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Hiking in Montana

Hiking Trails in Montana

Flathead Lake Hiking TrailsThe GoHikeWithMike.com website contains information about camping & hiking around Flathead Lake.   Mike has been hiking, wandering, hunting and spending time in these woods for more then 20 years.  The Go Hike with Mike Trail Guide contains most every trail head around Flathead Lake.  The guide includes trails as far north as Polebridge.  It also contains the Hungry Horse recreation area, the Swan Front and Swan Valley to the east.  To the north the guide contains trail head and campground information around Tally Lake.

Hiking Around Flathead Lake

Mike receives countless inquires about good trails and camping spots around Flathead Lake.  There is clearly a need for more detailed information about hiking around Flathead Lake.  This website and trail guide are the trails Mike would like to recommend to you during your visit to northwest Montana.

Trails around Flathead LakeThe trail guide is focused on trails, camping and being in the woods.  Mike’s Flathead Lake Trail Guide breaks the area in five easy to use sections.  North of Flathead lake, including The Talley Lake area and due north to Polebridge. East of Flathead Lake, including the Swan Front, Swan Valley, and on into the Hungry Horse recreation area.  West of Flathead Lake, including Blacktail Mountain and the Kootenai National Forest.  The guide contains most every trail Mike has hiked in the last 20 years or plans to hike in the next 20 years.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY.

Don’t need the hiking guide, just some basic trail information, do not fret.  Mike has included some beginner to medium hikes on this website.  Depending on were you as staying there is most likely a trail head near you. Thanks for visiting, hope to see you on the trail.

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Hiking in The Cabinet Mountains

The Libby Area has the Kootenai River from Libby Dam to Troy running through the heart of it.  The Kootenai River is identified as a “blue ribbon trout stream”.  The Purcell Range is located north of the River and features numerous peaks at 6000’ elevation.  Turner Mountain Ski Area is located 22 miles north of Libby, providing 2200’ of vertical and 1000 acres of terrain for alpine skiing.

The Cabinet Mountains are located south of the River with many peaks at 7500’ elevation.  Snowshoe Peak at 8738’ is the tallest peak on the Kootenai National Forest.  The Cabinet Mountains Wilderness located in this area provides visitors with self challenge, spiritual renewal, solitude, alpine scenery, and the opportunity to view unique wildlife (grizzly bear, mountain goat, wolverine, Canadian lynx, and peregrine falcons) and wildflowers.

Over 132 species of wildflowers have been found in the Wilderness.  Access into the Wilderness is by one of many non-motorized hiking trails.  Kootenai Falls located 10 miles downstream of Libby is the last undammed falls on the Kootenai River.  Located adjacent to US Highway 2, it is the most highly viewed scenic attraction on the Forest.

Libby Dam located 17 miles upstream from Libby, forms 90 mile long Lake Koocanusa.  More than 400 miles of summer use trail are open and available in the Libby Area.  Over 60 miles of snowmobile trail and 15 miles of X-C ski are regularly groomed from December through March.  Four developed campgrounds provide facilities for camping and picnicking.  The Libby Area provides the nation’s first lookout tower available for public rental at Big Creek Baldy Mountain.

Cabinet Mountains

If you’re looking for a campground try Howard Lake.

Cabinet Mountains

Howard Lake campground is located south of Libby on road 4779. The campground has 10 sites (3 pull thru’s) including one host site with tables and fire rings.  Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel.  Amenities include vault toilets and swimming beach. There are 2 day use sites with fire rings and picnic tables near the beach area.

The camphost may close the gate to the campground each evening at 10:00 pm and open it again at 7:00 am. The gate closes for the season on December 1st and is opened again when access permits.

See you on the trail.

Follow Mike on Instagram or subscribe to his YouTube Channel

#gohikewithmike

Purchase the Go Hike With Mike Trailguide

Fishing regulations around Flathead Lake

Fishing regulations around Flathead Lake. There are many great spots when fishing around Flathead Lake. Depending on what kind of fish you are trying to catch.

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Fishing Flathead LakeA valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing on state waters. To fish in Montana, most anglers need a Conservation License and a Fishing License, and also an AIS Pass. You must have your fishing license in your possession while fishing. A license on your smart phone is acceptable.

For areas that reside within the boundaries of the Flathead Nation.  A Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe fishing license is required for fishing.

Fishing regulations around Flathead Lake

A fishing license allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state’s fishing regulations. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable. The license enables one to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.

Free Fishing Weekend Fathers Day June 20-21, 2020.
By Montana law, each year on Father’s Day weekend any person (resident or non-resident) may fish for any fish within this state without obtaining a fishing license as long as they abide by the seasons, restrictions and bag limits listed in these Fishing Regulations. The two exceptions to this are Paddlefish and Bull Trout fishing, both of which require the purchase of a Conservation and Fishing License. Fishing for Paddlefish also requires a Paddlefish tag. A catch card is required to fish for Bull Trout.

Follow this link to review Montana Fishing Regulations and how to obtain your fishing license.

How to Purchase The Ultimate Flathead Lake Vacation Guide Booklet

At $4.99 the Flathead Lake Vacation Guide costs less then a Subway® sandwich you can buy in Bigfork or Polson and will insure you have the information you need so you have a Great Montana Lake Vacation.
Camping around Flathead Lake

Click Here to Purchase your guide.

For easy download.  So spend less time wondering what to do and more time doing it!

Purchase your guide using our safe and secure Pay-Pal option.

Here is a short list of Fishing access areas from our Flathead Lake Vacation Guide.

Bigfork Fishing Access Site on Flathead Lake:

The Bigfork Fishing Access Site on Flathead Lake is a 1 acre fishing access site open year round with a boat launch during the summer season.

Elmo Fishing Access Site on Flathead Lake:

Elmo is a 13 acre fishing and recreational access point.  Includes a restroom and dock.

Finley Point State Park

http://stateparks.mt.gov/finley-point/

Finley Point State Park is a 28 acre park offering 18 campsites and 16 boat slips that can accommodate boats up to 25 feet long

Sportsmans Bridge Fishing Access Site on Flathead River

Sportsman’s Bridge is a 6 acre access site open year round and provides access to both the Flathead River and Flathead Lake.  It provides access to fishing and boating and provides both high and low water ramps.  Restrooms are also available at Sportsman’s Bridge Access Site.

Finally, if you have any questions about The Flathead Lake Vacation Guide, including advertising options and affiliate programs send us an email to : vacation@MontanasFlatheadLake.com

Contact Information:
Website: www.MontanasFlatheadLake.com
Email: vacation@MontanasFlatheadLake.com

ESTES LAKE TRAIL #96

The Estes Lake trail is 1.5 miles long. It begins at the junction with Road #498 and ends at Estes Lake.

The trail starts out climbing slightly, goes over a knoll, and then descends, winding through the topography and between small wetlands; there is a small cedar grove near the lake. Estes Lake is a tannic lake bordered by lily pads and scattered with blue dragon flies (depending on the time of year).

The trail is open for Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) less than or equal to 50 inches wide, 2 wheeled vehicles, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking.

Estes Lake trail directions, from Bigfork, go south on Highway 35 for 0.7 miles, turning left onto Hwy 209. Stay on 209 for 3 miles, turning right at the light onto South Ferndale Rd. After 2 miles, merge right.

Estes Lake trail

Mike has been up and down this trail many times.  It is a favorite for out of area friends and guests.  If you want to make it interesting you can begin the trail down and it breaks off to many different points.  The beauty is it is really hard to get lost.  If you Hike down you end at Flathead Lake, or Crane Mountain.  In either case civilization is just around the corner.

If you are hiking somewhere other then around Montana’s Flathead Lake be sure to check out the Top 100 Hiking Blogs from Feed Spot.

Hiking in Montana Videos

Hiking in Montana.  Enjoy some videos from Mike’s Hikes around northwest Montana.  There are unlimited hiking options available to you. If you are looking for more vacationing information and less hiking information try the Montana’s Flathead Lake Vacation Guide. If your still reading I will assume you are interested in our trail guide, or maybe to enjoy some video clips.  Be sure to subscribe to Mike’s YouTube channel.

Hiking in Montana

The Mission Mountain Wilderness

Hiking in Montana

Mike receives countless inquires about good trails and camping spots around Flathead Lake.  There is clearly a need for more detailed information about hiking around Flathead Lake.  This website and trail guide are the trails Mike would like to recommend to you during your visit to northwest Montana.

Hiking Flathead LakeThe trail guide is focused on trails, camping and being in the woods.  Mike’s Flathead Lake Trail Guide breaks the area in five easy to use sections.  North of Flathead lake, including The Talley Lake area and due north to Polebridge. East of Flathead Lake, including the Swan Front, Swan Valley, and on into the Hungry Horse recreation area.  The guide contains most every trail Mike has hiked in the last 20 years or plans to hike in the next 20 years.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY.

Don’t need the hiking guide, just some basic trail information, do not fret.  Mike has included some beginner to medium hikes on this website.  Depending on were you as staying there is most likely a trail head near you. Thanks for visiting, hope to see you on the trail.

Mission Mountain Wilderness Videos

The Mission Mountain Wilderness is the gateway to the Mission Mountain Wilderness Area, a 73,877-acre paradise for hiking, camping and fishing. An area of outstanding scenic beauty–rugged, snowcapped peaks, several small glaciers, alpine lakes, meadows and clear cold streams. Popularly known as the American Alps, the overpowering western face of the Missions pierces the sky almost 7,000 feet above the valley floor. The apex of the range is a glacier-studded 9,280-foot McDonald Peak in the rugged south, where a dozen other summits rise above 9,000 feet. Permanent snow fields feed hundreds of gem-like tarns (glacier formed lakes) in one of the highest densities of alpine lakes in the Northern Rockies. Waterfalls are abundant, with the best known being the 1,000-foot plunges of Elizabeth and Mission Falls.

Mission Mountain Wilderness Videos
Mission Mountain Wilderness

In 1979 the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes designated 89,500 acres of privately owned tribal lands along the western slopes as Wilderness. This is the only Tribal Wilderness in the nation to be established by the actual tribe. In the words of the Mission Mountains Committee: ‘These mountains belong to our children, and when our children grow old they will belong to their children. In this way and for this reason these mountain are sacred.’

The west side Tribal Wilderness is managed with a priority for wildlife. Each summer grizzlies gather on the snow fields of McDonald Peak to feast on swarms of cutworm moths and ladybugs. In order to avoid displacing these great bears, the tribe closes about 12,000 acres to all public use from mid-July to October, The closed area is part of a larger trail less region that serves to discourage humans from entering the grizzly’s home during a critical time.

If you are not a tribal member, and are between the ages of 18 and 64, you must obtain and carry a tribal recreation permit, which entitles you to hike, fish, camp and enjoy the Wilderness as well as other Flathead Reservation lands that are open to recreation.

Flathead River Videos

This page contains videos of Montana’s Flathead River. Thank you for visiting. You can subscribe to Mike’s YouTube channel to enjoy new videos as those hikes get hiked. See you on the trail.

Flathead Lake Videos The Flathead River, in the northwestern part of Montana, originates in the Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park and flows southwest into Flathead Lake.

These videos of the Flathead River were taken near Sloan’s Bridge west of Ronan.  The land you see in these videos resides within the Flathead Reservation.

A Tribal permit is required to recreate.

You can purchase your permits at these locations..

Pablo, MT at Zimmer Tackle
Plains, MT at Plains Service Center
Polson, MT at – CSKT, DFWRC, 406 6th Avenue East and Wal-Mart
Ronan, MT at Westland Seed
St. Ignatius, MT at Allard’s Stage Stop

 

Flathead River Videos

The Go Hike with Mike trail guide contains most every trail head in the Flathead and Kootenai Forest as well as the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness.

Click here to purchase your copy.

The Go Hike with Mike Trail Guide contains most every trail head around Flathead Lake.  The guide includes trails as far north as Polebridge.  It contains the Hungry Horse recreation area, the Swan Front and Swan Valley to the east.  To the north the guide contains trail head and campground information around Tally Lake.

Flathead Lake Videos – Yellow Bay

Videos of Yellow Bay on Flathead Lake

Yellow Bay on Flathead LakeYellow Bay is in the heart of the famous Montana sweet cherry orchards. Cherry blossoms color the hillsides during spring. In the summer, cherries can be purchased at nearby roadside stands or U-Pick orchards. The park includes Yellow Bay Creek and a wide, gravelly beach. Among its attractions are boating, lake trout fishing, water skiing, bird watching, swimming, camping, and scuba diving. The park is 15 acres in size at an elevation of 2,907 feet. It offers 5 tent sites.

There are both flush and vault toilets, a group day-use area, pedestal grills, picnic tables, trash cans, and drinking water. No open fires are allowed, only charcoal. There is a 14 day camping limit during a 30 day period. Boat ramp and dock available. A joint state/tribal fishing license is required at this sit. Campground open May 1 through September 30.
Fees are charged for camping and day use.

For more information about Yellow Bay State Park on Flathead Lake visit http://stateparks.mt.gov 

Yellow Bay on Flathead Lake

The Go Hike with Mike trail guide contains most every trail head in the Flathead and Kootenai Forest as well as the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness.  Click here to purchase your copy.