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Writer's pictureCarmen Hobson

Best Fall Weather Hikes In Montana

Updated: 5 days ago


Avalanche Lake, Glacier National Park


Fall…my favorite season!  Bright reds and fluorescent yellows against a background of fuzzy evergreens, with the sultry, low sun teasing us with the last of his warmth…it’s the BEST!  Hiking in Montana in the fall is such a special treat, and between gazing at all the colors, making snowmen out of tamarack needles, and the bright glint of the low sun on the surrounding lakes, one just can’t ask for more of a romantic season.  I love to hike both with and without my pups, and here are my favorite jaunts for both:


-  Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park.  Yes, this is a busy, popular trail, and dogs aren’t allowed, but it’s so fun in the fall. It’s a short hike that you can do in the afternoon, and I’ve found that this time of year, I’m usually running into friends and locals who are taking in the last glorious days of October and November.  The trail is easy, and conversation flows, with camera clicks taking a few shots of Avalanche lake before she dons her blanket of snow. 5.9 miles RT.



Avalanche Lake Photo Gallery



- Stanton Lake. This short hike can be found on AllTrails app, and is located in Essex, just off of Highway 2.  I never used to tell people about this spot, as it was only known by locals, and we rarely ever saw anyone else on the trail, until Covid hit.  The trail was then found, developed, and now it can get pretty busy, but still has a magic to it.  Wait for this one until the tamaracks are glowing yellow, as this gorgeous lake is surrounded by them and it will blow your socks off when you see all the brilliant yellow against this pristine lake!  Huck approved for off-leash dog friendliness, and we hit this trail every fall! 3.8 miles RT.


Stanton Lake Photo Gallery



- Birch Lake.  Located in Bigfork off Echo Lake Road, the treacherous drive up to Camp Misery is a fair tradeoff for Birch Lake’s destination.  Most hikers in the Jewel Basin travel to Mt Aeneas or Picnic Lakes, bypassing the trail to Birch Lake, so there is far less traffic.  Meander along the west Ridgeline to take in Flathead Lake, Echo Lake, and Lake Blaine, before tucking behind the mountain to the last mile or so to Birch Lake.  This incredible high-mountain lake appears to fall off the mountain on the far side and there are great areas to sit and have a snack at the lake before heading back down the mountain.  Be prepared for both black bears and grizzlies, who are pretty shy up there, but can appear out of nowhere.  This is also highly Huck approved for dog friendliness, and one of our favorite dog hikes. 6.2 miles RT.



Birch Lake Photo Gallery


- Medicine Grizzly Lake Trail.  This one is a trek and not for everyone, as it’s 13-ish miles (only about 800’ elevation gain though), and in heavy grizzly country, but a divine one in my book.  No dogs allowed on this trail, as it is located in Glacier National Park.  I’ve run into bear here, and also run into elk just a few feet away in the fall, who didn’t care about a human in its midst at all.  I was sure worried about a rutting elk at the time though! This trail wanders along a river drainage beginning at the Pitamakan Pass trailhead by the Cutbank Ranger station, and ends at Grizzly Medicine Lake.  If you’re looking for solitude, this is the place you want to be, with fall elk herds wandering around the ridge lines, bears toddling their fat bodies down the trail, and glassy water reflecting at the lake.




Medicine Grizzly Lake Photo Gallery


Oh, I have so many more, and I may have “accidentally” left out my top fave, but it’s still an unknown gem that I’m going to keep to myself.  And this is why you should all get out and explore!  Find your own special spots that haven’t yet been posted and pinned and advertised to death on social media.  I’d also appreciate if you keep Birch and Medicine Grizzly to yourselves, as they are still pretty quiet and my wonderful escape from reality…I’d like it to stay that way for me and my people (that included you!).  


Get out and make your day an adventurous one!


Carmen Hobson

Broker/Owner

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6 days ago
Obtuvo 5 de 5 estrellas.

Thank you for these hiking suggestions!

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