If you’re considering a hiking vacation in Montana, look no further than the wild beauty of northwest Montana. With rugged mountains, dense forests, serene lakes, and abundant wildlife, this is a prime spot to recharge and reconnect with nature. And with a variety of hiking trails nearby, Lakeside Motel & Resort offers the home base for your outdoor adventures.

Located on the shores of the Noxon Reservoir, Lakeside Motel & Resort (visit us at mtlodging.com) provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly paths, high-elevation climbs, or remote wilderness, you’ll find them all nearby. Let’s briefly explore six scenic and accessible trails that make this region a destination for your next hiking vacation in Montana.

1. Trout Creek National Recreation Trail (#774)

This trail follows the East Fork of Trout Creek, the Idaho/Montana border, the South Branch of Trout Creek, and the West Fork of Trout Creek. It forms a 19.8-mile loop situated within the Trout Creek Roadless Area. Because #774 intersects with other trails, it can provide loop hiking options. Access is typically from the trailhead at the end of Hope Valley Road/FSR 214. The trail is classified as Trail Class 3, with a very well-defined and visible tread and corridor. It is scheduled for annual clearing. Hikers should be prepared for multiple stream crossings, which can be challenging and even dangerous throughout the year.

2. Trout Ridge Trail (#775)

This trail follows the Montana/Idaho border at the head end of the Trout Creek Roadless Area. Trout Creek National Recreation Trail (#774) intersects this trail at its southern end and allows loop hiking options. It offers expansive views of the Clark Fork and Coeur d’Alene River valleys. The trail is classified as Trail Class 3, with a very well-defined and visible tread and corridor. It is scheduled for clearing every three years. Motorcycle use is permitted on this trail. Hikers should be aware that the trail follows an open ridgeline in some sections, where the tread may be minimal.

3. Engle Lake Trailhead (#932/#932A)

This trail is a Cabinet Mountains Wilderness trail, and it leads to both Engle Lake and Engle Peak. It provides majestic views of peaks within the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and the Clark Fork Valley. #932 is classified as Trail Class 3, with a very well-defined and visible tread and corridor. It is scheduled for annual clearing. #932A is classified as Trail Class 2, with some blowdown, brush, and minimal tread. It is scheduled for clearing every five years.

4. Rock Lake Trail (#935)

This trail is a Cabinet Mountains Wilderness trail that follows an old mining road for three miles to the historic Heidelberg mine. The trail then ascends for one mile to Rock Lake. From the trail, hikers can see mountain peaks, waterfalls, meadows, and sometimes even wildlife such as moose and mountain goats. The trail is classified as Trail Class 3, with a very well-defined and visible tread and corridor. It is scheduled for annual clearing. The trail includes many stream crossings. Bridges span all major crossings except one near the trailhead. During peak runoff, this crossing can be potentially hazardous.

5. Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge Trail

This trail leads to a falls overlook at roughly one-third mile and to the swinging bridge at roughly one-half mile. The trail’s first 500 feet is level enough to allow disabled access and leads to an overlook with a shaded picnic area. Beyond this, the trail can become rocky and challenging. Hikers will follow an overpass above railroad tracks and a metal staircase that may be a challenge for dogs. Hikers will continue toward the river with the falls overlook upstream and the swinging bridge downstream. The Kootenai Falls area contains interesting geological formations and is also held sacred by local tribes.

6. Thompson Falls State Park Trails

Thompson Falls State Park encompasses 36 acres near the Clark Fork River. The park includes the Thompson Falls Trail. This trail runs along the river and connects to the Highway 200 trail into town. It has recently been expanded and is a non-motorized trail. Visitors also can enjoy an improved family fishing pond with an accessible fishing pier and a new picnic shelter.

Why Choose Lakeside Motel & Resort for Your Hiking Getaway?

Nestled on the Noxon Reservoir, Lakeside Motel & Resort offers a nearby basecamp for exploring these incredible trails. After a long day on the trail, there’s nothing better than returning to a clean, comfortable room or cabin. You’ll also have access to our private dock, boat rentals, and fire pits, making it easy to wind down in style.

Visit mtlodging.com to book your stay and learn more about amenities, local recommendations, and seasonal availability. Whether you’re planning a solo journey, a romantic escape, or a group hiking trip, Lakeside offers everything you need for a memorable hiking vacation in Montana.

Hiking Tips for a Safe and Fun Montana Adventure

Before you hit the trail, keep these helpful tips in mind to make the most of your hiking vacation in Montana:

• Check trail conditions ahead of time—at fs.usda.gov and fwp.mt.gov; also check local weather reports.
• Dress in layers—weather can change quickly in the mountains.
• Stay hydrated and energized—bring plenty of water and healthy snacks.
• Manage your pack weight—do not overload yourself.
• Know your limits—some trails are strenuous, so pace yourself accordingly and take rest breaks when needed.
• Leave no trace—pack out everything you bring in and respect wildlife.

Make It a Tradition

One of the best parts of a hiking vacation in Montana is that no two trips are ever the same. Each season brings new sights, scents, and surprises—from springtime waterfalls and wildflowers to golden autumn leaves and wildlife preparing for winter. Once you’ve experienced the magic of a mountain sunrise from a rocky outcropping or the stillness of a forested trail, you’ll want to return again and again.

Ready to plan your hiking vacation in Montana? Book your stay at Lakeside Motel & Resort and discover why Trout Creek is one of the best-kept secrets for hikers in Big Sky Country.

Sources:
Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “#774 Trout Creek National Recreation Trailhead.” fs.usda.gov. Updated 15 April 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/recreation/774-trout-creek-national-recreation-trailhead.
Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “#775 Trout Ridge Trailhead.” fs.usda.gov. Updated 15 April 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/recreation/775-trout-ridge-trailhead.
Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “#932/#932A Engle Lake Trailhead.” fs.usda.gov. Updated 15 April 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/recreation/932932a-engle-lake-trailhead.
Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “#935 Rock Lake Trailhead.” fs.usda.gov. Updated 15 April 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/recreation/935-rock-lake-trailhead.
Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge.” fs.usda.gov. Updated 14 April 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/recreation/kootenai-falls-and-swinging-bridge.
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. “Thompson Falls State Park.” fwp.mt.gov. Accessed 19 May 2025. https://fwp.mt.gov/thompson-falls.