Flathead National Forest

The instant you hit Flathead National Forest, you're surrounded by wilderness. Tucked into the northwest corner of Montana, this 2.3-million-acre chunk of wilderness is bordered by Glacier National Park, three other national forests, and a small piece of Canada at the north end. With so much protected land on its borders, how can the interior be anything but untouched? Read More »

Flathead National Forest Highlights

Recreation opportunities abound in this 2.3-million-acre forest, from hiking, paddling, and camping in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
East of Bigfork, in the northern reaches of the Swan Mountains, the 15,000-acre Jewel Basin is set aside solely for hiking and camping.
The Holland Lake trail connects to a mess of trails inside the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and it passes a series of peaks, alpine lakes, and waterfalls along the way.
A float on the largely peaceful South Fork of the Flathead is a genuine wilderness adventure, as floaters have to pack their raft and gear into the rugged Bob Marshall Wilderness just to put in.

By Travel Expert: Brian Kevin

This 2.3-million-acre chunk of wilderness, tucked into the northwest corner of Montana, is bordered by Glacier National Park and three other national forests (and a small piece of Canada at the north end). With all that protected land on its borders, how can the interior be anything but untouched?
Tucked in this vast expanse of untrammeled land are 250 species of wildlife, including 22 varieties of fish and 50 birds. Hawks and eagles cruise overhead, while grizzlies and gray wolves patrol the grounds. And tons of other creatures, like mountain goats, make their homes here.
Perhaps the most quintessential ride in the Bob Marshall Wilderness is alongside the breathtaking ridge of the Chinese Wall. There are a number of routes and camp options in the shadow of the wall, and most outfitters lead trips from the nearby South Fork Campground.
Just because angling in Flathead is pretty much confined to lakes (because dense brush and windfalls make stream fishing difficult), the experience isn't diminished. Start on Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.

By Travel Expert: Brian Kevin