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From Jewel Basin to the Swan River Trail to Wayfarer’s State Park, Bigfork offers trails for hikers of every level.
Where ever your adventures take you always be aware of wildlife in the area, carry bear spray, and keep a safe distance. Never approach or feed wildlife, and make noise to alert animals to your presence.
Also, practice the Leave No Trace principles. This means packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and avoiding disturbing plants or other natural features. It takes all of us! Learn more at LNT.org.
Wayfarers trails offer access to the cliffs and shores—and some spectacular views—of Flathead Lake. It is located .5 miles south of Bigfork on Montana Highway 35. Learn more.
This trail follows the old River Road beside the beautiful Swan River. From downtown, the first mile takes you along the “Wild Mile” portion of the Swan River while the second mile follows the slow, lazy portion of the Swan. The two-mile long trail is open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. You can access the trail at the east end of Grand Avenue located in the center of the village of Bigfork. In 2022 PacifiCorp constructed a small parking lot, with restroom facilities, on the east end of the trail, just over the bridge on Swan River Road.
Opened in fall 2023, the Harrell Forest Community Trails offer a 5 mile wooded hiking area a 1/2 mile north of downtown Bigfork on Bigfork Stage Road. There is a small parking area at the trail head along with information and restroom facilities. The Harrell Forest Community Trails are open to hikers, bikers, and runners – no e-bikes or horses please. For more details you can check out the trail map here. This project was made possbile by a generous donation of a land by Alan Horn and Cindy Harrell Horn and the Trust for Public Land, Flathead Land Trust, and Montana Land Reliance.
This is a challenging hike on a trail that makes a quick descent to Flathead Lake. Hikers can sit and enjoy the breathtaking view before crossing over Crane Creek and climbing back up to the trailhead.
The trailhead is located on Highway 35 in Woods Bay for about three miles. Look for the Flathead Lake Trail sign on the Flathead Lake side of the road.
It doesn’t matter if you are a novice hiker or you love a challenge: Jewel Basin has a hike for you. You’ll discover 15,349 acres of wilderness, 27 lakes and nearly 50 miles of hike-only trails.
The Jewel Basin is located just outside of Bigfork in the Flathead National Forest. To access the trailhead from Bigfork, take Hwy 35 north to Hwy 83. Head east on Hwy 83 to the junction of the Echo Lake Road. Head north on Echo Lake Road about 3 miles to junction with the Jewel Basin Road (No. 5392). Follow this road approx. 7 miles to the trailhead.
Bigfork’s winter wonderland of cross-country ski trails turns into easy summer hikes suitable for the family.
The Jewel Basin is located just outside of Bigfork in the Flathead National Forest. To access the trailhead from Bigfork, take Hwy 35 north to Hwy 83. Head east on Hwy 83 to the junction of the Echo Lake Road. Head north on Echo Lake Road about 3 miles to junction with the Jewel Basin Road. Go straight and Nordic trail parking is on the right.
We’re a short drive from Glacier National Park – don’t forget about this hiking lover’s dream.
Hiking Map From Nat Geo
Click Map to view more details.
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