls begins at the Swiftcurrent Pass Trailhead in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park.  The trailhead is located at the western end of the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot. From the trailhead, head straight toward Swiftcurrent Pass and Redrock Falls.  At approxi...

Hyalite peak is one of my favorite hikes. Named after the canyon it sits in Hyalite peak as 360 degree views, an offers and escape from the crowds of Hyalite Canyon due to the length of the hike. This 15 mile hike starts at the upper parking lot of hyalite canyon. The trail follows a river nearly...

The trail is accessible (though sometimes covered in snow) year-round because the trailhead lies in the lower elevation area of the park. It begins at the Sperry Trailhead, located directly across the street from the lake McDonald Lodge. Follow the Sperry Trail for 1.6 miles until you reach the M...

Once the Going-To-The-Sun Road has opened fully, this massive peak is accessible by driving to Siyeh Bend on the east side of the Logan Pass Visitors Center. Plan on a sun up to sun down adventure. Choose a sunny summer day and head up to hit the trail! Park at Siyeh Bend, and start on the Pie...

Also known as "The Beaten Path", the East Rosebud Trail is a highly traveled and well maintained trail with amazing views and a handful of lakes along the route. The trail is ultimately 26 miles long and places you near Cooke City. Rainbow Lake is located 7 miles from the trailhead and is a perfe...

Walking in either direction, the trail is easy to follow. If you take the loop counter-clockwise, you will reach the Grinnell Glacier parking area in just over a half mile (which is an alternate starting point for this trail). Follow the signs and continue left to rejoin the trail. About a mile l...

The 6 mile round trip to Lava Lake is a steady climb that runs beside Cascade Creek through the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The trail starts at the Gallatin River and continues upward through dense evergreen forest. There are no confusing intersections but is quite rocky and considered to be moderate...

Flathead Lake is huge, and gorgeous. It's the biggest lake in Montana and certainly one worth spending some time on. The water is surprisingly warm, and the views are amazing. If you are passing through the area, find a place to rent some paddleboards and hit the water around golden hour in the e...

The Golden Trout lakes offer a scenic getaway just out of the Gallatin Valley Canyon. To access the trail head, turn east onto Portal Creek Road #984 and continue southeast for 6.8 miles. The road is in rough condition and is better suited for vehicles with a higher clearance. The trail head is e...

One of the more popular spots to photograph this lake is from the Wild Goose Island pullout. However, I prefer to get off the beaten path a little bit and avoid the crowds. The pin on the map will take you to the next pullout just east of Wild Goose Island, but before you get to Rising Sun campgr...