By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Canadianrockies.net
Hiking is sublime in Glacier National Park and the North Fork Region specifically. This area is known for its series of beautiful lakes, and world-class fishing in the North Fork of the Flathead River.
And with plenty of hotels in nearby Whitefish or Kalispell, this just may be the perfect spot for your next Montana vacation!
Read below for our picks of the five best hikes in the North Fork Region.
Kintia Lake
This hike is 6.6 miles long and runs from along this breathtaking Montana lake. Take a break and fish in the Kintia while you’re there!
Logging Lake Trail
This trail runs about 4.5 miles through an old part of forest at the foot of the lake that was cleared by a forest fire in the 1980s. The views are great on the way in because the new trees aren’t too big. A great way to see an excellent Glacier National Park vista!
Quartz Lake
Hike this 6-mile trail up to Quartz Lake, a great place to relax, take photos and even do some cutthroat trout fishing!
Hidden Meadow
This is a short hike at just 1.2 miles long. Get all the beautiful scenery without too much effort. Great for families!
Numa Lookout
Get a good workout on this longer hike with decent elevation gain. Bring your camera to record the view of Glacier National Park from above 7,000 feet!
For more information about hikes in the area, check in with a park ranger or other qualified Glacier National Park guide. They will be able to fill you in on local bear activity, trail closings and any other changes.
For further information on guided tours in the Canadian Rockies, fill out the blue form on the right side of this page.
Glacier Guides Inc.
This travel company organizes group hikes ranging from day trips to multi-day adventures in Glacier’s backcountry. Their overnight trips include stays in a picturesque Glacier National Park Chalet! Visit Glacier Guides Inc. for more information about their tours.
Bridge Street Cottages
Make these beautiful luxury cottages your home away from home. They are located along Montana’s Swan River near downtown Bigfork. From the cottages, you’ll have access the “Wild Mile” nature trail along the Swan, and be very close to the shores of Flathead Lake. Visit Bridge Street Cottages for more.
Lodge at Whitefish Lake
If you’re looking for luxury, you’ve found it at this full-service vacation resort. The property on Whitefish Lake has access to a three acre nature preserve, which will open to hikers in summer of 2010. The resort is just 40 minutes from Glacier National Park, 10 Minutes from Whitefish Mountain Resort. Visit Lodge at Whitefish Lake for additional information.