What to do and see in Montana, United States: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

April 26, 2022 Deane Carmody

No matter where you look in Montana, you’ll find unspoiled nature, charming small towns and relaxing hospitality. Explore Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, then hit the road to discover more natural wonders. You can hike, bike or horseback ride through rugged mountain landscapes, fly-fish blue ribbon trout streams, paddle scenic rivers and lakes, or spend winter days carving fresh powder at ski resorts — then end your day wandering a vibrant main street or relaxing in a cozy lodge.
Restaurants in Montana

1. Lee Metcalf Wilderness

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A huge 600,000-acre wilderness area that lies to the northwest of Yellowstone National Park and protects large portions of the Madison mountain range.

2. Savenac Historic Tree Nursery

Haugan, MT 59842 +1 406-329-3750 http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lolo/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5086977
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Savenac Historic Tree Nursery

3. Upper Missouri River

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Upper Missouri River

Located in Central Montana.

4. Ross Creek Cedar Grove Scenic Area

Hwy 56, Bull Lake Rd 4.3 miles west of Hwy. 56, Troy, MT 59844 +1 406-293-6211 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/kootenai/recreation/picnickinginfo/recarea/?recid=66084&actid=70
Excellent
84%
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15%
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5.0 based on 107 reviews

Ross Creek Cedar Grove Scenic Area

Reviewed By mochezhead

After snagging a highly sought after parking space, we meandered through the trails with our heads tipped upwards and our eyes open wide. Words or pictures cannot explain the magnificence of this area. Although there were 100's of people in the area, it did not seem crowded once we started wandering. In addition to the huge cedars, we found an isolated area to build cairns in the dry creek. Brave the parking lot to enjoy a peaceful walk among nature's beauties.

5. Jewel Basin Hiking Area

Bigfork, MT http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/flathead/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=77671&actid=51
Excellent
95%
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Jewel Basin Hiking Area

Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States

With tens of thousands of acres and dozens of trails this is a hikers paradise. Located east of Kalispell, and past the Hungry Horse Dam, access in the winter becomes considerably more restricted. The use of a four wheel drive made this trip possible. We drove in about 8 miles or so on the west side of the dam to Jimmy Trail. The trail is fairly strenuous and the calf deep snow added to that. The trail ascends steeply in numerous places with almost no flat or plateau areas. The views through the trees are breathtaking and it was well worth the effort. This is a remote area and precautions are necessary. Bring supplies and at least bear spray, as bears, mountain lions and bobcats are present. Our hike was about three miles out and back. This time of year there is almost no vehicular or pedestrian traffic, though snow mobiles could be heard in the distance. On a sadder note the beetles have done an enormous amount of damage to the trees. So much more to do.

6. Lemhi Pass

Lemhi Pass Road, Dillon, MT
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Lemhi Pass

7. Hugh Rogers Wag Park

Armory Park, Whitefish, MT http://www.wagparks.org/index.php
Excellent
93%
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

Hugh Rogers Wag Park

8. Giant Springs State Park

4803 Giant Springs Rd, Great Falls, MT 59405-0902 +1 406-727-1212 [email protected] http://stateparks.mt.gov/giant-springs/
Excellent
70%
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4.5 based on 453 reviews

Giant Springs State Park

See. Do. Explore. The possibilities at Giant Springs State Park are limitless- there is so much to see & do with over 4600 acres of front & backcountry & 20 miles of trail. Most people come for the beautiful springs (first described by Lewis and Clark in 1805), BUT there is so much more to do! Giant Springs offers opportunities for Biking, Hiking, Picnicking, Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Bird/wildlife watching, Photography. There is also much to see: The Springs, River Overlooks, the Fish Hatchery, The Falls and More! Visit the ranger station for guided tours/walks, children's activities, summer programming or for questions.

Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States

This is a sensational park with beautiful views as well as an historical education. It is no secret that the main attractions are the giant springs. These springs provide a mesmerizing show as they cascade out and flow into the Roe River and then into the Missouri River. The walkway around allows for a 360 degree view of the springs. One of the other impressive features is the fish hatchery which located close to the springs. An incredible and lengthy network of paved and dirt trails are designed for biking, hiking and walking along the river. Other trails weave up the bluffs for enhanced views of the area. Picnicking, fishing, boating, bird watching and a jungle gym for kids are some of the other activities available. There is large green area for relaxing as well. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is another highlight especially if the weather is hot, cold or inclement. This is surely a great park for everyone.

9. Boone and Crockett Club

Missoula, MT +1 406-542-1888 http://www.boone-crockett.org/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 20 reviews

Boone and Crockett Club

A citizens group founded by T.R. Roosevelt along with a group of concerned individuals to save wildlife and Yellowstone. It was the first effective conservation measure in the US.

10. Les Mason State Park

2650 E Lakeshore Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937-8025 +1 406-752-5501 http://stateparks.mt.gov/les-mason/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 6 reviews

Les Mason State Park

Reviewed By lantana34 - Whitefish, United States

So fun to visit with dogs. There is a dog beach section. Stunningly beautiful setting on Whitefish Lake.

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