Hiking around Flathead Lake

Welcome to Montana

montana

Enjoy a Short Video from a recent Montana hike

Hiking in Montana

First of all, BRING BEAR SPRAY.  There are limitless hiking, and there are black and grizzly bears in Northwest Montana.  Be Bear Aware, and have fun.  Hiking is a great way to explore the Montana while experiencing nature and wildlife. Each trail offers an adventure into the vast openness of Montana. From scenic day hikes in Glacier National Park to multi-day wilderness excursions in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Hiking Flathead Lake

If you are near Bigfork, Wayfares State Park is a good place to stop and camp.  Not worry,, if you are on the opposite side of the Lake, in Lakeside the trails are all but endless.  Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort, just outside of Lakeside is the best hiking opportunity.  The south side of Flathead Lake, near Polson provides limited hiking.  If you continue to travel south into the Mission Valley hiking trails are available for you to enjoy.

In addition to hiking trails, there are ample campgrounds, both public and private around the Flathead Lake.

Bears start emerging from dens in March, and some don’t den until late fall or early winter. Mountain bikers, trail runners, and other recreationists take note and read our brochure on fast-paced recreation in bear country! When you are on the trails, expect bears to be present.

Some Hikes to Enjoy around Flathead Lake Include:

 

Enjoy a Short Video from a recent Montana hike

Hiking in Montana

First of all, There truly is almost limitless hiking around Northwest Montana. Hiking is a great way to explore the state while experiencing nature and wildlife. Each trail offers an adventure into the vast openness of Montana. From scenic day hikes in Glacier National Park to multi-day wilderness excursions in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Hiking Flathead Lake

For instance, depending on your location there are ample hikes to do and trails to wander. If you are near Bigfork, Wayfares State Park is a good place to stop and camp.  Not worry,, if you are on the opposite side of the Lake, in Lakeside the trails are all but endless.  Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort, just outside of Lakeside is the best hiking opportunity.  The south side of Flathead Lake, near Polson provides limited hiking.  If you continue to travel south into the Mission Valley hiking trails are available for you to enjoy.

In addition to hiking trails, there are ample campgrounds, both public and private around the Flathead Lake.

Some Hikes to Enjoy around Flathead Lake Include:

No matter which side of Flathead Lake you are on. Above all, enjoy your Montana vacation.

Enjoy a Short Video from a recent Montana hike

Hiking in Montana

First of all, There truly is almost limitless hiking around Flathead Lake. Hiking is a great way to explore the state while experiencing nature and wildlife. Each trail offers an adventure into the vast openness of Montana. From scenic day hikes in Glacier National Park to multi-day wilderness excursions in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Hiking Flathead Lake

For instance, depending on your location there are ample hikes to do and trails to wander. If you are near Bigfork, Wayfares State Park is a good place to stop and camp.  Not worry,, if you are on the opposite side of the Lake, in Lakeside the trails are all but endless.  Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort, just outside of Lakeside is the best hiking opportunity.  The south side of Flathead Lake, near Polson provides limited hiking.  If you continue to travel south into the Mission Valley hiking trails are available for you to enjoy.

In addition to hiking trails, there are ample campgrounds, both public and private around the Flathead Lake.

Some Hikes to Enjoy around Flathead Lake Include:

No matter which side of Flathead Lake you are on. Above all, enjoy your Montana vacation.

Hiking around Flathead Lake

Hiking around Flathead LakeThere are many quality hiking very close to Montana’s Flathead Lake.  The views from these hikes around Flathead Lake are both beautiful and vast.  Hiking is a great way to explore the area while experiencing nature and wildlife. We have created a list of trails you may enjoy.  The list of trails when hiking Flathead Lake can be found below.

Each trail offers an adventure into the vast openness of untouched country and environment.

First things first, when hiking around Flathead lake you should be sure to carry bear spray.  Be sure to carry it with your finger in the hole, and your thumb on the safety.  Really, be safe, carry bear spray.  With that said there are ample hiking opportunities around Flathead Lake.

Get your  150+ page Flathead Lake Trail Guide.

Hiking Trail: Crane Mountain Trail #314

Of the three trails on this page, this trail is best if you are looking for aerial views of Flathead Lake. The Crane Mountain trail is 2.1 miles long (total of 3.5 miles from trailhead) and climbs about 330 feet. It begins at the junction with the Beardance Trail #76 and ends at the junction with Road #10218 near Crane Mtn Rd. From the Beardance trailhead this is one of three trails that climb up Crane Mountain. This lesser known trail starts winding up a few switchbacks through a larch/pine forest with thick undergrowth. It then straightens out and parallels Crane Creek to an old road bed. Turning left, follow the level road out to the upper trailhead. The trail is open for the following uses: hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

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

Hiking Trail: Noisy Creek Trail #8

The Noisy Creek trail is 1.9 miles long and climbs 850 feet. It begins at the end of Jewel Basin Road #5392 and ends at the junction with Alpine Trail #7. This is one of many accesses to the Jewel Basin Hiking Area. The trail is open primarily for the following uses: Hiking. Other uses are allowed, but not recommended, up to the Hiking Area boundary.

From Bigfork, go north on Highway 35 for 2.3 miles and turn right onto Hwy 83. Stay on Hwy. 83 for 2.8 miles and turn left onto Echo Lake Road. After 2.2 miles, turn slightly right onto the Foothills Road. After 1.1 miles, turn right onto Rd. # 5392, following the Jewel Basin Road signs. The trailhead is 6.6 miles at the end of the road. Trail #8 starts at parking lot see information boards to make sure you are starting on the right trail as there are several that leave the parking lot.

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.

Hiking Trail: Crater Notch Trail #187

The Crater Notch Trail is 3.7 miles long and climbs about 3,000 feet. It begins 1/2 mile up the Echo-Brokenleg Trail #544 and ends at the Alpine Trail #7 leading to In-thlam-keh Lake. The trail is open for the following uses for the first 2.7 miles: hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. After 3.5 miles the trail enters the Jewel Basin Hiking Area where the only allowed use is hiking. Please respect these guidelines.

From Bigfork, go north on Highway 35 for 2.3 miles and turn right onto Hwy. 83. Stay on 83 for 2.8 miles, turning left onto Echo Lake Rd. After 2.2 miles, merge slightly right onto the Foothills Road. After 1.1 miles turn right onto Road #5392 also called Jewel Basin Rd. The trailhead is about two miles up the road on the right.

FLATHEAD LAKE TRAIL GUIDE

Hiking in MontanaThe 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.  Click here to purchase your copy.

 

 

Visiting Montana

Visiting MontanaVisiting Montana. We provide information and content for folks who are visiting Montana. Thank you for visiting our site. Many years back the Flathead Lake Vacation Guide was written to provide tourist with the information they needed while visiting Montana.

This Vacation Guide contains most every public access point around The Lake.  Public and private fishing and camping areas.  So if you are looking for public or private campgrounds around our Lake, this vacation guide has the information you will need to plan your Montana vacation. See what is included, and Read the booklet Table of Contents.

Since that time we have created many websites and informational guides to assist visitors on what to see, and what to do.

Visit Montana’s Flathead Lake Website to purchase your guide today. montanasflatheadlake.com . Montana’s Flathead Lake Vacations are better with our downloadable guide. The guide includes restaurants, hotels, motels, vacation rentals, boat rentals, water craft rentals as well as public and private campgrounds. It is the most complete vacation information about Flathead Lake. Purchase your copy today!

At $4.99 the Booklet costs less then a Subway® sandwich you can buy in Bigfork or Polson. So this will insure you have the information you need to have a Great Montana Lake Vacation. Purchase your booklet using our Pay-Pal option knowing your information is safe and secure and we will see you on the Lake!

For easy download, the vacation guide booklet  is available for your tablet or smart phone.  So spend less time wondering what to do and more time doing it!

Here is a list of some topics covered in the Flathead Lake Vacation Guide.

Visiting Montana, THE FLATHEAD LAKE VACATION GUIDE

Finally if you have any questions about The Vacation Guide Booklet, including advertising options and affiliate programs send us an email to : vacation@MontanasFlatheadLake.com

Flathead Lake Montana

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States.  Lying in the Flathead Valley of Northwest Montana, the lake is more then 300 feet deep and extends north and south some 28 miles and is seven to 15 miles wide.

As you drive and drive on the roads that hug Flathead Lake’s shoreline, (US Highway 93 on the west and Montana Route 35 on the east) it’s hard to believe manmade dams that are so common in the Pacific Northwest didn’t create it. Rather, the lake is a fortuitous product of the activity of ice-age glaciers, and is fed by the Swan and Flathead Rivers.

All manner of water sports are enjoyed upon its 200 square miles of surface. Several state parks and lakeshore communities have boat launches and marinas on the Lake.

Flathead LakeYou can avail yourself of a boat tour or rent one of the many types of watercraft including canoes, kayaks, windsurfers, hydro bikes, sailing and fishing boats. Serious anglers can arm themselves with heavy-duty equipment and probe the 300-foot deep Flathead Lake for trophy Mackinaw. Lake trout, salmon, perch, pike, bass, and whitefish are found in the Flathead area’s many lakes.

Locals know summer has arrived when a steady stream of traffic starts to build on the secondary roads. So in peak season expect to share your enjoyment of the Flathead Valley with many others, although the mountains still offer room to get-away if you are willing to exert yourself.

Get your copy today.

Hiking in Montana Videos

Hiking in Montana.  Enjoy some videos from Mike’s Hikes around northwest Montana.  There are unlimited hiking options available to you. If you are looking for more vacationing information and less hiking information try the Montana’s Flathead Lake Vacation Guide. If your still reading I will assume you are interested in our trail guide, or maybe to enjoy some video clips.  Be sure to subscribe to Mike’s YouTube channel.

Hiking in Montana

The Mission Mountain Wilderness

Hiking in Montana

Mike receives countless inquires about good trails and camping spots around Flathead Lake.  There is clearly a need for more detailed information about hiking around Flathead Lake.  This website and trail guide are the trails Mike would like to recommend to you during your visit to northwest Montana.

Hiking Flathead LakeThe trail guide is focused on trails, camping and being in the woods.  Mike’s Flathead Lake Trail Guide breaks the area in five easy to use sections.  North of Flathead lake, including The Talley Lake area and due north to Polebridge. East of Flathead Lake, including the Swan Front, Swan Valley, and on into the Hungry Horse recreation area.  The guide contains most every trail Mike has hiked in the last 20 years or plans to hike in the next 20 years.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY.

Don’t need the hiking guide, just some basic trail information, do not fret.  Mike has included some beginner to medium hikes on this website.  Depending on were you as staying there is most likely a trail head near you. Thanks for visiting, hope to see you on the trail.

Hiking Videos Montana

Hiking Videos Montana:

Hiking Videos MontanaHiking in Montana is a great way to explore the state while experiencing nature and wildlife. Mike has taken some videos of day hikes.  He thought you might enjoy watching them. Each trail offers an adventure into the vast openness of Montana. From scenic day hikes in Glacier National Park to multi-day wilderness excursions in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your backpack and find a trail that’s right for you.

See you on the trail.

Thank you for viewing our hiking videos Montana.  Mike hopes you enjoyed them.

If you are looking for a good trail that is easy to get to and find, consider Bear Dance Trail. The 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.

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.  Click here to purchase your copy.