Summary
- Northwest Montana offers breathtaking fall hikes with scenic paths, fall colors, and chances to see wildlife, making it a perfect outdoor paradise in autumn.
- Hikers can experience iconic hikes in Glacier National Park, such as the Grinnell Glacier Trail and Hidden Lake Overlook, which showcase stunning views and the beauty of the region.
- From family-friendly nature walks to challenging treks, Montana’s fall hikes cater to hikers of all abilities, providing opportunities to immerse in the autumn scenery and enjoy the richness of the season.
Montana in autumn is a spectacular outdoor paradise, with crisp air, fall foliage, and adventures awaiting in the rugged Rocky Mountain landscapes. Hikers can breathe in that fresh mountain air and hit the trails to experience the best of Big Sky Country throughout October. With miles of scenic paths showcasing golden larch and aspen set against craggy alpine peaks, northwest Montana is tailor-made for fall hiking.
From family-friendly nature walks to challenging all-day treks, hikers of all abilities can revel in the richness of autumn in this majestic region. Venture into Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and surrounding areas where trails deliver nonstop views, fall colors, and chances to see wildlife. Here are the most beautiful fall hikes to capture Montana’s mountain magnificence this October, which is among the reasons to devote an entire weekend to Montana’s Glacier National Park.
10
Grinnell Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park
Grinnell Glacier Trail, Many Glacier Valley.
Winding through alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers and along cold mountain streams, the hike to Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park is often rated as one of the premier hikes in the country.
One of the many things to do in Montana’s beautiful range, this challenging 11-mile round trip trail climbs gently through flower-filled meadows before ascending into a rocky high country overlooking stunning Upper Grinnell Lake and the surrounding rugged peaks of the Many Glacier regions.
The shimmering blue expanse of Grinnell Lake reflects the surrounding mountain scenery, making for an incredible sight as hikers make their way higher up the valley. The trail culminates at Grinnell Glacier itself, an incredibly scenic remnant of the ice age that is fast disappearing due to climate change. Hiking Grinnell Glacier Trail in autumn provides cooler weather and the bonus of fall colors, making it an ideal time for hikers to experience this iconic Glacier National Park hike before colder weather sets in.
- Hike Length: 11 miles roundtrip
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Time to Complete: 6–8 hours
9
The Loop, Chico Hot Springs
Chico Hot Springs
Just a 30-minute drive from the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park, the pleasant hike to the Lower Falls at Chico Hot Springs makes for a relaxing autumn trek and one of the most beautiful fall hikes in Montana. Starting at the historic Chico Hot Springs Resort, the 4-mile Loop trail meanders through open grasslands and forested areas that glow gold in October.
Elk and mule deer are commonly sighted grazing in the meadows. The trail then descends wooden staircases to the banks of the Paradise Valley River, where Lower Falls cascades through remarkable volcanic rock formations.
After soaking in the idyllic views, hikers can relax at the resort with a dip in the natural hot springs pools or a well-deserved meal.
- Hike Length: 4 miles roundtrip
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to Complete: 2–3 hours
- Dog Friendly: Dogs allowed on leash
8
Pitamakan Pass Trail, Glacier National Park
Mountains with turquoise lake at Mt Gould and Grinnel Peak in Glacier National Park, Montana
Considered one of the premier day hikes within Glacier National Park, the Pitamakan Pass Trail gains over 2,000 feet in elevation along wildflower-dotted switchbacks. The stunning views begin early at the shoreline of Two Medicine Lake but continue as the challenging trail climbs up toward the high alpine basins and passes.
The fall larch needles ignite the steep mountainsides in vibrant yellow and gold hues. The demanding ascent leads to panoramic views over Two Medicine Valley and several sapphire blue alpine lakes. The highlight is crossing the Continental Divide at the high point of Pitamakan Pass before descending through more golden larch scenery.
- Hike Length: 16 miles roundtrip
- Hike Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Complete: 10–12 hours
7
Triple Tree Trail, Bob Marshall Wilderness
BOB MARSHALL WILDERNESS MONTANA
For a peaceful autumn hike surrounded by brilliant fall colors, the Triple Tree Trail, located near the gateway town of Seeley Lake on the edge of the vast Bob Marshall Wilderness, is one of the most beautiful fall hikes in Montana.
Wandering through sections of dense forest and more open meadows within the wilderness area, hikers can enjoy pristine solitude and observe wildlife along the way. The trail leads down to the banks of Monture Creek, a great spot for hikers to take a break alongside the burbling waters surrounded by the blazing yellows of cottonwoods and larch trees.
With fewer visitors than the national parks, the Triple Tree Trail allows immersion in the autumn scenery.
- Hike Length: 4 miles roundtrip
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to Complete: 3-4 hours
- Dog Friendly: Dogs allowed
6
Swiftcurrent Lake, Many Glacier
Many Glacier Lodge overlooks Swiftcurrent Lake
Nestled amidst towering peaks and glacially carved valleys, the hike around Swiftcurrent Lake in Glacier National Park offers easy walking and superb views perfect for families and hikers of all ability levels.
Located in the historic Many Glacier regions just outside the grand Many Glacier Hotels along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the 4-mile loop trail winds through colorful autumn foliage with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding craggy Teton and Lewis ranges reflecting over the calm, clear waters of the lake.
Wildflowers bloom into fall, and wildlife like bighorn sheep are often spotted. With limited elevation gain, the Swiftcurrent Lake hike allows hikers to soak in iconic Glacier National Park scenery accessible to people of all ages.
- Hike Length: 4 miles roundtrip
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
- Time to Complete: 1–2 hours
5
Hidden Lake Overlook, Logan Pass
Visitors to the Logan Pass area start up the trail to Hidden Lake Overlook. Mt. Oberlin
This popular hike in Glacier National Park leads uphill from the iconic Logan Pass Visitor Center perched at the Continental Divide to an overlook of stunning Hidden Lake. Nestled beneath the towering Garden Wall and Reynolds Mountain, the brilliant turquoise waters of Hidden Lake make for an incredible sight.
Gaining 640 feet in elevation along the way, the hike winds through wildflower meadows that bloom late into fall and provide unparalleled panoramic views across Glacier National Park. Mountain goats are often spotted grazing on the steep mountainsides surrounding Hidden Lake.
Due to heavy snowfall, the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road usually closes after mid-October each year. But the Logan Pass area and Hidden Lake Trail are accessible year-round by foot, ski, or snowshoe, depending on conditions.
- Hike Length: 5.5 miles roundtrip
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Complete: 3–4 hours
4
Lost Lake, Bob Marshall Wilderness
Lost Lake View
Nestled within the expansive Bob Marshall Wilderness just 30 miles from Seeley Lake, Lost Lake makes for a great fall hike to see stands of larch trees in their full golden autumn splendor.
The moderately easy 3-mile trail leads through dense forest areas before opening up at the shores of sapphire-blue Lost Lake, encircled by vibrant fall foliage. Hikers can set up for a lakeside picnic surrounded by the vivid yellows of the iconic western larches interspersed with Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and aspen, turning bright shades of orange and gold.
With the continuous contrasts of colorful foliage and imposing rocky peaks, Lost Lake is one of the most scenic autumn hikes in the region.
- Hike Length: 3 miles roundtrip
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to Complete: 2–3 hours
- Dog Friendly: Dogs allowed
3
Avalanche Lake, Glacier National Park
Scenic Avalanche Lake, Montana
Driving to Glacier National Park is really worthwhile, and travelers will want to hike this trail. Enclosed between towering rock walls and numerous cascading waterfalls, the hike to Avalanche Lake culminates at one of the most spectacular destinations in all of Glacier National Park.
Starting through ancient cedar forests ablaze with golden fall hues, the trail follows the raging rapids of Avalanche Creek. The aquamarine waters of Avalanche Lake appear almost supernaturally vibrant. Sheer cliff walls, rock slides, and multiple cascading waterfalls surround the lake, fed by meltwater from the Sperry Glacier high above.
Hiking to Avalanche Lake in the fall provides a drier trail and thinner crowds for hikers to admire one of Glacier’s most breathtaking settings.
- Hike Length: 7 miles roundtrip
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Complete: 4–5 hours
2
Mount Aeneas, Jewel Basin Hiking Area
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Mount Aeneas, Flathead National Forest
Located in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area near the artsy town of Bigfork south of Glacier National Park, the summit hike up Mount Aeneas rewards with far-reaching 360-degree views over Flathead Valley and massive Flathead Lake.
The strenuous 12-mile round trip hike starts at logging roads before entering dense forest and climbing into more open subalpine terrain. The trail opens toward the top to provide nonstop vistas in all directions. From the summit, hikers can soak in seemingly endless views over the patchwork valleys and mountain ranges blanketed in vivid shades of fall.
Mount Aeneas allows hikers to experience the full breadth of colorful autumn foliage across northwest Montana.
- Hike Length: 12 miles roundtrip
- Hike Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time to Complete: 7-8 hours
- Dog Friendly: Dogs allowed
1
South Fork Flathead River, Bob Marshall Wilderness
South Fork Flathead River Gorge, Hungry Horse, MT
Forming the southern boundary of Glacier National Park, the South Fork Flathead River flows through the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This legendary Bob Marshall Wilderness section is home to another of the most beautiful fall hikes in Montana.
Traversing relatively flat terrain, the trail follows the river through thick stands of colorful western larch and Engelmann spruce that reflect vibrantly on the clear water.
With gentle walking and excellent views of fall foliage, the South Fork Flathead River trail allows immersion in Montana’s famed wilderness and listening for bugling elk during the autumn rutting season.
- Hike Length: 12 miles roundtrip
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time to Complete: 5–6 hours
- Dog Friendly: Dogs allowed
