Hiking and Backpacking
Montana is a word derived from the Latin expression meaning “mountainous.” The rugged Continental Divide zigzags across western Montana from the jagged peaks of Glacier Park to the ancient Beartooth plateau. In all there are 77 mountain ranges in Montana. The potential for hiking and backpacking in Big Sky Country is endless and inviting. And don’t forget; when you’re in the backcounty, it pays to be prepared if you get into an unexpected situation.
Flathead National Forest
Flathead National Forest, Supervisor’s Office
Tally Lake District
650 Wolfpack Way Kalispell, Montana 59901
(406) 758-5208
Hungry Horse Ranger District
10 Hungry Horse Drive Hungry Horse, Montana 59919
(406) 387-3800
Spotted Bear Ranger District (Summer)
Spotted Bear, Montana
(406) 387-3800 (winter)
(406) 758-5376 (summer)
Swan Lake Ranger District
200 Ranger Station Road Bigfork, Montana 59911
(406) 837-7500
The Flathead National Forest contains 2.4 million acres of public lands home to many species of wildlife. There are numerous lakes, rivers, and streams to fish or otherwise enjoy as well as miles and miles of hiking trails. Untouched land provides a premiere destination for folks looking to experience the American West.
There are recreational activities abound in the Flathead National Forest including three wilderness areas, two ski areas, mountain ranges, lakes, rivers, and campgrounds.
Hiking Trails In The Flathead National Forest
Jewel Basin Hiking Area
Flathead National Forest’s Jewel Basin is a unique 15,000 acre hiking area maintained exclusively for hiking and camping. High Mountain Lake fishing is synonymous with the Jewel Basin Hiking Area. Over 20 lakes provide fishing opportunities to satisfy any type of angler or backpacker. Try “bushwhacking” into some of the more remote lakes or simply take a leisurely hike to Birch Lake. Of course, with every jewel comes the risk of loving it to death. The Jewel Basin receives heavy use due to its close proximity to Kalispell and the valley. The Camp Misery parking lot can be very crowded on blue bird days. So be warned, solitude may be hard to find and expect to share the trail with other users. We encourage you to practice “leave No Trace” principals and be courteous to other Forest users and the resource. Treat this beautiful area special, like wilderness, as it as such.
Alpine Big Hawk Trail #722
The Alpine Big Hawk trail is 1.6 miles long. It begins at Jct. Alpine Trail. #7 and ends at Big Hawk Lakes. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking
Directions:
From Bigfork, take Hwy 35 north to Hwy 83. Head east on Hwy 83 to the junction of the Echo Lake Road. Head north on Echo Lake Road about 3 miles to junction with the Jewel Basin Road (No. 5392). Follow this road approximately 7 miles to the trailhead. CAUTION: The last 5 miles are steep. Use headlights for safety. Caution advised for low clearance vehicles. Trailers not recommended.
Birch Lake Trail #724
The Birch Lake trail is 0.8 miles long. It begins at Jct. Alpine Trail. #7 In Sec. 32 and ends at Jct. Alpine Trail. #7 In Sec. 5. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking
Closest Towns: Bigfork, Montana
Directions:
From Bigfork, take Hwy 35 north to Hwy 83. Head east on Hwy 83 to the junction of the Echo Lake Road. Head north on Echo Lake Road about 3 miles to junction with the Jewel Basin Road (No. 5392). Follow this road approximately 7 miles to the trailhead. CAUTION: The last 5 miles are steep. Use headlights for safety. Caution advised for low clearance vehicles. Trailers not recommended.
Blackfoot Lake Trail #719
The Blackfoot Lake trail is 3.3 miles long. It begins at Jct. Tongue Mtn. Trail. #55 and ends at Jct. Graves Creek Trail. #1. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking
Closest Towns: Bigfork, Montana
Directions:
From Bigfork, take Hwy 35 north to Hwy 83. Head east on Hwy 83 to the junction of the Echo Lake Road. Head north on Echo Lake Road about 3 miles to junction with the Jewel Basin Road (No. 5392). Follow this road approximately 7 miles to the trailhead. CAUTION: The last 5 miles are steep. Use headlights for safety. Caution advised for low clearance vehicles. Trailers not recommended.
For a complete list of all of the hiking and biking trails in the Jewel Basin Hiking area consider purchasing The Ultimate Flathead Lake Vacation Guide