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ForestMatters, LLC

Northern Rockies

1 forest, 8 trails

National Forests

Rocky Mountains in Flathead National Forest, Montana

Flathead National Forest

Montana2,411,557 acres

Complete guide to Flathead National Forest in northwest Montana. Trail recommendations, campgrounds, permits, grizzly bear country, and trip planning resources.

13 min read

Trails

moderateout-and-back

Danny On Memorial Trail

3.6 mi1,500 ft gain
June through October

Guide to the Danny On Memorial Trail at Whitefish Mountain Resort in Flathead National Forest. A 3.6-mile summit hike with panoramic views of Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake.

8 min read

moderateout-and-back

Glacier View Mountain Trail

4 mi1,200 ft gain
June through October

A moderate 4.0-mile out-and-back to Glacier View Mountain at 5,600 feet in Flathead National Forest, Montana, with views of Glacier National Park peaks and the North Fork Flathead River valley near Polebridge.

7 min read

moderateout-and-back

Great Northern Trail

6 mi2,000 ft gain
June through October

Guide to the Great Northern Trail in Flathead National Forest. A 6-mile out-and-back hike along the old Great Northern Railway grade through dense forest and grizzly bear country.

8 min read

easyout-and-back

Holland Lake Falls Trail

3 mi400 ft gain
June through October

Guide to the Holland Lake Falls Trail in Flathead National Forest, Montana. An easy 3.0-mile out-and-back to a beautiful waterfall at the head of Holland Lake, with views of the Swan Range and access for hikers of nearly all abilities.

7 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Hornet Lookout Trail

8.8 mi3,200 ft gain
July through September

Guide to the Hornet Lookout Trail in Flathead National Forest, Montana. A strenuous 8.8-mile out-and-back gaining 3,200 feet to a historic fire lookout tower at 7,510 feet, with sweeping views of the Swan Range and Mission Mountains.

8 min read

moderateout-and-back

Jewel Basin (Alpine Trail #7)

8 mi1,800 ft gain
July through September

Guide to Jewel Basin Hiking Area in Flathead National Forest. An 8-mile out-and-back hike through one of Montana's best alpine lake basins with 27 named lakes.

9 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Stanton Lake Trail

3.6 mi400 ft gain
June through October

Guide to the Stanton Lake Trail in Flathead National Forest. A family-friendly 3.6-mile hike through old-growth forest to a peaceful backcountry lake near Glacier National Park.

8 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Whitefish Lake Lookout Trail

7.4 mi2,600 ft gain
July through September

A strenuous 7.4-mile out-and-back to a historic CCC-era fire lookout at 6,200 feet in Flathead National Forest, Montana, with views of Whitefish Lake, the Whitefish Range, and distant peaks of Glacier National Park.

6 min read