Flathead National Forest, Montana
Looking for the best chillin 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 Chillin Spots in and near Flathead National Forest
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Bigfork, Montana
Swim in Graves Bay Swimming Hole
To get to this swimming hole you drive south from Hungry Horse on the West Side Road (Forest Road 895) 33.6 miles to the Graves Creek Campground. Park in the small parking lot with the bear box and outhouse, opposite the campground closer to the lake. Follow the path as it leads you past the casc...Read more -
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 -
Hungry Horse, Montana
Relax at Spotted Bear Beach
Spotted Bear Beach is a secluded white sand beach in the middle of Montana. To get here from the town of Hungry Horse, drive east on Highway 2 for ½ mile to the East Side Reservoir Road #38. Turn right (south) onto Road #38 and drive on through the town of Martin City. After two miles the pavemen...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 -
Essex, Montana
Cross Country Ski at Izaak Walton Inn
The Izaak Walton Inn was established in 1939 to accommodate workers and visitors from the rapid expansion of the Great Northern Railway. Conveniently built near Highway two, it is a short drive from both the West Glacier and East Glacier Entrances. If driving from West Glacier, continue on Highwa...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 -
Martin City, Montana
Drive around Hungry Horse Reservoir
About 100 miles of mostly gravel roads (14 miles of pavement) will take you around this beautiful reservoir. With that many miles of road and the shoreline to go with it, it is obvious that there is plenty to see and do in the Hungry Horse area. Check out some of my other adventures for ideas of...Read more -
Hungry Horse, Montana
Hike to the Blue Lakes
2 mi / 100 ft gainThe drive out to the trailhead where this hike starts is an adventure in and of itself. As the Forest Service website describes it. "Silvertip Trailhead is accessed from Highway 2. From the town of Hungry Horse, drive east on Highway 2 for ½ mile to the East Side Reservoir Road #38. Turn right (s...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 -
West Glacier, Montana
Swim at the Belton Bridge
2.0The Belton Bridge is the old entrance to glacier. You can get there by turning right down old river bridge road, which is the first right when you turn in to the West Glacier village. There are some 5-8 ft rocks to jump off, but be sure to check the water below them first. The water is gorgeous, ...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Camp at Sprague Creek Campground on Lake McDonald
4.5Ten miles long and nearly 500 feet deep, Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacial National Park. Sprague Creek is a small 25-site campground on the northeast shore of the lake, about 9 miles from the west entrance of the park. Campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis and fill up early....Read more -
Condon, Montana
Stand Up Paddle at Holland Lake
5.0When you turn on Holland Lake Lodge road, follow the signs towards the lodge. You will notice a sign that directs to a day use area, which is an option, but I prefer to continue to the very end of the dead end road. There is parking and a vault toilet at the dead end along with a trailhead sign...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 -
Seeley Lake, Montana
Hike to Crescent Lake
9 mi / 1500 ft gainAn hour drive north of the town of Seeley Lake Montana is the Glacier Lake Trailhead and the starting point for your hike. Glacier Lake Trailhead is a popular trailhead, and the parking lot can fill up quickly on hot summer weekends since it provides access to trails which lead to three different...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Explore Avalanche Creek
5.00.7 miAvalanche Creek is one of Glacier National Park's easiest features to access and also one of its most unique. The old-growth cedar forest is home to towering trees, moss-covered boulders, and a rushing stream of glacial water. A small loop trail winds through the lower forest and leads to a bri...Read more