Best trails in Flathead National Forest, Montana

The Strawberry Lake Trail is a multiple use trail (Horse, Biker, Hiker) leading to the Alpine #7 north of the Jewel Basin at Strawberry Lake. The hike is strenuous and includes many switchbacks. The Strawberry Lake Trail is a steeper demanding climb with multiple switchbacks ending at Strawberry Lake, which is situated just north of the Jewel Basin Hiking Area. The trail is shared by mountain bikers, horses, and motorized recreation vehicles too.Show more

Please note that the road leading to the trailhead can be steep and muddy. 4WD is recommended. Show more

Please note: parts of this trail can close due to snow during winter months. You have the option to take the gondola down for $12.Show more

This is a great hike to see large open views of Flathead Valley. On clear days you can see four different mountain ranges: Bob Marshall, Swan, Mission and Salish Mountains. Views of over 60 miles are normal on summer days. Birch Lake is a good lake for trout fishing and camping. The lake is 3-4 acres and in a beautiful small valley. The trail also branches off to Crater Lake and connects to the longer Jewel Basin trail network. The trail is a long slow series of climbs and switchbacks but not overly strenuous. The trail goes through some forest but mostly follows the mountain edge and allows for great wildlife viewing and Huckleberry picking when in season.Show more

Columbia Mountain Trail leads up to the beginning of the Alpine #7 trail system, joining the ridge line pack trail near the summit of Columbia Mountain. This trail and the Alpine trail offer stunning over looks of the Flathead Valley from various vantage points along the northern portion of the Swan Mountain range. The Alpine trail continues south, crossing the ridge multiple times; it passes west of Doris Mtn (7437ft), east of Blaine Mtn (7207ft), over Hash Mtn (7063ft), over Strawberry Mtn (6264ft), east of or over Mt Aeneas (7530ft), east of Crater Mtn (6787ft), far west of Big Hawk Mtn (7542ft), west of Tom Tom Mtn (7070), and ending south of Tom Tom Mtn at the intersection of the Peterson Trail 293 and Trail #72. Prominent lakes along the trail include Lamoose, Strawberry, Wildcat, Birch, Squaw, and Crater, with many other lakes only a short hike off the trail. A large stretch of the trail runs trough the west of the Jewel Basin hiking area offering multiple options of camping, fishing and alternative routes. There are sparse camping options south of Big Hawk Mtn after the trail exits the Jewel.Show more