10 Nature & Parks in Montana That You Shouldn't Miss

November 2, 2021 Brandee Mangan

No matter where you look in Montana, you’ll find unspoiled nature, charming small towns and relaxing hospitality. Explore Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, then hit the road to discover more natural wonders. You can hike, bike or horseback ride through rugged mountain landscapes, fly-fish blue ribbon trout streams, paddle scenic rivers and lakes, or spend winter days carving fresh powder at ski resorts — then end your day wandering a vibrant main street or relaxing in a cozy lodge.
Restaurants in Montana

1. Hidden Lake

Near Logan Pass, West Glacier, MT http://www.hikinginglacier.com/hidden-lake.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 713 reviews

Hidden Lake

A superb fishing lake where catching 20-inch fish is common.

Reviewed By dilly4j

This is a very crowded hike but the views and wildlife make this trail worth it. Most of the hike is uphill on boardwalks and the views, streams, snow, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and occasionally a grizzly make this hike really cool.

2. Lower Yellowstone River Falls

Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park, WY http://www.yellowstonenationalpark.com/roadsidewaterfalls.htm
Excellent
85%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,417 reviews

Lower Yellowstone River Falls

A spectacular waterfall located in Canyon Country.

Reviewed By Tommy599 - Two Rivers, United States

We crossed Chittenden bridge across the Yellowstone river; stopping first at Uncle Toms to view the smaller upper Falls, then on to Artist Point to view the MAGNIFICENT lower falls and the unbelievable colors of the canyon. It is IMPOSSIBLE to describe the majesty of this waterfall and canyon colors, so we will not even try,

3. Highline Trail

Along Garden Wall, Glacier National Park, MT http://www.hikinginglacier.com/haystack-pass.htm
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 509 reviews

Highline Trail

A popular hiking trail with phenomenal views.

Reviewed By BigtimeAllthetime

With Grinnell Glacier access restricted (Covid), we accessed via the Highline trail (Logan Pass visitor center), climbed to the Grinnell Overlook (via Garden Wall trail), and returned via the Loop trail (to the Loop parking lot for pickup). Highly recommend this route as Highline going back out is not only longer but harder and the loop is mostly downhill. The views on Highline after rain yesterday were amazing and perfectly clear. We saw a group of mountain goats, multiple bighorn sheep (on the trail), and a few marmot. The climb to the glacier was tough but definitely worth it. Recommend continuing climb to the saddle (see recording) to see all four lakes at the bottom rather than just looking into the glacier. Exiting via the Loop trail was great as it was mostly downhill. Would definitely do this again and highly recommend if wanting to see the glacier.

4. Grinnell Glacier

Glacier National Park, MT http://nps.gov
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 651 reviews

Grinnell Glacier

A large glacier offering 300 acres of beauty.

Reviewed By BigtimeAllthetime

With Grinnell Glacier access restricted (Covid), we accessed via the Highline trail (Logan Pass visitor center), climbed to the Grinnell Overlook (via Garden Wall trail), and returned via the Loop trail (to the Loop parking lot for pickup). Highly recommend this route as Highline going back out is not only longer but harder and the loop is mostly downhill. The views on Highline after rain yesterday were amazing and perfectly clear. We saw a group of mountain goats, multiple bighorn sheep (on the trail), and a few marmot. The climb to the glacier was tough but definitely worth it. Recommend continuing climb to the saddle (see recording) to see all four lakes at the bottom rather than just looking into the glacier. Exiting via the Loop trail was great as it was mostly downhill. Would definitely do this again and highly recommend if wanting to see the glacier.

5. Iceberg Lake Trail

Glacier National Park, MT http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/hikingthetrails.htm
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 470 reviews

Iceberg Lake Trail

Hikers often wear bells and strike up loud conversations, so as not to startle the bears on this back country trail.

Reviewed By DRT135 - St. Marys, United States

We joined one of the park rangers for this hike who was very good guide. We learned about the plants along the trail as well as about the animals living in the area. The hike up was pleasant and Iceberg Lake reflects the changes in our climate. On our hike down we had rain, wind, hail and wintery mix so definitely plan to have layers of clothes as well as a good rain jacket and hat.

6. Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

Missoula, MT http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lolo/recarea/?recid=10277
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 107 reviews

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area

An all-season recreation area, this wilderness region is designated to promote the watershed, recreational, wildlife and educational values of the land.

Reviewed By EJS50 - Southborough, United States

We had a wonderful 5-6 miles walk through the woods and field, lunching at an overlook over Missoula. The drive to the Sawmill Gulch Trailhead was very easy.

7. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/grand-canyon-of-the-yellowstone-colors
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5,017 reviews

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Reviewed By USN_Seabee_Wife - Chehalis, United States

#1 Rule: Don't forget your camera, make sure your batteries are charged and that you have plenty of SD cards for your digital camera. What is here: The dramatic, 1,000-foot-deep Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone rewards visitors with dazzling views of multi-hued rock walls and majestic waterfalls. With walking and hiking trails for all abilities, and learning opportunities for the whole family, it’s easy to spend an entire day in this unique area of the park. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is roughly 20 miles long and varies from 1,500 to 4,000 feet wide. Geologists believe it was formed as the Yellowstone River eroded softer, less resistant rock that had been weakened by hydrothermal gases and hot water. The colorful canyon is a natural work of art: streaks of red, orange, gold, black, and even green decorate the canyon walls. Several miles of trails connect 10 primary overlooks that afford dramatic views from both sides of the canyon. When we went there had been snowfall and it made the most beautiful pictures since it was combined with all of the colors of the canyon. Whether it’s your first visit to Yellowstone, or you visit regularly, everyone loves a summer day in the park. Here’s how to get the most out of yours. The best way to experience all the different facets of the canyon’s charm is to pick a trail and go for a hike. There are many trails along both canyon rims, from short jaunts to all-day treks. Here are a few of our favorites: Brink of the Lower Falls Trail (moderate): Descend 600 feet on a steep trail to get an up-close and personal view of the Lower Falls in all its thundering power. 0.7 miles, round-trip Seven Mile Hole Trail (strenuous): You’ll want to commit a whole day to this trail – the only one that leads to the canyon bottom.10.2 miles, round-trip Point Sublime Trail (easy): After visiting the Artist Point overlook, follow the South Rim Trail beyond Artist Point to this less-traveled path, which meanders along the canyon rim to the aptly named Point Sublime. 1.3 miles from Artist Point to Point Sublime View the Canyon and Falls While some views of the canyon and falls are only accessible by trail, you can still get to the following overlooks by car and a short walk from the parking lots on paved, accessible walkways. From North Rim Drive: View the Lower Falls from Lookout Point, Red Rock Point, Grand View, and Inspiration Point. Both waterfalls are visible from Brink of the Lower Falls. From South Rim Drive: See the Upper Falls from two viewpoints at Uncle Tom’s Point. View the Lower Falls at Artist Point. Several of the canyon overlooks and trails, which were originally built in the 1930s, are being rehabilitated with support from Yellowstone Forever. Over the years, they have been hammered by unforgiving weather, compromised by soil erosion, and damaged by increased visitation. In recent years, these conditions have prompted some temporary or long-term closures.

8. Artist Point

South Rim Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,292 reviews

Artist Point

Reviewed By Tommy599 - Two Rivers, United States

We crossed Chittenden bridge across the Yellowstone river; stopping first at Uncle Toms to view the smaller upper Falls, then on to Artist Point to view the MAGNIFICENT lower falls and the unbelievable colors of the canyon. It is IMPOSSIBLE to describe the majesty of this waterfall and canyon colors, so we will not even try,

9. Lone Peak

Big Sky, MT 59716
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 247 reviews

Lone Peak

Lone Peak on Lone Mountain has an elevation of 11,166ft. With 300 degrees of in-bounds skiing & 360 degree views, it's a do not miss!

Reviewed By marcodL8041FK - Big Sky, United States

You get tt he top of Lone Peak at Big Sky Montana by taking a chairlift to the tram.. It is extreme in many ways. This is for real Experts, not Expert wanna bes, or for fool hardy people. One side goes to Liberty Bowl, one part leads to the Big Coulier, which is about an ungroomed 50% pitch for about 1,000 feet vertical. One part of the Peak goes to the Madison Base. You do NOT want to fall on sny side of the mountain. You could travel a long way befpre you finally stopped and who knows where your equipment is if you fall and cannot self arrest. SKi or board down at your own risk, and please, be very careful.

10. Ousel Falls Trail

Ousel Falls Rd, Big Sky, MT 59730 http://alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/ousel-falls-park-trail
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 506 reviews

Ousel Falls Trail

Reviewed By 423MichelleM423 - Orlando, United States

This was an easy hike through beautiful mountain scenery. The snow made for a gorgeous backdrop for our walk to the falls. The frozen falls are just beautiful! There is ample parking and the path is cleared even in winter. Would absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for a beautiful walk/hike while in Big Sky!

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