Surrounded by mountains and set in a lush valley, Kalispell is a trail-lover’s dream destination. Many of northwest Montana’s trails are multi-use, which means they can be used for hiking, trail running, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, depending on the season. In and around Kalispell you’ll find thousands of miles of trails that take recreation lovers through tree-covered forests and past alpine lakes as they weave their way through some of the area’s most stunning terrain.
Whether you’re looking for a light hike, a moderate adventure or an advanced climb, you’re sure to find a route that’s perfect for you. With so many options and abundant trail systems, the hardest part is knowing where to start.
Here are some of our favorite trail systems in northwest Montana:
Our backyard state park, Lone Pine State Park is 10 minutes from downtown Kalispell and has a network of trails that span a total of 7.5 miles, catering to various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and horseback riding. Hiking with your best furry friend or your kids? Head to the Western Larch and Cliff Trail Loop, a 2.8-mile-long loop trail that winds through forested terrain and has a gorgeous overlook with sweet mountain views. Keep an eye out for wildflowers along the way.
Situated in the north end of the Swan Range and almost directly east of Kalispell, Jewel Basin has 15,349 acres of untamed wilderness, with 27 picturesque lakes and 35 miles of winding trails. If you’re looking for a challenging hike that brings switchbacks, elevation gains and beautiful views, put Strawberry Lake Trail on your list. If you’re hoping to see a mountain goat in the wild, Mount Aeneas is a great place to hike. It’s known for its wildlife sightings (remember to respect their space), sweeping panoramic vistas and abundantly vibrant wildflowers. Access to most trails is convenient from the Camp Misery parking lot.
In the heart of downtown Kalispell is the Parkline Trail, a scenic paved route that connects to the 22-mile Great Northern Rails to Trails, extending from Somers to Kila. Perfect for walking, running or biking, the trail takes users past five murals and through Kalispell’s countryside, with mountain and valley views along the way. Bike rentals are available at Wheaton’s Cycle, making it easy to pick up a bike and hit the trails.
The Flathead National Forest, which surrounds Kalispell and encompasses 2.4 million acres – including much of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex – has lakes, rugged wild areas, rivers and an extensive network of over 2,000 miles of trails. While locals have their favorite trails to hit, one that stands out is the Columbia Mountain Trail. A multi-use trail, hikers can opt for shorter treks – that include rushing waterfalls along the first 4 miles – or set out on a full-day 12-mile adventure to reach the peak of Columbia Mountain, with stunning views of the Flathead Valley and Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Less than 10 minutes from downtown Kalispell, Herron Park serves as a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts, providing access to a vast trail system known as Foy’s to Blacktail Trails. From here, the trails weave in, out and through forested terrain on their way to Blacktail Mountain. A multi-use trail system, this area is ideal for mountain bikers, hikers and cross-country skiers alike. On the north end of the Flathead Valley is the The Whitefish Trail. A non-motorized multi-use trail system, The Whitefish Trail has 15 trailheads and more than 47 miles of trails that lead to scenic overlooks.
Located on Big Mountain north of Kalispell, Whitefish Mountain Resort has impeccably maintained hiking trails and a top-tier downhill mountain bike park. Be sure to explore the Danny On Memorial Trail, which offers sweeping views of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. Throughout the summer season, you can hitch a ride up the mountain on the gondola or chairlift and hike down the mountain on foot.
An easy 32-mile drive from Kalispell will take you to Glacier National Park. Fondly called the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park has 1 million acres of stunning glacial-carved landscapes, with cascading waterfalls, alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks. With 734 miles of trails, the park has a wide range of options from easy day hikes to multi-day backcountry adventures. And if you don’t want to hike? Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road up and over the Continental Divide, taking in the view on the way. The road also provides access to a variety of trails, including the Hidden Lake Trail.
Accessible from Logan Pass, take the boardwalk to the Hidden Lake Overlook for epic views and wildlife-watching opportunities. Reminder: if you see animals, give them their space and never feed/approach them. Another great hike is the ADA-friendly Trail of the Cedars. This is where you can walk through Glacier National Park’s oldest trees – and the most eastern rainforest in the U.S. – along a wide boardwalk. From the Trail of the Cedars, you can continue up the trail to Avalanche Lake. A family-friendly hike, the trail is about 5 miles round-trip and includes Avalanche Creek and Avalanche Lake, complete with waterfalls. And if you want a longer hike? Head to the Highline Trail, an 11.8-mile trek with breathtaking views and thrilling sections along a mountain face. Keep an eye our for wildlife along this route.
A few other things to keep in mind when it comes to recreating outdoors and hiking:
-Hike with a friend (and let someone not with you know where you’re going)
-Carry and know how to use bear spray
-Give wildlife their space
-Always take water and a snack with you
-Consider packing layers (windbreaker/rain jacket, SPF, fleece, etc.)
-Go with a guide; they can tailor your experience and make the best use of your time
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