A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Columbia Falls, Montana

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Lion Mountain

Hike Route

Lion Mountain

easy
2.11 mi
+272 ft
Beaver Lake Loop

Hike Route

Beaver Lake Loop

easy
3.71 mi
+484 ft
Howe Lake Trail

Hike Route

Howe Lake Trail

Lake
easy
1.59 mi
+70 ft
Swan River Nature Trail

Hike Route

Swan River Nature Trail

easy
4.02 mi
+27 ft
McDonald Falls

Hike Route

McDonald Falls

Views
easy
0.76 mi
+31 ft
Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars

Hike Route

Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars

Family Friendly
moderate
2.96 mi
+613 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Coal Nyack Loop

Hike Route

Coal Nyack Loop

Birding
moderate
35.64 mi
+4,087 ft
Sperry Trailhead to Sperry Chalet

Hike Route

Sperry Trailhead to Sperry Chalet

Views
extreme
12.53 mi
+3,565 ft
Sperry Glacier + Comeau Pass

Hike Route

Sperry Glacier + Comeau Pass

Lake
extreme
18.24 mi
+5,236 ft
Gunsight Pass

Hike Route

Gunsight Pass

Birding
strenuous
19.61 mi
+3,936 ft
Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Section 2

Hike Route

Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Section 2

Lake
extreme
76.64 mi
+13,522 ft
Montana Trail Section 1

Hike Route

Montana Trail Section 1

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
191.44 mi
+33,575 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Danny On Memorial Trail

Hike Route

Danny On Memorial Trail

strenuous
7.81 mi
+2,074 ft
Apgar Lookout

Hike Route

Apgar Lookout

Lake
strenuous
7.1 mi
+1,890 ft
Smith Lake via Swift Creek Loop

Hike Route

Smith Lake via Swift Creek Loop

moderate
5.16 mi
+581 ft
Strawberry Lake

Hike Route

Strawberry Lake

Lake
moderate
5.2 mi
+1,687 ft
Herron Park Loop

Hike Route

Herron Park Loop

moderate
5.8 mi
+937 ft
Jewel Basin Loop

Hike Route

Jewel Basin Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.83 mi
+2,152 ft