The best walks and hikes in the Whitefish Range
4.6
(38)
751
hikers
77
hikes
If you've ever tried planning hiking in the Whitefish Range, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many trails, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your precious time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has explored, mapped, and reviewed countless routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the trails that truly deliver.
Hiking here means immersing yourself in…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
2.31km
00:37
30m
30m
The Whitefish Trail - Swift Creek Loop offers a delightful journey through a mature forest, where tall spruce, fir, and larch trees create a sense of wilderness. You'll follow the…
11
hikers
5.71km
02:03
560m
10m
The Apgar Lookout Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience in Glacier National Park, known for its panoramic views and early-season accessibility. You'll begin with a gentle walk before…
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4.0
(1)
5
hikers
11.5km
03:10
180m
220m
The Skyles Lake via Lion Mountain trail offers a delightful journey through a diverse forest, leading to expansive views of Skyles Lake and the Whitefish Range. You'll traverse winding dirt…
3
hikers
2.40km
00:45
160m
0m
The Whitefish Valley Lookout trail offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through peaceful forested areas before revealing expansive views. This easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hiking route, with 518 feet…
2
hikers
5.64km
01:57
490m
0m
The Stahl Creek Trail offers a diverse hiking experience, starting through dense, wildflower-dotted forests before ascending to open, rocky terrain. You'll wind past Indian Paintbrush and Glacier Lilies in the…
1
hikers
1.79km
00:29
30m
40m
The Rocky Point Nature Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through a regenerating lodgepole pine forest to the scenic shores of Lake McDonald. This 1.1-mile (1.8 km) loop, with a…
1
hikers
3.64km
02:03
810m
0m
The Glacier View Mountain via Demers Ridge Trail offers a relentless but incredibly rewarding climb, delivering some of the best views of Glacier National Park from a unique perspective. You'll…
1
hikers
3.27km
01:10
300m
10m
The Cyclone Peak Trail offers a delightful escape into the Flathead National Forest, guiding you through a fragrant pine forest dotted with huckleberry bushes. As you ascend, the terrain transitions…
5.16km
01:23
70m
60m
The Cedar Flats Loop offers a peaceful escape into Montana's quiet wilderness, just a short drive from Columbia Falls. You'll wander through tranquil forested areas, with the natural surface underfoot…
10.1km
02:51
220m
190m
The Whitefish Trail: Woods, Dollar, and Little Beaver Lakes Loop offers a delightful escape into Montana's natural beauty, immersing you in dense pine and fir forests that occasionally open up…
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Tips from the Community
From the summit you get panoramic views in every direction. The trail gains just over 1100 feet over ~2 miles to arrive here, but the descent is not too challenging. The hike is well worth it!
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There is roadside parking across the road to the south of the trailhead, where there is also an informational trail sign. The trail up Demer's Ridge is steep but short and the views are spectacular.
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The parking lot here is large. From here you can hike the trail across the road to Lake McDonald and Rocky Point or venture south along the bike path to Apgar. The road to the lot is closed in the winter.
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Just before the end of the track, you will find a series of five really tight corners as a last challenge before making your way back up to the trail head.
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This cupola lookout cabin was built in 1926, was used for emergencies into the 1960's. Hikers can actually use the lookout that includes platforms and a loft for sleeping, a woodstove, and a table with a guest book. It is available on a first come, first serve basis.
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This area has a rewarding view over Skyles Lake. From this angle, the lake looks like the shape of a heart. The lake has lots of types of fish, like largemouth bass, northern pike, and yellow perch.
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Rocky Point overlooks Lake McDonald, which is the biggest lake in Glacier National Park. The mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for the lake and also act as a rain block, resulting in a mild, damp climate.
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The current Apgar Fire Lookout was built in 1929, after a fire destroyed the original structure. The lookout is no longer active and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many dog-friendly hiking trails in the Whitefish area?
Yes, many trails in the Whitefish Range are dog-friendly, but it's important to check specific regulations, especially for areas bordering Glacier National Park where dogs are generally not permitted on trails. The extensive Whitefish Trail system is a great option for hiking with your dog. Always keep your dog on a leash and be mindful of wildlife and other trail users.
What are some good hikes for beginners or families with children?
The region offers many accessible trails perfect for a family outing. For a very gentle walk with great lake views, consider the Rocky Point — Lake McDonald trail. It's a short, flat path along the shore of Lake McDonald. Another excellent choice is the Hidden Meadow Trail — Glacier National Park, which is an easy walk through the forest to a quiet meadow.
I'm looking for a challenging day hike. What do you recommend?
For a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain and rewarding views, the Huckleberry Lookout Trail — Glacier National Park is an excellent choice. This nearly 12-mile round trip is a tough climb to a historic fire lookout, offering panoramic vistas. Be prepared for a full day on the trail.
What's the best way to get to the trailheads? Is parking available?
Most trailheads in the Whitefish Range are best accessed by car. Popular trailheads like Lion Mountain, Swift Creek, and Reservoir have dedicated parking areas, but they can fill up quickly on weekends. Arriving early is recommended. There is no widespread public transport system that serves the trailheads directly, so a private vehicle is essential for exploring the area.
When is the best time of year to hike in the Whitefish Range?
The prime hiking season is from July through September when the trails are typically snow-free and the weather is warm. Summer also brings vibrant wildflowers and ripe huckleberries. Fall offers beautiful colors and fewer crowds. Winter hiking is possible on lower-elevation trails with snowshoes, but be aware of avalanche conditions in the high country.
Are there any loop trails available?
Yes, there are several great loop hikes. For a moderate route that explores the area around Beaver Lake, the Beaver Lakes Trailhead to Beaver Lake south end loop — Whitefish is a fantastic option. It offers a varied experience through forests and along the lake over about 6 miles.
What should I know about wildlife safety while hiking here?
The Whitefish Range is home to abundant wildlife, including black bears and grizzly bears. It is crucial to be bear-aware. Hike in groups, make noise on the trail, and carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Never feed wildlife and always store your food securely. Be sure to pack out everything you pack in to keep the wilderness wild and safe for both animals and people.
Are there any good backpacking or multi-day hiking routes?
While this guide focuses on day hikes, the region offers excellent backpacking opportunities, particularly in the Ten Lakes Scenic Area within the Kootenai National Forest and the vast Flathead National Forest. These areas provide a more solitary backcountry experience. For a longer day hike that can give you a taste of a bigger trek, consider the Skyles Lake Trailhead from Lion Mountain Trailhead — Whitefish route.
How far is Glacier National Park from Whitefish?
Whitefish is very close to Glacier National Park, making it an excellent base for exploring both areas. The park's west entrance is typically about a 30-45 minute drive from the town of Whitefish, depending on traffic. This proximity allows for easy day trips into the park to experience its world-renowned trails.
Do I need a permit to hike in the Whitefish Range?
For most day hikes in the Whitefish Range and on the Whitefish Trail, no specific permit is required. However, if your hike enters Glacier National Park, you will need to pay the park entrance fee. For overnight backpacking trips in the National Forests or Glacier National Park, backcountry permits are required.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails in the Whitefish Range?
The trails in this area are highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths of the Whitefish Trail system and the stunning panoramic views of Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park from the higher elevations. The variety of trails, from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents, is another frequently mentioned highlight.
Are there any trails with impressive mountain views?
Absolutely. For a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, the Glacier View Mountain via Demer’s Ridge Trail is a top choice. The climb is steady but the payoff is a stunning vista that lives up to its name.
Most popular routes in the Whitefish Range
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