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The Flathead and surrounding forests and parks, including nearby Glacier National Park, create a recreational wonderland measuring nearly 10,000 square miles, roughly the size of Vermont.
Nearly half of the Flathead's 2.3 million acres is designated wilderness, a source of inspiration to humans and a snug, wild haven for wolves, peregrine falcons, bald eagles and grizzly bears. Grizzlies occupy 87 percent of forest lands.
Despite the Flathead's size, access is relatively easy. Nearly 2,100 miles of foot and horse trails cross the forest and some long paths, including 70- to 100-mile loops branching out from Holland Lake, are found just east of Montana Hwy. 83.
Plenty of easy family afternoon outings are available, including short loop trails accessible from the Big Mountain Ski Area chairlift. The Jewel Basin Hiking Area has trails appropriate for virtually any age group and offers beautiful trailside vistas.
Along the forest's extreme eastern edge is the magnificent Chinese Wall, a thousand-foot-high and 12- mile-long limestone escarpment that forms the boundary between the Flathead and Lewis and Clark national forests. Hikers and horseback riders from around the world flock to the wall, which is part of the stunning, million-acre Bob Marshall Wilderness.
There are 219 miles of wild and scenic rivers in the national forest, including the North, Middle and South forks of the Flathead River. They provide some of Montana's best whitewater rafting.
Outdoor Activities |
See beautiful Whitefish Lake near Flathead National Forest.
See wildlife in Flathead National Forest's many wilderness areas.
Sail on Flathead Lake at the north end of Flathead National Forest.
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