When you grow up in Montana, you learn to appreciate the great outdoors as soon as you can walk (and in some cases, probably even earlier). For many of us, hiking is a favorite pastime, especially hiking as a family. These waterfall trails are not only visually stunning – they also happen to be easily accessible and short enough for even the tiny trailblazers among us to enjoy. Enjoy the best hikes in Montana for families with kids ASAP – you’ll be so glad you did.
- Palisade Falls, Bozeman
Gia Popa / alltrails.com
Luke Weyrauch / alltrails.com The Palisade Falls Trail is basically in Bozeman’s backyard. And since it’s only a mile long with a path that’s paved almost the entire way, it’s perfect for families with young hikers. The waterfall itself is quite impressive, dropping over an ancient lava flow. You have to experience it to really understand what makes this one of the best waterfall hikes in Montana. Palisade Falls, Montana 59047, USA
- St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail, Glacier National Park
Chris Copple / alltrails.com
Stef & Daf B / alltrails.com Planning a family trip to Glacier National Park is always fun, especially when everyone is old enough to really appreciate nature. The St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail isn’t the shortest hike in the park, but at 2.9 miles in length, it’s doable. Plus, you’ll get the pleasure of seeing two stunning waterfalls. Not only is this one of the best hikes in Montana; it’s probably one of the best hikes in the country! Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
- Kootenai Falls, Libby
Melodee Bemis / alltrails.com
Daniel Mitchell / alltrails.com Located in Northwest Montana, Kootenai Falls is an absolute gem. The falls drop more than 300 feet in less than a mile. Best of all, it’s easy to find the parking lot that leads right to this perfect 0.8-mile nature walk. There’s also a really cool swinging bridge hike that’s a part of this trek. Kootenai Falls, Libby, MT 59923, USA
- Ousel Falls Park Trail, Big Sky
Gia Popa / alltrails.com
Stephanie Drager / alltrails.com The Ousel Falls Trail is a pleasant 1.6-mile trek that’s located in between Gallatin Gateway and Big Sky. The trail is shady and cool in the summertime, and the picnic tables near the waterfall offer a perfect place to stop and have lunch together. This is the perfect easy hike in Montana if you’re a waterfall fan! Ousel Falls Park Trail, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
- Natural Bridge Falls Trail, McLeod
Kasie Haak / alltrails.com
Sam Petroff / alltrails.com At just over a mile long, this well-marked trail is a great place to take a group of young hikers. It’s located within the Gallatin National Forest, one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the Treasure State. And although the natural arch over the Boulder River collapsed in 1988, this is still a fantastic trail. Find out why it’s one of the best waterfall hikes in Montana as soon as you get the chance! Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area, Big Timber, MT 59011, USA
Hiking season is officially here, and we couldn’t be happier. A few of these trails were previously closed due to current conditions, so always check before you hike to make sure they’re ready to welcome you back! Which hikes in Montana would you call the best hikes in Montana? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Gia Popa / alltrails.com
Luke Weyrauch / alltrails.com
The Palisade Falls Trail is basically in Bozeman’s backyard. And since it’s only a mile long with a path that’s paved almost the entire way, it’s perfect for families with young hikers. The waterfall itself is quite impressive, dropping over an ancient lava flow. You have to experience it to really understand what makes this one of the best waterfall hikes in Montana.
Palisade Falls, Montana 59047, USA
Chris Copple / alltrails.com
Stef & Daf B / alltrails.com
Planning a family trip to Glacier National Park is always fun, especially when everyone is old enough to really appreciate nature. The St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail isn’t the shortest hike in the park, but at 2.9 miles in length, it’s doable. Plus, you’ll get the pleasure of seeing two stunning waterfalls. Not only is this one of the best hikes in Montana; it’s probably one of the best hikes in the country!
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Melodee Bemis / alltrails.com
Daniel Mitchell / alltrails.com
Located in Northwest Montana, Kootenai Falls is an absolute gem. The falls drop more than 300 feet in less than a mile. Best of all, it’s easy to find the parking lot that leads right to this perfect 0.8-mile nature walk. There’s also a really cool swinging bridge hike that’s a part of this trek.
Kootenai Falls, Libby, MT 59923, USA
Stephanie Drager / alltrails.com
The Ousel Falls Trail is a pleasant 1.6-mile trek that’s located in between Gallatin Gateway and Big Sky. The trail is shady and cool in the summertime, and the picnic tables near the waterfall offer a perfect place to stop and have lunch together. This is the perfect easy hike in Montana if you’re a waterfall fan!
Ousel Falls Park Trail, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Kasie Haak / alltrails.com
Sam Petroff / alltrails.com
At just over a mile long, this well-marked trail is a great place to take a group of young hikers. It’s located within the Gallatin National Forest, one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the Treasure State. And although the natural arch over the Boulder River collapsed in 1988, this is still a fantastic trail. Find out why it’s one of the best waterfall hikes in Montana as soon as you get the chance!
Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area, Big Timber, MT 59011, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Montana March 27, 2022 Tori Jane What are some of the most amazing scenic hikes in Montana? When it comes to nature, we’re not sure it gets a whole lot more epic than Montana. With some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders all within state lines, how do you decide where to begin? Well, why not with some of the most famously scenic hikes in Montana, like the amazing Avalanche Lake hike at Glacier National Park. It’s 5.9 miles of amazingness making up the single most popular hike in the whole state, and it’ll be easy to see why from the moment you embark. Also within Glacier National Park is the iconic Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is 11.2 miles long and features an up-close, intimate look at some of Montana’s amazing glaciers, wildlife, and even a glacial lagoon. Glacier National Park isn’t the only place to hike in Montana if you want to get your mind blown; be sure to also try the Danny On Memorial Hiking Trail in Flathead National Forest, which is 8.6 miles of Huckleberries, wildflowers, and amazing views at the top. Finally, you can’t miss a hike at Glacier Lake within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. That one’s the shortest hike in this list, at just 4.6 miles long, but it’s one of the state’s most amazing ones, with waterfalls, switchbacks, views, and everything else you could ever dream of. If there are only five hikes you ever do in Montana, make them these ones. What are the best easy hikes in Montana? With an incredible amount of hiking trails all over the state just waiting to be explored comes plenty of easy hikes that are just as awe-inspiring as their more difficult counterparts. If you find yourself in the mood for a nice, easy hike in Montana, be sure to add certain trails to your to-do list, like St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail at Glacier National Park. It’s 2.9 miles long, easy, and features awesome lake views and waterfalls. If you like that one, be sure to also check out the Trail of the Cedars at Glacier National Park; it’s short and sweet (under one mile long) and home to amazing forests and pristine rivers. Finally, we love the Ousel Falls Park Trail within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It’s one mile long and has, you guessed it, even MORE breathtaking views and forestry.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Montana
March 27, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the most amazing scenic hikes in Montana? When it comes to nature, we’re not sure it gets a whole lot more epic than Montana. With some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders all within state lines, how do you decide where to begin? Well, why not with some of the most famously scenic hikes in Montana, like the amazing Avalanche Lake hike at Glacier National Park. It’s 5.9 miles of amazingness making up the single most popular hike in the whole state, and it’ll be easy to see why from the moment you embark. Also within Glacier National Park is the iconic Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is 11.2 miles long and features an up-close, intimate look at some of Montana’s amazing glaciers, wildlife, and even a glacial lagoon. Glacier National Park isn’t the only place to hike in Montana if you want to get your mind blown; be sure to also try the Danny On Memorial Hiking Trail in Flathead National Forest, which is 8.6 miles of Huckleberries, wildflowers, and amazing views at the top. Finally, you can’t miss a hike at Glacier Lake within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. That one’s the shortest hike in this list, at just 4.6 miles long, but it’s one of the state’s most amazing ones, with waterfalls, switchbacks, views, and everything else you could ever dream of. If there are only five hikes you ever do in Montana, make them these ones. What are the best easy hikes in Montana? With an incredible amount of hiking trails all over the state just waiting to be explored comes plenty of easy hikes that are just as awe-inspiring as their more difficult counterparts. If you find yourself in the mood for a nice, easy hike in Montana, be sure to add certain trails to your to-do list, like St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail at Glacier National Park. It’s 2.9 miles long, easy, and features awesome lake views and waterfalls. If you like that one, be sure to also check out the Trail of the Cedars at Glacier National Park; it’s short and sweet (under one mile long) and home to amazing forests and pristine rivers. Finally, we love the Ousel Falls Park Trail within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It’s one mile long and has, you guessed it, even MORE breathtaking views and forestry.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to nature, we’re not sure it gets a whole lot more epic than Montana. With some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders all within state lines, how do you decide where to begin? Well, why not with some of the most famously scenic hikes in Montana, like the amazing Avalanche Lake hike at Glacier National Park. It’s 5.9 miles of amazingness making up the single most popular hike in the whole state, and it’ll be easy to see why from the moment you embark. Also within Glacier National Park is the iconic Grinnell Glacier Trail, which is 11.2 miles long and features an up-close, intimate look at some of Montana’s amazing glaciers, wildlife, and even a glacial lagoon. Glacier National Park isn’t the only place to hike in Montana if you want to get your mind blown; be sure to also try the Danny On Memorial Hiking Trail in Flathead National Forest, which is 8.6 miles of Huckleberries, wildflowers, and amazing views at the top. Finally, you can’t miss a hike at Glacier Lake within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. That one’s the shortest hike in this list, at just 4.6 miles long, but it’s one of the state’s most amazing ones, with waterfalls, switchbacks, views, and everything else you could ever dream of. If there are only five hikes you ever do in Montana, make them these ones.
What are the best easy hikes in Montana?
With an incredible amount of hiking trails all over the state just waiting to be explored comes plenty of easy hikes that are just as awe-inspiring as their more difficult counterparts. If you find yourself in the mood for a nice, easy hike in Montana, be sure to add certain trails to your to-do list, like St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail at Glacier National Park. It’s 2.9 miles long, easy, and features awesome lake views and waterfalls. If you like that one, be sure to also check out the Trail of the Cedars at Glacier National Park; it’s short and sweet (under one mile long) and home to amazing forests and pristine rivers. Finally, we love the Ousel Falls Park Trail within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It’s one mile long and has, you guessed it, even MORE breathtaking views and forestry.
