Montana is definitely a state full of nature lovers, and there’s nothing better than exploring our lakes, mountains, and hiking trails. But even some lifelong Montanans don’t know about the Ross Creek Cedars in Kootenai National Forest. The Cedars’ short and sweet South Fork Trail is a great place to go to see them. Come discover why this breathtaking slice of paradise has become one of our choices hands-down for the best hikes in Montana.
The Ross Creek Scenic Area is located in Northwest Montana, deep in the heart of the Kootenai National Forest.
Donny M / Google The 100-acre scenic area is home to a grove of giant, ancient Western red cedars.
Due to its remote location, this part of Montana is often overlooked.
Sheila Crame / alltrails.com If you want to truly get away from it all, this is your place.
You’ll find the South Fork Ross Creek Trail near Troy, and it’s a nice, easy nature path perfect for exploring the forest.
Mimi Broderick / alltrails.com The trail is just under a mile in its entirety, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.
This out-and-back trail is a great little day hike, with a couple of small water crossings.
Linda Shingara / alltrails.com You’ll have to use a fallen tree at one point, but fear not—it’s a massive, sturdy tree.
Eventually, you’ll reach a peaceful little waterfall.
William Gregory / alltrails.com This is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic or just relax and take in your surroundings.
Some of the Ross Creek cedars grow up to 12 feet in diameter and 175 feet in height.
David Wayne / alltrails.com Even in a geographically diverse state like Montana, this place is pretty unique.
If you find yourself in the northwest corner of the state anytime soon, check out the South Fork Ross Creek Trail.
Lisa Manske / Google Just be prepared to fall in love with this understated part of the Treasure State.
Have you ever checked out the beautiful Ross Creek Cedars? Which hikes in Montana would you call the best hikes in Montana? Tell us your thoughts in the comments – join the conversation! We love hearing from you. Need a little more amazing Montana in your life? How about a scenic drive in Montana?
Donny M / Google
The 100-acre scenic area is home to a grove of giant, ancient Western red cedars.
Sheila Crame / alltrails.com
If you want to truly get away from it all, this is your place.
Mimi Broderick / alltrails.com
The trail is just under a mile in its entirety, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Linda Shingara / alltrails.com
You’ll have to use a fallen tree at one point, but fear not—it’s a massive, sturdy tree.
William Gregory / alltrails.com
This is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic or just relax and take in your surroundings.
David Wayne / alltrails.com
Even in a geographically diverse state like Montana, this place is pretty unique.
Lisa Manske / Google
Just be prepared to fall in love with this understated part of the Treasure State.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Montana March 31, 2022 Tori Jane What are some of the best easy hikes in Montana? Montana’s beauty is wild and pure – just the way we like it. It’s home to well over 1,000 amazing hiking trails, each of which is worth a gander. We do happen to have a few favorites, though, that won’t even cause you to break too terrible a sweat; some of our favorite easy trails in Montana include the epic St. May and Virginia Falls Trail at Glacier National Park. Fans of waterfalls will love the not one but TWO awe-inspiring cascades along this route. While at Glacier, be sure to also enjoy the Trail of the Cedars. It’s short and sweet, at just under a mile in length, and it’s got awe-inspiring forest and river views. Finally, should you find yourself in the Montana section of Yellowstone National Park, be sure to do the Artist Point Trail, which is super short (0.2 miles) and takes you to one heck of an awesome waterfall. Obviously, there are lots more – but these ones are an excellent start! What are the most amazing scenic hikes in Montana? Okay, so, let’s get one thing out of the way – pretty much every trail within Glacier National Park could arguably be called the most amazing hikes in Montana. There’s something about that park – the entire region – that’s special and extraordinary, and there is quite literally no such thing as a boring hike over there. Other than trails within Glacier National Park, we love treks like the 6.6-mile round-trip adventure through countless meadows on Beehive Basin Trail, which features epic views of Lone Peak itself. Then, within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, there’s a hike called the Lava Lake hike which takes you to a lake that was formed in a very interesting way: within the crater of an ancient volcano! It’s ancient and incredibly pristine; that’s one of those hikes you’ll never forget. Finally, if you like long, tough hikes, try doing the Montana portion of the 3,100-mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which stretches from New Mexico all the way up to Montana. Hiking in Montana is an experience like no other, and you’re sure to make lasting memories!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Montana
March 31, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the best easy hikes in Montana? Montana’s beauty is wild and pure – just the way we like it. It’s home to well over 1,000 amazing hiking trails, each of which is worth a gander. We do happen to have a few favorites, though, that won’t even cause you to break too terrible a sweat; some of our favorite easy trails in Montana include the epic St. May and Virginia Falls Trail at Glacier National Park. Fans of waterfalls will love the not one but TWO awe-inspiring cascades along this route. While at Glacier, be sure to also enjoy the Trail of the Cedars. It’s short and sweet, at just under a mile in length, and it’s got awe-inspiring forest and river views. Finally, should you find yourself in the Montana section of Yellowstone National Park, be sure to do the Artist Point Trail, which is super short (0.2 miles) and takes you to one heck of an awesome waterfall. Obviously, there are lots more – but these ones are an excellent start! What are the most amazing scenic hikes in Montana? Okay, so, let’s get one thing out of the way – pretty much every trail within Glacier National Park could arguably be called the most amazing hikes in Montana. There’s something about that park – the entire region – that’s special and extraordinary, and there is quite literally no such thing as a boring hike over there. Other than trails within Glacier National Park, we love treks like the 6.6-mile round-trip adventure through countless meadows on Beehive Basin Trail, which features epic views of Lone Peak itself. Then, within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, there’s a hike called the Lava Lake hike which takes you to a lake that was formed in a very interesting way: within the crater of an ancient volcano! It’s ancient and incredibly pristine; that’s one of those hikes you’ll never forget. Finally, if you like long, tough hikes, try doing the Montana portion of the 3,100-mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which stretches from New Mexico all the way up to Montana. Hiking in Montana is an experience like no other, and you’re sure to make lasting memories!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Montana’s beauty is wild and pure – just the way we like it. It’s home to well over 1,000 amazing hiking trails, each of which is worth a gander. We do happen to have a few favorites, though, that won’t even cause you to break too terrible a sweat; some of our favorite easy trails in Montana include the epic St. May and Virginia Falls Trail at Glacier National Park. Fans of waterfalls will love the not one but TWO awe-inspiring cascades along this route. While at Glacier, be sure to also enjoy the Trail of the Cedars. It’s short and sweet, at just under a mile in length, and it’s got awe-inspiring forest and river views. Finally, should you find yourself in the Montana section of Yellowstone National Park, be sure to do the Artist Point Trail, which is super short (0.2 miles) and takes you to one heck of an awesome waterfall. Obviously, there are lots more – but these ones are an excellent start!
What are the most amazing scenic hikes in Montana?
Okay, so, let’s get one thing out of the way – pretty much every trail within Glacier National Park could arguably be called the most amazing hikes in Montana. There’s something about that park – the entire region – that’s special and extraordinary, and there is quite literally no such thing as a boring hike over there. Other than trails within Glacier National Park, we love treks like the 6.6-mile round-trip adventure through countless meadows on Beehive Basin Trail, which features epic views of Lone Peak itself. Then, within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, there’s a hike called the Lava Lake hike which takes you to a lake that was formed in a very interesting way: within the crater of an ancient volcano! It’s ancient and incredibly pristine; that’s one of those hikes you’ll never forget. Finally, if you like long, tough hikes, try doing the Montana portion of the 3,100-mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which stretches from New Mexico all the way up to Montana. Hiking in Montana is an experience like no other, and you’re sure to make lasting memories!
