Hiking around Flathead Lake

Welcome to Montana

Places to Hike

Go Hike With Mike Flathead Lake Trail Guide

by

We are proud to announce our newest website GoHikeWithMike.com along with the 150+ page Flathead Lake trail guide.

Flathead Lake HikingThe Go Hike with Mike Trail Guide contains most every trail head around Flathead Lake.  The guide includes trails as far north as Polebridge.

It also contains the Hungry Horse recreation area, the Swan Front and Swan Valley to the east.  To the north the guide contains trail head and campground information around Tally Lake.

The trail-guide contains detailed information about each trail.  Content comes from Fish Wildlife and Parks, as well as 20 years of hiking and walking in the woods.

Looking for a great trail in Flathead National Forest, Montana?   The Go Hike With Mike Trail-Guide contains most all of them in northwest Montana.  Trails include  trail running trails, mountain biking trails and just great hiking trails.

Ready for some hiking? There are 30 moderate trails in Flathead National Forest ranging from 1.8 to 23 miles and from 3,034 to 7,421 feet above sea level. Start checking them out and you’ll be out on the trail in no time!

Flathead Lake Trail Guide

It doesn’t matter if you are a novice hiker or you love a challenge: Jewel Basin has a hike for you. You’ll discover 15,349 acres of wilderness, 27 lakes and nearly 50 miles of hike-only trails.

The Jewel Basin is located just outside of Bigfork in the Flathead National Forest. To access the trailhead from Bigfork, take Hwy 35 north to Hwy 83.  Head east on Hwy 83 to the junction of the Echo Lake Road. Head north on Echo Lake Road about 3 miles to junction with the Jewel Basin Road (No. 5392).  Follow this road approx. 7 miles to the trailhead.

Get your  150+ page Flathead Lake trail guide. or visit the website: GoHikeWithMike.com

 

ESTES LAKE TRAIL #96

by

The Estes Lake trail is 1.5 miles long. It begins at the junction with Road #498 and ends at Estes Lake.

The trail starts out climbing slightly, goes over a knoll, and then descends, winding through the topography and between small wetlands; there is a small cedar grove near the lake. Estes Lake is a tannic lake bordered by lily pads and scattered with blue dragon flies (depending on the time of year).

The trail is open for Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) less than or equal to 50 inches wide, 2 wheeled vehicles, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.

Estes Lake trail directions, from Bigfork, go south on Highway 35 for 0.7 miles, turning left onto Hwy 209. Stay on 209 for 3 miles, turning right at the light onto South Ferndale Rd. After 2 miles, merge right.

Estes Lake trail

Mike has been up and down this trail many times.  It is a favorite for out of area friends and guests.  If you want to make it interesting you can begin the trail down and it breaks off to many different points.  The beauty is it is really hard to get lost.  If you Hike down you end at Flathead Lake, or Crane Mountain.  In either case civilization is just around the corner.

If you are hiking somewhere other then around Montana’s Flathead Lake be sure to check out the Top 100 Hiking Blogs from Feed Spot.

Holland Lake Campground

by

Holland LakeThe Holland Lake Campground is located seven miles south of Condon, Montana and 20 miles north of Seeley Lake, Montana off Montana Highway 83. From Highway 83 turn east on the Holland Lake Road and travel three and 1/2 miles east to the Y-intersection with the Owl Creek Loop Road. Follow Holland Lake Road to the left and the entrances to the group site and campground are a short distance down the road.

Restrictions: 16 day stay limit. Food storage required for human and stock food, garbage, and other attractants.  |  Closest Towns: Condon, MT – 9 miles.

Potable Water is available.  Restroom includes a flush toilet as well as a vault toilet

Passes: $30 season pass for day use is available through the concessionaire. This pass can be used at all campgrounds with day use fees on the Flathead National Forest under concession contract.  This campground is operated by Flathead Valley Campgrounds, Barta Enterprises, 406-646-1012

 Directions: From Highway 83 turn east onto Holland Lake Road #44 near mile marker 35. Follow this road about 3 miles. There are two loops, first the Bay Loop then the Larch Loop. The Campground host is located in the Larch Loop.

Activities include cabins and campground camping. There are 40 campsites, 50 foot maximum trailer length.

Holland Lake Trail Video

Hiking around Hungry Horse

by

When hiking around Hungry Horse you are in a Ranger District that is located near the western boundary of Glacier National Park and northeast of Flathead Lake. Get driving directions here.

The Hungry Horse Ranger District contains the Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir – a popular recreation site and important nesting habitat for bald eagles.

Hiking around Hungry Horse

The district also contains a portion of the Jewel Basin Hiking Area, the Middle and South Forks of the Flathead River, and the Great Bear Wilderness.

Baby Moose on the trail.

Hungry Horse Ranger Station is located 22 miles northeast of Kalispell, MT and 10 miles south of Glacier National Park. The telephone number is 406-387-3800 and they are located at 10 Hungry Horse Drive,  Hungry Horse, MT 59919.

A popular campground near Hungry Horse Reservoir is Murray Bay Campground. It is located high in the Rocky Mountains. Less than 30 miles from the Continental Divide, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Visitors can expect a variety of recreational activities, including, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, exploring and big game hunting. The campground is 22 miles south of Martin City on the east shore of Hungry Horse Reservoir. This campground has a 16 day stay limit. Please leash your pets at all times when visiting.

 

Phillips Trail #373

by

Hike Flathead LakeHike Flathead Lake on Phillips Trail #373. Phillips Trail #373 is 3.8 miles long and climbs about 600 feet; it intersects with Crane Mtn Road #498 and the Beardance Trail #76. This is one of three trails that climb up Crane Mountain. Access by car from Crane Mountain is available 4/1-11/30, otherwise hikers must access from the Flathead Lake side at the Beardance trailhead (4.4 miles up). The trail is open for the following uses: hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Hike Flathead Lake

Usage: Light
Closest Towns: Bigfork
Directions:
Crane Mtn Access: From Bigfork go south on Highway 35 for 0.7 miles, turning left onto Hwy 209. Stay on 209 for 3 miles, then turn right at the light onto South Ferndale Rd. After 2 miles merge right onto Crane Mountain Rd also called Forest Service Road #498. The trail is 3 miles up on the west side of the road.

Flathead Lake Access: From Bigfork follow Highway 35 south, past Woods Bay, to the Beardance Picnic Area south of mile marker 23. The trailhead is on the east side of the highway, across from the parking lot.  If you are planning on vacationing around Flathead Lake, consider Mike’s Flathead Lake Vacation Guide.

Length : 3.8 miles
Elevation : 3,440 feet – 4,039 feet

Flathead Lake Trail #77

by

Flathead Lake TrailThis short, family friendly 0.4 mile loop interpretive Flathead Lake trail. The short but steep distance down to excellent view of Flathead Lake and the western skyline. This trail was developed in partnership with the Bigfork High School.

If you have the opportunity to visit this trail during the month of May the may Flowers will be in full bloom.  The trail is a little steep going down.  However, it is very manageable for young and old alike.  The view from this Flathead Lake trail is exceptional.  At points on the trail you will see north into Woods Bay as well as east to Wildhorse Island.  Once at the bottom of this short trail be sure to refresh yourself with a plunge into the blue waters of Flathead Lake.

At a Glance
Usage: Light
Closest Towns: Bigfork
Water: No
Directions: To get to this trail head from Bigfork, go south on Highway 35 past Woods Bay, and turn right after mile marker 23, entering the Beardance trailhead parking. The trail goes downhill from both parking areas, creating a loop.

Location

Latitude : 47.95622819
Longitude : -114.0329612
Elevation : 3,071 feet – 3,071 feet

There is no camping at this trail head.  Camping is available in Wayfarers State Park about 10 miles to the north in Bigfork.

Beardance Trail

by

Flathead Lake Beardance TrailThe Flathead Lake Bear Dance Trail is 6.7 miles long and climbs about 2,200 feet. It begins off of Highway # 35 from the Beardance Trailhead and follows Forest Road #10222 and terminates at Crane Mountain Road #498.  The trail is open to: hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Usage: Heavy
Closest Towns: Bigfork
Directions: From Bigfork go south on Highway 35 past Woods Bay and turn right after mile marker 23, entering the Beardance trailhead parking. The trailhead is on the east side of the highway.
Season: These trails are typically snow free by April.
Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles are prohibited.

Area/Length : 6.7 miles
Latitude : 47.95678
Longitude : -114.03442
Elevation : 3,071 feet – 5,309 feet

Beardance Area: Trails #76, 373, and 314

Beardance TrailDirections: From Bigfork go south on Highway 35 past Woods Bay and turn right after mile marker 23, entering the Beardance trailhead parking. The trailhead is on the east side of the highway.

Flathead Lake Bear Dance Trail Description:

The Phillips Trail 373 leaves from the Beardance parking lot and climbs moderately, enjoy a nice viewpoint of Flathead Lake, then continues to climb through the trees and finally crosses two creeks and then descends to the road.

The Crane Mountain Trail 314 climbs up switchbacks in the shade of a dense forest and follows Crane Creek up to the junction with an old road. Once you reach the old road, the grade levels off for an easy hike to the upper trailhead.

Flathead Lake Bear Dance Trail 76 starts climbing up switchbacks then continue to climb up through a forested area to the trailhead on Crane Mountain Rd.

For a shorter family friendly hike, consider Flathead Lake Trail.

The Go Hike with Mike trail guide contains most every trail head in the Flathead and Kootenia Forest as well as the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness.  Click here to purchase your copy.

Hiking Equipment

by

Hiking equipment varies from trail to trail. You may not require walking poles on the Flathead Lake Trail, but may consider them for Phillips Trail. For your safety Mike recommends these items when hiking most all trails.

Hiking Equipment Essentials:
For just about anyone, hiking any trail Mike recommends this short list of 11 items:

  • Map : Know where you are hiking.
  • Compass : Again, know where you are.
  • GPS: Mike recommends GARMIN
  • Bear Spray
  • More food and water then you need.
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • First-aid kit
  • Fire starter with Matches
  • Knife
  • Sunglasses, sun cream and a sun hat
  • Spare warm clothing. Consider packing clothing you can layer.

Again, this a a basic list that Mike recommends. Additional gear is listed below.
Keep in mind you need to pack, carry everything you choose to have so choose wisely.

Hiking Equipment

  • Lip balm : to prevent your lips from chapping.
  • Spare batteries : in case your headlamp runs out of juice.
  • Water filtration Water bottle : this will be useful if you run out of water.
  • Shelter : this can be in the form of a tent, a bivy, a storm shelter or even just an emergency reflective blanket.
  • Sleeping bag : in case you get caught in low-light and need the camp the night out.
  • Whistle : Good way to get attention, can be life-saving if you get lost.
  • Bug Spray : very useful for when the critters come out to play.
  • Binoculars : you may be able to see an escape route that you can’t see with your naked eye.
  • Trekking poles : these can be used for stability while walking while also making great splints should there be any injuries.
  • Trash bag : remember : Leave No Trace!
  • Dry Bag: Keeps thing dry when all is wet.
  • Rain gear : you can never be too prepared for the rain.
  • Piece of cord/rope : you will undoubtedly find a use for this, whether it’s a new shoelace or tying your whole shoe back together.
  • Blister kit : this will be your best friend when those little blisters start to form.
  • Toilet paper : you never know.
    Itinerary of your hike : Leave one with a friend, and one in your car at the trail head.
  • Emergency contact info : have a piece of paper on you with this information, also any medications you may need to take.
  • Flare: Mike keeps a flare in his pack when hiking trails. The purpose of the flare is you can start a fire in rainy or snowy weather.

The key here is to bring what you may need and hope you don’t need it…

Enjoy the Trail.