Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Nilan Reservoir Trail

Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana · 3 min read

Distance
4.5 mi
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
May through October
Est. Time
2-3 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
2 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Scenic reservoir set in Rocky Mountain Front foothills
  • Excellent waterfowl and shorebird viewing
  • Easy loop accessible to most hikers
  • Good early-season hiking before mountain trails clear
  • Fishing access for rainbow and brown trout
lakewildlife

The Nilan Reservoir Trail in Lewis and Clark National Forest loops around a scenic mountain reservoir in the Rocky Mountain Front foothills of Teton County, Montana. The easy 4.5-mile loop gains 500 feet over its length, offering accessible lakeside hiking with excellent bird watching and fishing access.

The reservoir sits below the dramatic eastern escarpment of the Rocky Mountain Front, and on clear days the view from the trail includes the full Front Range rising abruptly above the plains. This is one of the more accessible and family-friendly destinations in the Lewis and Clark.

The Route

The loop circles the reservoir perimeter, staying close to the water for most of its length. The western side follows the inlet creek through riparian habitat, while the eastern side traverses more open bench terrain with views of the water and the mountains beyond. The trail returns to the trailhead at the reservoir dam.

Multiple points along the loop provide lake access for fishing or a rest stop. The inlet area is the best for bird watching, with cattail marshes attracting red-winged blackbirds, ducks, and occasional herons.

What to Expect

The easy grade makes this one of the most accessible trails in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The reservoir scenery is pleasant throughout the hiking season, and the bird watching is a consistent draw for visitors who are not primarily hikers.

Spring (May and June) brings peak bird activity and green meadows. Fall (September and October) offers clear air, fall color in the cottonwoods along the inlet, and excellent waterfowl migration viewing.

Nearby

Choteau, Montana, is about 25 miles south and serves as the gateway town for the Rocky Mountain Front. The A.B. Guthrie, Jr. homestead and the Old Trail Museum in Choteau provide historical context for the Front country. The Pine Butte Swamp Preserve east of Choteau is a Nature Conservancy property protecting critical grizzly habitat adjacent to the national forest.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Trailhead Parking

Nilan Reservoir Trailhead off Forest Road 565 in Teton County. Gravel lot with room for 10 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Lewis and Clark National Forest

More Trails in Lewis and Clark National Forest

moderateout-and-back

Falls Creek Trail

4 mi900 ft gain
May through October

Hike the Falls Creek Trail in Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana. This moderate 4-mile out-and-back gains 900 feet to a scenic waterfall through the Little Belt Mountain foothills.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Highwood Mountains Trail

5 mi1,200 ft gain
May through October

Hike the Highwood Mountains in Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana. This moderate 5-mile out-and-back gains 1,200 feet through isolated volcanic peaks rising above the central Montana plains with wildflower views.

3 min read

moderateloop

Kings Hill Summit Loop

6.4 mi1,200 ft gain
June through October

Hike the Kings Hill Summit Loop in Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana. This moderate 6.4-mile loop circles the Kings Hill area with views, wildflowers, and wildlife in the Little Belt Mountains.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Meagher Ridge Trail

6 mi1,400 ft gain
June through October

Climb Meagher Ridge in Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana. This moderate-hard 6-mile out-and-back gains 1,400 feet through the Little Belt Mountains with ridge views and wildflower meadows.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Rocky Mountain Front Trail

11.4 mi2,800 ft gain
June through October

Hike the Rocky Mountain Front Trail in Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana. This strenuous 11.4-mile out-and-back follows the dramatic Front Range escarpment with views, wildlife, and wildflowers.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Smith River Access Trail

3.5 mi400 ft gain
April through October

Walk the Smith River Access Trail in Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana. This easy 3.5-mile out-and-back gains just 400 feet along the scenic Smith River corridor with excellent wildlife habitat.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Tenderfoot Creek Trail

7.6 mi1,600 ft gain
May through October

Hike the Tenderfoot Creek Trail in Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana. This moderate-hard 7.6-mile out-and-back follows a scenic creek with wildflowers and riparian wildlife.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fishing allowed at Nilan Reservoir?
Yes. Nilan Reservoir supports rainbow and brown trout. A Montana fishing license is required as of 2026. Verify current regulations with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Are there good bird watching opportunities here?
Yes. The reservoir attracts waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds, particularly during spring and fall migration. Osprey fish the reservoir regularly in summer.
Is this trail good for families?
The easy grade and short loop make it a good family destination. The reservoir provides a clear focal point that keeps children engaged. Watch young children near the water's edge.
When is the reservoir most scenic?
Spring and early summer bring the most birds and green foliage. Fall visits offer good light and waterfowl migration activity with fewer visitors.