Trail of the Week

Climbing into the eastern edge of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, the trail to Sheafman Canyon is a tough hike to a pair of idyllic alpine lakes. Once you’ve made it up the rugged road to the trailhead, you’ll gain elevation steadily until you pop out on the shores of sparkling Garrard Lake. Stop here to soak it in, or keep going to Knaack Lake, which is tucked into a towering cirque underneath...

The breathtaking views from Greathouse Peak, the highest point of the Big Snowy Mountains, is well worth a journey to central Montana. Starting from the Uhlhorn Trailhead at the bottom of Half Moon Canyon, you’ll weave back and forth across Half Moon Creek before breaking out into a lovely open meadow. Enjoy a snack and some wide-open views before climbing steeply to Half Moon Pass, an open and gr...

East of Missoula, the Whitaker Bridge Rail Trail is an easy stroll along the Blackfoot River. The well-packed gravel trail follows an old railroad grade, passing under ponderosa pines and cliffs cut by both the river and the railroad. After half a mile, a series of gravel bars and shallow bends in the river provide a great place to spend a lazy afternoon. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the sunshin...

The Tahepia Lake Trail, in the East Pioneer Mountains, is a great way to get a taste of this rugged and spectacular range. From the trailhead, you’ll follow Jacobsen Creek, alternating between flat sections and short climbs through deep forest. Wildflowers bloom throughout the summer, adding splashes of color to the side of the trail. The trail emerges into lovely meadows near the lake, providing...

If you’re looking for a quick and accessible stroll outside Whitefish, the Swift Creek Loop Trail might be just the ticket. Part of the impressive Whitefish Trail system, this flat 1.3-mile loop passes through a lush forest and provides plenty of chances to admire the crystal clear Swift Creek. If you’re feeling brave, you can even try taking a dip! The well-maintained trail surface is perfect for...

If you’re looking for a quick and accessible stroll outside Whitefish, the Swift Creek Loop Trail might be just the ticket. Part of the impressive Whitefish Trail system, this flat 1.3-mile loop passes through a lush forest and provides plenty of chances to admire the crystal clear Swift Creek. If you’re feeling brave, you can even try taking a dip! The well-maintained trail surface is perfect for...

Above the Flathead Valley east of Kalispell, hiking to Strawberry Lake is a lovely way to spend a summer morning or afternoon. The trail switchbacks gently through hemlock, fir, and spruce forests for several miles before opening up to broad views of the Flathead Valley as it nears the lake. The final approach to the lake is mostly flat, and you’re greeted by a small sandy beach that makes for a g...

The hike to St. Mary’s Peak, outside of Stevensville, is guaranteed to provide stunning views and plenty of alpine scenery. You’ll begin by climbing steadily through fir and lodgepole pine forest, before following a broad ridge for about a mile. As you climb toward the summit, you’ll pass through windswept alpine terrain that offers tremendous views into the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. At the to...

Pine Creek Lake might be one of the most popular destinations in the Paradise Valley, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. The trail starts off by gently following Pine Creek, and before long it brings you to a spectacular waterfall that tumbles down from the lake above. From here, things get steeper as the trail switchbacks through the woods up to Pine Creek Lake. This spectacular gem is...

If you’ve always wanted to take a boat to the trailhead, the Meriwether Canyon Trail is for you. Beginning on the banks of the Missouri River east of Helena, this moderately difficult trail switchbacks into the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness, made famous by the breathless descriptions of Meriwether Lewis. After a long climb, the trail flattens out and opens up to great views of Sacagawea Mounta...

If you’re looking for an alpine adventure close to Missoula, the hike up Lolo Peak will fit the bill. It starts off by switchbacking through dense lodgepole pine forest for several miles, before transitioning into stands of western larch. Eventually, the canopy opens up enough to provide expansive views over the Missoula Valley and into the Bitterroot Mountains. You can turn around here or, if you...

North of Butte, the Haystack Mountain Trail is a shady summer hike perfect for a half-day adventure. The trail leads to the former site of an old lookout tower, and while the tower might be gone, the views from the summit are still spectacular: you can gaze out over the Boulder River Valley, Elk Park, and broad areas of the Continental Divide. The trail itself is narrow, forested, and intersected...

The breathtaking views from Greathouse Peak, the highest point of the Big Snowy Mountains, is well worth a journey to central Montana. Starting from the Uhlhorn Trailhead at the bottom of Half Moon Canyon, you’ll weave back and forth across Half Moon Creek before breaking out into a lovely open meadow. Enjoy a snack and some wide-open views before climbing steeply to Half Moon Pass, an open and gr...

If you're looking for a summer adventure, try out this loop hike around Edith Lake and Mount Baldy in central Montana's Big Belt Mountains! Photo by Julie Vollertsen

In the Big Snowy Mountains south of Lewistown, the Crystal Cascades Trail leads you to a cascading waterfall. Starting at the Ice Caves Trailhead, the trail climbs and descends through old growth forest, crossing several small creeks along the way. The final ascent to the falls is steep but short, and your excitement will build as you hear the waterfall before you see it. Take care not to slip on...

Right now, Montana's highest peaks are still covered in snow, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to get up high. Cyclone Lookout in the Whitefish Range, just west of Glacier National Park, is always one of the earlier lookouts to melt out. From the top, enjoy views across the North Fork valley to the full panorama of Glacier's still-snowy peaks. Photo by Debo Powers

South of Red Lodge, the Bear Track Trail is a steep and steady climb to the rugged and windswept Silver Run Plateau near the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The initial climb is steep, but the plateau itself is largely flat, so you can catch your breath and rest your tired legs. When you’ve reached the top, you can turn around for a 10-mile day hike or keep hiking into the Wilderness if...

The Pryor Mountains - not far from Billings - are home to Montana's only true desert, yet also home to a stunning array of plants and animals. Upper Layout Creek is a short hike to a year-round spring surrounded by a giant mound of green moss and lush tree cover, making for a surprising oasis in this generally dry range. Photo by Dick Walton

Located in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Two Eagles Interpretive Trail is a short, flat, and paved path that winds past thousands of years of history. The trail passes by over 140 stone tipi rings, which Apsaalooke people used to hold down the edges of their tipis when camped in the area. Using radiocarbon dating, archaeologists have determined that the oldest of these rings dat...

As one of the easiest and most spectacular hikes in the Whitefish Range, the trip to Thoma Lookout is a can’t-miss summer adventure. You’ll start off by hiking alongside a beautiful mossy creek while a dense spruce forest provides some much-needed shade. After a few miles, you’ll pop out of the trees to jaw-dropping views of the northern Whitefish Range and the towering peaks of Glacier National P...

In the Little Belt Mountains south of Great Falls, the South Fork Hoover Creek Loop is a tough and rewarding day hike through old growth forest. To complete the loop, you’ll actually follow the south, middle, and north forks of Hoover Creek, passing through stands of aspen, thimbleberry patches, lodgepole pine, and open grassland. Eventually, you’ll reach Pioneer Ridge, where you can enjoy views o...

Northeast of Lima, the Snowcrest Mountains are one of southwest Montana’s lesser-known treasures. The Snowcrest Loop is a long 22-mile day or a moderate overnight trip that follows lush creeks, climbs through rarely-traveled canyons, and offers nearly 10 miles of gorgeous ridge walking. Photo by Zack Porter

The Nevada Creek Trail to Nevada Mountain outside Lincoln takes you right down the mighty spine of North America: the Continental Divide. Photo by Sally Kelsey

South of Great Falls and northeast of Helena, the hike from Monument Ridge to Deep Creek takes you past wildflowers, flowing streams, huckleberries, and a historic fire lookout. Photo by Randy Gray

Deep in the Pryor Mountains south of Billings, Lostwater Canyon is a spectacular adventure packed with rugged limestone cliffs and dramatic views from the canyon rim. There isn’t much of a trail to follow, but sticking close to the rim will ensure that you stay on course.. You can enjoy numerous jaw-dropping views across the densely forested canyon bottom stretching out beneath you. Photo by Dick...