Essex, Montana
Top Spots in and near Essex
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West Glacier, Montana
Granite Park Chalet via Highline Trail
4.511.49 mi / 1950 ft gainThe trailhead for the Highline Trail is located near the west side of Logan's Pass. Parking is limited at the Pass so arriving early to guarantee a spot, or taking a park shuttle (no fee) is suggested. The shuttles run consistently during the day at different locations throughout the Park. Howeve...Read more -
48.696704,-113.718345
Grinnell Glacier Overlook via Highline Trail
4.015.23 mi / 1000 ft gainThere are two ways to get to this trail. Preferred route: Start the Highline Trail at Logan Pass. Hike 7.5 miles on a pleasantly gradual trail to get to the overlook trail. Alternate route: You can instead start at The Loop (shuttle stop), hike up to the Granite Park Chalet, and then hike an addi...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Trail of the Cedars
5.00.88 mi / 121 ft gainTrail of the Cedars Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Lake Mc Donald, Montana.Read more -
Browning, Montana
Hike Mount Siyeh
5.08.45 mi / 4209 ft gainOnce 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...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars
4.95.91 mi / 730 ft gainThis very scenic Glacier National Park hike off of Going-to-the-Sun road is 4.5 miles with a total elevation gain of 730 feet. The hike to Avalanche Lake begins from the Trail of the Cedars trailhead. Be prepared for a lot of incline. Approximately one half mile from the trailhead you’ll reach...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Climb Pollock Mountain and Bishop's Cap
8 mi / 4300 ft gainStarting at Logan Pass, drive 0.8 mi. east to Lunch Creek parking area. Parking during the summer at Glacier National Park is often difficult. Plan on arriving at the parking lot before 8 am to guarantee a parking spot. From Lunch Creek, follow the well established trail north until cliffs are re...Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Snowshoe the North Fork Area of the Flathead River
1.5 mi / 0 ft gainStarting in Columbia Falls, MT, which is 17 miles from Kalispell, MT, locate North Fork Road off of Railroad Street. Follow North Fork Road about 17 miles. While along the Flathead River, there are many Forest Service roads that are accessible to snowshoe along. There are roads that lead to the F...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Hike to Howe Lake
4 mi / 240 ft gainThe hike begins along the Inner North Fork road across from a small parking area. The trail meanders up a slight incline most of the way through areas of a recent fire, as well as some areas with spectacular wildflowers when it gets a bit more lush. Around 1.7 miles in you will go up a relatively...Read more -
Somers, Montana
Paddle North Flathead Lake
5.0Flathead 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...Read more -
Somers, Montana
Kayak to Pig Island
Drive to the North Flathead Launch in Somers, MT (15 miles south of Kalispell). Launch the kayaks and head south towards the yacht club. Once past the yacht club, paddle eastward, you should come upon a wooden shack, a number of wooden poles, and an island. Continue eastward past these various fe...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Backpack the Continental Divide in Glacier NP
4.033.4 mi / 5257 ft gainPark your car at the Two Medicine North Shore Trailhead, and take a National Park Shuttle (if they are running during the season--they stop around Labor Day in September) or set up a private shuttle service to St. Mary and the Red Eagle Trailhead (only ~$10-20 bucks a person).The first day from t...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Waterton Lakes via Packers Roost
5.022.15 mi / 4596 ft gainDay 1: This gorgeous backpacking adventure begins at the Packer's Roost trailhead, which is almost halfway between West and East Glacier on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This trailhead is marked on the highway before you get to the "Loop." It's a quick left turn so keep your eyes peeled as you pass ...Read more -
Kalispell, Montana
Western Larch and Cliff Trail Loop
2.77 mi / 656 ft gainWestern Larch and Cliff Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Kalispell, Montana.Read more -
Flathead County, Montana
Hike Glacier View Mountain
5.04 mi / 2880 ft gainDriving north from Columbia Falls, MT for 20 miles, park after the junction of the Camas Road and the North Fork Road. This parking area is directly after the junction on the east side of the road and the trail begins on the west side of the road.The beginning of the trail is started with many sw...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Bike Glacier's Going to the Sun Road
5.016 mi / 2460 ft gainBike up the road towards Logan Pass. Make sure to stay alert for traffic coming up and down the road. Helmets and flashing red, rear lights are required when biking at night in Glacier National Park. A forward facing light is also recommended to see gravel and other obstacles. Make sure to keep e...Read more -
Glacier National Park, Montana
Fly Over Glacier National Park
Flying over Glacier National Park in a small airplane is an epic way to see the beautiful scenery of this National Park. If you haven't even been to the park before, it is a great way to see it for the first time, which was the case for me. Time: The best time to fly over these majestic mountain...Read more