Find outdoor adventures:
beyond the bustling National Park
Flathead National Forest
Escape to the serene beauty of Flathead National Forest surrounding Columbia Falls, where the Hungry Horse Reservoir and the majestic Great Northern Mountains offer a tranquil camping experience. Free from the crowds of Glacier National Park, this hidden gem provides a peaceful retreat amid lush forests and shimmering waters. Whether hiking, fishing, or simply unwinding by the campfire, the breathtaking landscapes and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking solitude and stunning vistas. Embrace the wild serenity of Flathead National Forest for your next outdoor adventure.
The North Fork Area
Nestled just outside Glacier National Park, the North Fork area in Montana is a hidden haven of natural beauty and rustic charm. Polebridge, Montana, serves as the heart of this remote wilderness, offering visitors unique attractions like the iconic Polebridge Mercantile. Here, you can savor delicious homemade pastries and enjoy the quaint, off-grid ambiance of this picturesque outpost. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, the North Fork area provides ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and quiet reflection away from the usual tourist routes, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Bob Marshall Wilderness
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, often referred to as "The Bob," is a vast expanse of unspoiled wilderness in Montana, renowned for its breathtaking size and natural beauty. Spanning over 1.5 million acres, it offers uninterrupted views, dense forests, and rugged mountain terrain. This pristine area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring numerous hiking trails, vibrant wildlife, and opportunities for camping, fishing, and horseback riding. For those seeking solitude and adventure, the untouched grandeur of The Bob promises an unforgettable wilderness experience far away from the conveniences of modern life.
Trail NeTWorks and Parks In Columbia Falls
This 20+ acre park offers riverside trails along the Flathead River. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, family picnics, and fishing. The park is dog-friendly (leash required) and features a pond stocked with fish for young visitors, a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
River’s Edge Park:
Known for its expansive playground and tree-shaded picnic areas, this park is complemented by an adjacent trail network perfect for casual walks. Additionally, its gazebo can be rented for larger gatherings, providing a scenic spot for community events.
Marantette Park:
Beyond its refreshing swimming pool, this park offers a playground and open spaces where visitors can enjoy biking along paved paths that link to local schools and other municipal amenities.
Pinewood Park Aquatic Center:
Love Pickleball? Columbus Park is Columbia Falls's premier pickleball destination. Featuring a playground set for the kids, as well as some basketball courts, the big draw of this park is its new pickleball courts. 219 3rd Street East
Columbus Park:
Local River Access & Suggestions
Before leaving Columbia Falls on the east end of Highway 2, Teakettle River Access provides a convenient entry point to the Flathead River. Following the river upstream, you'll find several more access points, such as the House of Mystery and the South Fork Bridge, with a network of trails awaiting exploration. Heading downstream, Kokanee Bend offers a wider expanse of the river as it threads through farmland toward Flathead Lake.
To The Waters Edge:
Hiking & Biking Trails
Starting in Apgar Village, this easy, level trail is perfect for all users, including bikers, strollers, and wheelchair users. The 3.3-mile path invites exploration alongside scenic vistas before ending at Park Headquarters.
Apgar Bike Trail:
Belton Bridge Trail:
Park at the historic Belton Bridge, cross it, and follow the Middle Fork of the Flathead River along this leisurely trail. This path offers easy hiking with connections to the South Boundary Trail and exposure to great river views.
Ideal for more experienced hikers, this trail offers a challenging adventure with remarkable views and access to a remote lake. Located just 3.5 miles east of Columbia Falls, the trail covers 11.8 miles, culminating at an elevation of 4,993 feet.
Columbia Mountain Trail:
This paved, 12-mile journey connects the communities of Hungry Horse, Coram, and West Glacier. The trail provides a safe and scenic route for both biking and hiking, offering pristine views along the way.
Gateway to Glacier Trail:
Enjoy an enchanting walk through mossy forests to reach Johns Lake, with its quaint, lily pad-covered waters. The 1.9-mile loop continues past stunning waterfalls and along McDonald Creek, revealing scenic cascades and serene forest landscapes.
Johns Lake Loop:
A leisurely 1.8-mile walk along McDonald Creek reveals diverse landscapes, transitioning from burn-scarred to flourishing forests with meadows that offer spectacular views.
McDonald Creek Loop:
Situated within Glacier National Park, this short 1.5-mile hike starts in a wooded area, ultimately offering breathtaking views of Lake McDonald. The trail can be accessed near Fish Creek Campground and is well-suited for all ages.
Rocky Point Trail:
Safety in the Outoors
Safety in the Outoors
Bear Safety
Bear spray is a crucial tool in bear encounters. Always carry it and be ready to use it immediately. (Link)
Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence.
Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
If you come across a bear, never approach it. The best course of action is to leave the area when it’s safe to do so.
Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food, and other attractants in a secure building.
Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.
Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food-conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.
Water Safety Guidelines
Wear a life jacket. It doesn't matter if you are a kid or an adult, this is a must to stay safe on the water!
Check the river conditions and water levels BEFORE you go. www.flatheadrivers.org
Two vehicles are needed - One at the put-in and one at the take-out spot.
Bring a cooler packed with your favorite drinks and lunch.
Pack a dry bag for any devices you don't want to get wet.
Bring sunscreen and bug spray. There are many places to stop along the river.
Pack it in, pack it out - Leave no trace.
Planning to fish? Make sure you have the proper license and know the current Montana Regulations. www.fwp.mt.gov
Hiking Safety Tips
Plan your hike before you go.
Always give a trip plan with your contact information and your planned return date to someone before you leave.
As cellular service can be limited, it is vital to your safety to let someone know where you plan to be.
Other things to consider:
How often do I hike?
What is the difficulty of the trail?
What equipment do I need to bring?
Do I have enough water or a way to access water if I need it?
What is the weather? Are there any alerts for the area?
Items you should have for day hikes: Water, food, bug spray, proper shoes, wool or synthetic socks, moleskin for blisters, locator beacon, water filtration/purification equipment, & bear spray
Recreate Responsibly
With the proper precautions, outdoor adventures can be a safe and joyful experience for the whole family. Wear life jackets for water safety, stick to marked hiking trails, and carry bear spray in wildlife areas. By being prepared, you ensure a secure and positive experience, letting you and your family fully enjoy the wonders of nature. For more on how to recreate responsibly, follow the link below.
