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Hiking and enjoying Montana,

Mission Mountain Wilderness

Hikes around Flathead Lake.

Going for a hike… Don’t forget Mike, The Go Hike With Mike Trail Guide.

If you are hiking in the mountains around Flathead Lake, you are in the Mission mountain Range.  The Mission Mountain Range is not only Grizzly Bear habitat but the west side of it resides in Indian Country.  With that said, when hiking in the Missions on the Flathead Indian Reservation, be sure to have bear spray and a tribal recreation permit. Once you have those two items enjoy your trails.  Be aware the Mission Mountain Range is a Wilderness Area.  This designation imposes additional regulations on mechanized operation.

If you are on US Highway 35 heading North, around Bear Dance Trail Head and the Flathead Lake Trail you are no longer on the reservation. North or South have bear spray and know how to use it.

Mission Mountains Wilderness

Hikes around Flathead LakeThe Mission mountain Wilderness will offer you impressive mountain views, and lakes.  You can expect wild landscapes with an ample amount of solitude.

There is an good trail system leading to the more popular lakes. The Mission Mountain range  has something for every type of recreationalist. A simple day hike might be Glacier Lake, or, if your feeling lucky, grab your bear spray and head out to Mollman Lakes.

The Mission Mountains Wilderness is bordered by the Salish- Kootenai tribal wilderness; please contact 406-675-2700 for information regarding access and use.

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Purchase The Go Hike With Mike Trail Guide.

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.

Other Trails

Glacier Creek Trail #690
Hemlock Feeder Trail #695
Hemlock Lake Trail #607
Hemlock Peak Trail #515
Jocko Trail #34
Piper Lake Trail #119
Turquoise Lake Trail #708

Backpacking
Recreation areas and trails.

Cedar Lake Trail #738
Elk Ridge Trail #301
Hemlock Lake Trail #607
Hemlock Peak Trail #515
Jocko Trail #34
Piper Lake Trail #119
Turquoise Lake Trail #708

Mission Mountains Wilderness

Mission Mountains Wilderness
Located in the Flathead National Forest in Montana. 

Mission Mountain Wilderness

The Mission Mountains Wilderness is on the Swan Lake Ranger District of the Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana. The Forest Service manages it as part of the National Forest System. Officially classified as Wilderness on January 4, 1975, the 73,877 acre area is managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964.  The Mission Mountains run along the east shore of Montana’s Flathead Lake.

When to Visit – Most people visit the wilderness between July 1 and October 1. Snow-filled passes and high streams make earlier travel difficult and hazardous. High lakes do not open up until early or mid-June.

June is normally a wet month. Snow still covers high, shaded basins and surrounds trees.

July, August, and early September are dry months. Daytime temperatures are the 80-90 degree range. Showers are frequent. Nights are very cool. Snow occur at any time. Heavy snow generally occurs in late October and early November.

If you are a skier or winter camper, late February through May provide the best snow conditions and longer days. When planning an extended backcountry trip, be informed of potential avalanche conditions.

Trails – There are about 45 miles of maintained Forest Service system trails in the Mission Mountains. Most trails are better suited to hiking than horseback riding because of rugged terrain.

Recreation PermitsTravel is primarily by foot with some horseback use. Mountain bikes, hang gliders, motorized trail bikes, motorcycles, three and four wheelers, and snowmobiles are not permitted. Few of the trails can be called easy. Some are especially difficult because of steepness. You should be an experienced hiker to travel cross country and should possess map reading and compass skills.

Throughout the Mission Mountains you will find old Indian and packer trails. These are usually steep and difficult to follow. They are suitable for only the most experienced horse users or backpackers.

Access Points – The major access points into the Mission Mountains Wilderness from the Swan Valley: Glacier Creek, Cold Lakes, Piper Creek, Fatty Creek, and Beaver Creek. Other access points from the Swan Valley include Lindbergh Lake (south end trail reached by boat), Jim Lakes, Hemlock Creek, Meadow Lake, and Elk Point.

There are also three major access points from the Salish & Kootenai Indian Reservation side of the Mission Mountains. Access through tribal lands requires a permit. These permits may be purchased at major sporting goods stores in Missoula and the Mission Valley or through the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Recreation Department in Pablo, Montana, phone (406) 675-2700.

A major portion of the Mission Mountains is suitable for backpacking only. Travel is strenuous, but it has many advantages: independence and self-sufficiency, opportunities for solitude, and you’re more carefree when backpacking.

DAY HIKES: The Mission Mountains has several hikes ranging from 1 1/4 miles to 6 miles (one way) which can be completed in a day. You will carry less on your back and travel more easily.

BACKPACKING: Backpacking requires careful planning. Proper equipment, with maximum utility and minimum weight, will make the trip easier. The most important items will be your pack, sleeping bag, and foot gear. Take only what you need. A pack that is too heavy can spoil your trip. A pack without adequate food, clothing and shelter can be equally disappointing and unpleasant.

The Go Hike With Mike trail guide contains most every trailhead along the Swan front of the Mission Mountains.