Fishing, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures in Columbia Falls, Montana
Find outdoor adventures beyond the bustling National Park In Columbia Falls.
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.
THE 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 & Parks
River’s Edge Park:
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.
Marantette 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.
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:
Columbus Park:
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
Local River Access
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.
Hiking & Biking Trails
Apgar Bike Trail:
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.
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:
Johns Lake Loop:
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.
McDonald Creek 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.
Rocky Point Trail:
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.
SAFETY IN THE OUTDOORS
Bear spray is a crucial tool in bear encounters. Always carry it and be ready to use it immediately.
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.
Bear Safety
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.
For Full Trail & river access infoRMAtion, CLICK HERE
Hiking &
Walking Trails
Hike everything from short forest loops to full-day peak climbs in Flathead National Forest and along the border of Glacier National Park. Close-to-town options include family-friendly routes near Cedar Flats, while longer trails like Columbia Mountain offer steep climbs and wide valley views. The info above, and other resources like AllTrails feature route descriptions, difficulty levels, seasonal notes, and links to maps for the most popular Columbia Falls area hikes.
Fishing
Cast for native Westslope Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Bull Trout on the Flathead River system minutes from downtown Columbia Falls. Local shops and outfitters provide gear, river intel, and guided trips on the North, Middle, and main Flathead, plus nearby lakes and creeks. The full fishing page will cover access points, seasons, regulations, and recommended guides in detail.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Run the Wild and Scenic Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River along the southern and western edges of Glacier National Park. From family-friendly scenic floats to Class III–IV whitewater, Columbia Falls is the primary base for local raft companies and river trips. The rafting page will break down sections, seasonal flows, and recommended outfitters.
WATER SPORTS
Spend the day on Flathead Lake, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Lake Five, or Lake McDonald with options for boating, paddling, swimming, and river floating. Lakes and reservoirs offer beaches, boat ramps, and rentals, while the Flathead River provides easy-access float sections close to town. The water sports page will outline launch sites, rental options, safety tips, and the best spots for calm paddling or full lake days.
SKIING, SNOWBOARDING
& MOUNTAIN BIKING
Whitefish Mountain Resort delivers lift-served skiing and snowboarding in winter plus downhill mountain biking and scenic lift rides in summer. Backcountry zones in the surrounding national forest add options for advanced skiers, riders, and bikers who want more remote terrain. The ski and bike page will detail resort terrain, bike park features, backcountry access, and how to reach the mountain from Columbia Falls.
HUNTING
Columbia Falls sits near vast public lands in the Flathead National Forest, Swan Valley, Cabinet Mountains, and Bob Marshall Wilderness, with opportunities for elk, whitetail and mule deer, black bear, and mountain lion. Both do-it-yourself hunters and those using local outfitters can base here and branch into multiple units. The hunting page will cover seasons, licensing through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and guided hunt options.
BIKING, UTV, OFF-ROADING,
SNOWMOBILING & HORSEBACK RIDING
Use Columbia Falls as a launch point for non-hiking trail systems across the Flathead. Options include lift-served and cross-country biking, designated OHV and UTV routes, groomed snowmobile networks, and horseback riding areas on nearby public lands. The trail systems page will map out key zones, motorized versus non-motorized areas, permit requirements, and local rental or guide services.
OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
& ATTRACTIONS
Beyond trails and rivers, Columbia Falls offers aerial adventures, waterparks, and unique roadside stops. Highlights include Glacier Ziplines and Glacier Highline, Big Sky Waterpark, Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir, and the Montana Vortex & House of Mystery. The “Other Activities” page will give an overview of hours, locations, and what to expect at each stop.