Trails

Tally Lake Overlook Trail #804

The Tally Lake Overlook Trail is 3.0 miles long and is located within the Tally Lake Campground. This non-motorized trail offers a spectacular view of Tally Lake from the summit rock located above the campground.

Closest Towns: Whitefish, MT
Operated By: Forest Service

General Information
Directions: From Whitefish take Hwy 93 west 10 miles, turn onto Farm-to-Market Rd go 1.5 miles, turn onto the Star Meadow Road go 9 miles, turn onto FS Rd #913 go approximately 3.25 miles. Look for the campground entrance sign.

Activities: Bicycling, Hiking and Day Hiking

Tally Lake Overlook Trail

Elk Ridge Trail #301

The Elk Ridge trail, also known as Mollman Lakes trail, is 10.5 miles long and climbs about 3,100 feet. This trail has two trailheads, one off of Forest Service Rd #903 and one off of Forest Service Rd #9591 which is open from 12/1-10/14. This upper trail head cuts about 0.2 miles off of the route.

Hiking in Montana

The trail follows closed roads for 2.7 miles before turning into the woods. This trail leads up a closed road bed (#10291), the trail turns right at a T intersection in a large grassy area where two roads meet. After turning right the trail leaves the old road to the left less than 1/10 of a mile after the intersection. This trail is not regularly maintained past 5.4 miles, please be sure you are comfortable traveling cross country and have a map and compass if you continue past this point.

Click Here for the NFS Trail Map and Directions

Mountain biking is not allowed in the wilderness. Biking is allowed to the wilderness boundary approximately 4 miles from the lower trailhead. This is a gentle bike ride on old forest roads.

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Cedar Lake Trail #738.

Cedar Lake Trail

The Cedar Lake Trail is 7.9 miles long. It begins at end of Road #10381 (seasonally open from 6/15-3/31) and ends at the junction with the Piper Creek trail #119 which continues to Piper Lake.

The whole trail from portal to portal is 13 miles and climbs up to 6880 feet in elevation. Most of this trail is in Wilderness and so is open for the following uses: hiking and horseback riding.

Cedar Lake Trail

Click Here for Flathead National Forest Trail Map and Directions

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Cedar Lake Trail in Montana is a scenic and challenging hiking route located in the Mission Mountains Wilderness near Polson. This 7.9-mile trail leads hikers through dense pine forests, past unnamed lakes, and up switchbacks before reaching Cedar Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by rugged terrain.

The trail gains 1,910 feet in elevation, making it a moderately difficult hike, and is known for its wildflowers, wildlife, and breathtaking views. Hikers should be prepared for grizzly and black bear territory, so carrying bear spray is highly recommended.

Cedar Lake Trail near Bigfork, Montana, is a challenging yet rewarding hike in the Mission Mountains Wilderness. This 7.9-mile out-and-back trail features 1,910 feet of elevation gain and takes around 4 to 6 hours to complete.

The trail begins at the end of Forest Service Road #10381, which is seasonally open from June 15 to March 31. The route winds through dense pine forests, past unnamed lakes, and up steep switchbacks before reaching Cedar Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by rugged terrain.

Hikers should be prepared for grizzly and black bear territory, so carrying bear spray is highly recommended. The trail is known for its wildflowers, wildlife, and breathtaking views, but it can be overgrown in some sections.

Trails around Flathead Lake.

Trails around Flathead Lake. There are many trails around Flathead lake. Here are four trails that are easily accessible. The Flathead Lake Trail is by far the easiest hike. It is a short half mile loop interpretive trail hike. 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.

Directions: 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.

If you are looking for something a bit more difficult, cross the road to the Bear Dance Trail. The Bear Dance trail and the Flathead Lake Trail share the same parking lot.

BEARDANCE TRAIL #76

The Beardance 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. This trail has been re-routed in the last year and no longer follows the old Forest Service Road #9755. 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.
Regulations: Hiking, horse riding and mountain biking are allowed on these trails. 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

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.

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.

The Beardance Trail 76 starts climbing up switchbacks then continue to climb up through a forested area to the trailhead on Crane Mountain Rd.

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