Flathead National Forest, Montana
Looking for the best backpacking in Flathead National Forest? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Flathead National Forest. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Flathead National Forest
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Kalispell, Montana
Backpack to Black Lake
7 mi / 1500 ft gainBegin at Camp Misery (elev. 5,717 ft). This is a total misname by the way! It should be titled Camp On The Way To Awesomeness! Anyway, head .6 miles on Trail 8 to the intersection of trail. From here turn right on Trail 68 and hike .7 miles until the intersection where you turn right on Trail 7 f...Read more -
Kalispell, Montana
Backpack to Clayton Lake
9 mi / 1500 ft gainFrom the Camp Misery Trailhead (elev. 5,717 ft) take the left Trail 8 for .6 miles. At the junction continue left for a 1.3 mile gently ascent into Jewel Basin. Nearing Twin Lakes continue left on Trail 7 for .6 miles until you reach Trail 55. Continue right, and make sure that after a short .3 m...Read more -
Kalispell, Montana
Hike to Summit of Mount Aeneas
4.96 mi / 1700 ft gainThis hike can easily be overlooked since it is in such a geographically rich area, with Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness so close, but it is absolutely a hidden gem that doesn't get enough attention. Mount Aeneas sits at just over 7,500 feet and from the summit it gives amazi...Read more -
Flathead National Forest, Montana
Hike Montana's Swan Crest Trail
47 miGetting There: Coming from Seeley Lake, take the road towards Bigfork. Continue until you get to mile marker 27 and turn right into the Morrell/Clearwater turn off. Stay on the road most traveled until you dead end at the trail head roughly 7 miles up the road. Park here. The Trail: The trail ...Read more -
Condon, Montana
Climb Holland Peak
11 mi / 5200 ft gainAbout 2 mi. south of Condon, MT, take Rumble Creek Road east to Cooney Lookout and park at the trailhead at 4550 ft. Follow the trail for about 1 mi. and after about 100 yards after the third bridge, look for a well worn trail heading up the hill side. Take this steep, hard-packed trail and follo...Read more -
East Glacier Park, Montana
Dawson Pass
5.012.01 mi / 3123 ft gainThis is a somewhat strenuous but extremely rewarding hike in Glacier National Park. It is much less crowded than the more popular Logan Pass and High Line trails, and in my opinion, more rewarding. Dawson Pass is on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 7,598 feet. It sits between Mt. Helen ...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Pitamakan Pass
15.36 mi / 3064 ft gainThis gripping, 16 mile round trail reveals adventure at every turn. Nestled behind Pray Lake in Glacier National Park, the Pitamakan Pass hike will begin at the North Shore Trailhead. To access this trailhead, a fifteen dollar fee may be payed to cross Pray Lake by boat. If your pocket book is ru...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Backpack to Lincoln Lake
16.75 mi / 3747 ft gainIt's a 1600 ft slow increase in elevation. You can walk around the loose rocks going around the lake for an additional 2 miles of hiking. There is a back-country campground at the base of the glacier-fed lake and an amazing waterfall at the opposite end of the of the campground. To camp overnig...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Triple Divide Pass Trail to Red Eagle Lake
29.22 mi / 5499 ft gainA couple of notes to keep in mind before you start... this is a loop that takes you to a different part of the park so you will either need two vehicles (one for the pickup spot and one to take you to the trailhead) or you will need to hitchhike back to you drop off vehicle. Also you will need to...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Gunsight Pass to Gunsight Lake Campsite
5.013.06 mi / 1667 ft gainHow to Get There: Get your backcountry pass at the St. Mary visitor center and then head over to the hike, which begins from the Jackson Glacier Overlook, located 12.6 miles west of the center on the Going-to-Sun-Road. The Hike: The first mile of the hike is a downhill, and then the trail is ...Read more -
Browning, Montana
The Garden Wall
15.16 mi / 3944 ft gainThe Garden Wall Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near West Glacier, Montana.Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Granite Park Chalet via Highline Trail
4.511.49 mi / 1555 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 -
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
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 -
West Glacier, Montana
Backpack to Logging Lake
8.8 miBackcountry camping is the best plan if you’d like to visit Logging Lake, and the primitive campsites lay at the end of a four and a half mile hike through some of the most unspoiled sections of the park. The trail follows logging creek most of the way to the lake traversing through a variety of ...Read more