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10 MUST-EXPERIENCE HIKES IN MONTANA

Montana is easily one of the most breathtaking states in the U.S., especially when it comes to nature! From the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the vast, peaceful prairies, this state is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. No matter which region you’re exploring, you’ll find plenty of incredible hikes that showcase Montana’s natural beauty.

While Montana might not always be the first place that comes to mind for international travelers exploring the U.S., trust me—it’s absolutely worth the visit. I had the chance to experience it firsthand during a road trip from New York to Los Angeles, and let’s just say, having a car made all the difference on this adventure!

Now, let’s dive into some of the best hikes in Montana. Whether you’re looking for an easy scenic stroll or a challenging mountain trek, there’s something here for everyone.

… Just be sure to keep an eye out for the bears! 

BLACK CANYON LAKE TRAIL, CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST

Located in the breathtaking Beartooth Mountain Range, the Black Canyon Lake Trail is a challenging 14-mile hike best suited for experienced hikers. This demanding trail requires preparation, but the reward is unparalleled panoramic views.

Starting at the end of Lake Fork Road, the initial portion of the trail is relatively moderate for seasoned hikers. A few miles in, you’ll have the option to take a short yet steep detour to Lost Lake—highly recommended if conditions permit.

About halfway through, the trail becomes significantly more difficult. In colder months, it can be treacherous, so it’s best suited for those experienced in winter hiking. The true highlight of this hike is Black Canyon Lake, a striking turquoise body of water set against the backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains.

Keep in mind that this is bear country, so be sure to follow all safety precautions.

BOULDER PASS TRAIL, GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Challenging for beginners but moderate for experienced hikers, the Boulder Pass Trail is one of Montana’s best hikes within Glacier National Park. Spanning approximately 30 miles, this trail offers some of the most stunning scenery in the park.

Starting at Kintla Lakes, hikers will travel about 19 miles before reaching Boulder Pass, which overlooks the renowned Hole in the Wall waterfall. The ascent is tough but well worth it for the incredible views.

This is a remote backcountry trail, so packing appropriate gear is essential. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so check the National Park Service website before setting out. As grizzly bears inhabit this region, ensure all food is stored properly.

While in the area, take a break and enjoy a canoe ride on the lake—an unforgettable experience.

DANNY ON MEMORIAL TRAIL, FLATHEAD NATIONAL FOREST

Situated in Whitefish, this scenic trail honors Danny On, a renowned photographer and ecologist passionate about Montana’s beauty. Spanning nearly six miles, this moderately challenging hike includes some steep elevation gains, but the summit rewards hikers with a stunning panoramic view of Big Sky Country.

During the spring, the trail bursts with vibrant wildflowers, adding to its natural charm.

GRINNELL GLACIER TRAIL, GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

A challenging yet rewarding trek, the Grinnell Glacier Trail is an 11-mile hike leading to one of the most visited glaciers in the park.

The journey begins at the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake before gradually gaining elevation. Though the initial stretch may seem easy, the trail becomes more demanding as you ascend. Along the way, hikers have a chance to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep, elk, and possibly bears—so be sure to follow all safety guidelines.

Despite its strenuous nature, the spectacular glacier and its brilliant blue lake make this hike one of the most rewarding in Montana. Note: A park entrance fee (approximately $35 per vehicle) is required.

HIDDEN LAKE OVERLOOK TRAIL, GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Easier than the Grinnell Glacier Trail but still offering a challenge, the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail is a great option for those seeking a shorter adventure. Spanning about three miles, this moderate trail provides breathtaking views without the commitment of a long trek.

Starting behind the Logan Pass Visitor Center, the trail leads to an overlook showcasing the pristine Hidden Lake and Sperry Glacier Basin. If you choose to continue down to the lake itself, be prepared for a steep and strenuous additional mile each way.

HIGHLINE TRAIL, GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Considered one of the more difficult trails in Glacier National Park, the Highline Trail starts at Logan Pass and winds through creeks, avalanche chutes, and stunning landscapes.

Springtime offers the added beauty of alpine flowers and rushing streams from melting snow. The highlight of this hike is the sweeping view of Logan Valley from the summit, making it an ideal spot for a picnic before heading back.

LAVA LAKE, CUSTER GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST

Situated in Gallatin Canyon, this popular hike is best tackled as a day trip. While not the longest, the elevation gain is significant, requiring frequent breaks to avoid exhaustion.

The trail crosses the picturesque Cascade Creek before reaching Lava Lake, which sits in the remnants of an ancient volcanic crater. Along the way, hikers may encounter wildlife such as pika, deer, and various songbirds.

MOUNT AENEAS SUMMIT TRAIL, FLATHEAD NATIONAL FOREST

One of the most accessible summit hikes in Montana, this six-mile trail near Bigfork is still a strenuous challenge.

The toughest section is a mile-long stretch of steep switchbacks, followed by additional inclines before reaching the peak. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.

MYSTIC LAKE TRAIL, CUSTER GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST

This nearly six-mile hike provides an immersive experience in the Beartooth Mountains. A highlight of the journey is crossing an impressive rock field—be mindful to avoid hiking this exposed section during the hottest part of the day.

Reaching the overlook reveals breathtaking views of Mystic Lake, the largest and deepest lake in the Beartooth region, making this hike a must-do for nature lovers.

PALISADE FALLS, BOZEMAN

Located just outside Bozeman, this short yet rewarding hike is ideal for hikers of all skill levels. Spanning just over a mile, it offers an easy and accessible adventure.

The trail leads to the striking Palisade Falls, a perfect spot for a scenic break. For the most impressive waterfall views, visit in the spring when rainfall and snowmelt enhance the water flow.

Due to its popularity, the trail can become crowded, so it’s best to start early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.

20 BEST VEGETABLES TO GROW IN A SMALL RAISED BED

Growing plants in raised beds is a fantastic idea with numerous benefits. Once you decide to use raised beds, the next question is which vegetables to grow in your garden.

There are many vegetable options to choose from, but your selection should be based on factors such as available space, location, sunlight, temperature, water supply, and climate.

For instance, some plants thrive in warm weather, while others prefer cooler conditions. It’s essential to choose vegetables that can adapt to your local climate. Similarly, certain plants require more water, so if you live in a dry region, it’s best to avoid those that need constant moisture.

LENTIL

Lentils are small in size, allowing you to cultivate them in large quantities with the right conditions. They thrive in moist, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and require 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily. If your soil isn’t ideal, lentils can be successfully grown in raised beds, provided they are 8 to 10 inches high. Consistent watering is essential for maintaining healthy plants. Lentils take approximately 100 days to reach maturity and can be stored as dry beans or grains for up to one year.

CELERY

If you have patience, you can grow celery in a raised bed, as it takes about 160 days to mature. Before planting, soak the seeds in water using trays, and prepare the soil by mixing in compost and fertilizer. Celery requires ample water to keep the stalks tender and prevent hardness. Once harvested, it can be stored in the refrigerator for two weeks to a month.

BASIL

Basil is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in hot weather. It requires moist, well-drained soil and at least six hours of full sun daily. Choosing the right location with these conditions ensures healthy growth. Regular watering is key to maximizing yield, and in particularly hot climates, daily watering is essential to keep the plant thriving.

KALE

Kale is a cold-loving, easy-to-grow plant that thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. It can be planted in spring or summer, with harvest time falling in the fall or early winter, depending on when it was planted. Like all plants, kale requires nutrient-rich soil, with a particular need for nitrogen and potassium, so regular fertilization throughout the growing season is beneficial. Once the plant reaches a height of 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm), you can begin harvesting its leaves.

BEET

Beets are frost-tolerant, making them ideal for planting in early spring or fall. To ensure optimal growth, they require high-quality soil that is nutrient-rich, moist, and well-drained. If planting in raised beds, ensure the bed has sufficient depth. It’s important to keep the soil moist without overwatering, and applying a layer of mulch can help reduce weeds and lower soil temperature.

For the best flavor, harvest the beets when the roots are still small, as they tend to be sweeter at this stage. Don’t forget the beet greens—they are edible and packed with nutrients, and you can harvest them anytime throughout the growing season.

SPINACH

Spinach is a cold-loving plant, making it ideal for planting in spring or fall. It’s a low-maintenance vegetable that doesn’t require much attention, but the soil should be well-drained and free from clay.

If you’re new to gardening, spinach is a great choice, as it’s easy to grow even with little experience. Harvest the leaves when they’re large enough to eat, as they can become bitter if left too long. Spinach isn’t limited to in-ground garden beds—you can also grow it successfully in raised beds.

BROCCOLI

Broccoli is an easy-to-grow vegetable that thrives in cold weather. To ensure good production, create a broccoli-friendly environment by enriching the soil with compost and manure, as broccoli needs plenty of nutrients.

The ideal soil temperature should be around 4.5°C (40°F). If the plant is lacking nutrients, the leaves will show signs—such as turning yellow when there’s a nitrogen deficiency—which helps identify the problem.

Make sure to water the plant consistently. When it’s time to harvest, pay attention to the color of the broccoli head. If it starts turning yellow or black, it indicates the plant has passed its peak harvest time.

PEAS

Peas are a fast-growing crop, though their growing season is quite short. Before planting peas in raised beds, enrich the soil with manure and fertilizers. They need 4 to 8 hours of sunlight and should be watered regularly, but avoid overwatering to prevent excessive moisture in the soil.

Harvest the pea pods when they reach the desired size. The best time to pick them is in the morning, as this is when they have the best flavor.

PEPPER

Peppers grow well in raised beds and come in a variety of types, from sweet bell peppers to hot peppers. When preparing your bed for planting, be sure to mix the soil with high-quality natural fertilizer. Peppers are sun-loving plants that thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and require regular watering.

Although peppers need consistent moisture, be mindful not to overwater. It’s important to water them daily. While you can grow peppers indoors, they should not be transplanted from indoors to outdoors. Start planting before the last frost. When the peppers reach your desired size, harvest them using a sharp pair of scissors.

CUCUMBER

Cucumbers thrive in hot weather and prefer moist soil rich in nutrients. Choose a raised bed location that receives full sun for optimal growth. You can ensure the necessary nutrients by mixing the soil with compost and fertilizer.

Since cucumbers cannot tolerate frost, avoid planting them if frost is still a concern. You can plant cucumbers with seeds or seedlings about one inch deep. Regular watering is crucial for maintaining the sweet flavor of cucumbers; if the soil dries out, it can harm your plants.

TOMATO

Tomatoes thrive in the spring and summer, and they do well in pots and raised beds. Since tomatoes can become heavy as they grow, extra support is necessary to prevent them from collapsing. There are various tomato varieties, so it’s important to choose one that offers a quick and easy yield.

If you’re working with limited space or a smaller raised bed, cherry tomatoes are a great choice, as they produce flavorful fruit in just one season. To ensure healthy tomatoes, provide rich, nutrient-dense soil, mix in compost and fertilizers, and ensure they receive 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight. Regular watering, especially when baby tomatoes begin to develop, is also crucial.

RADISH

Radishes are an excellent choice for beginners, as they can be harvested within a month of planting with consistent sunlight and moderate watering. They can thrive in any type of soil.

Since radishes are deep-rooted plants, make sure to space them 2 to 3 inches apart. Choose a location for your raised bed where they can get plenty of sunlight. Additionally, the greens of the radish are also edible, so after harvesting, be sure to cut off the greens and save them for cooking.

BEAN

Beans require moderate maintenance, but they can be challenging for beginners due to the potential pests that may affect them. These plants need a vigilant gardener to ensure proper care. Make sure to provide well-balanced soil and regular watering to help your bean plants thrive and absorb all the necessary nutrients.

Once the pods are firm and large, it’s time to harvest. If the beans are larger, it’s helpful to train them on a trellis for support, allowing them to climb easily. Smaller beans do not require any support.

CORN

Corn is a fast-growing vegetable that you can grow in large quantities, but it has specific requirements. It thrives in heavily fertilized soil, needs regular watering, and should be planted in the spring. Corn cannot be grown indoors and should be planted outdoors.

While you can plant corn in raised beds, it does require extra attention. Be sure to leave enough space between the plants for proper growth. Regular watering is essential to maintain soil moisture and keep your corn plants healthy.

MINT

Growing mint in raised beds is incredibly easy, and it requires minimal maintenance. Mint plants can be cut back at any time, as they tend to spread quickly. One unique feature of mint is that you can propagate it from clippings, even growing them in a simple glass of water.

There’s no need to wait for a specific harvesting time, but the best flavor comes from picking the leaves when they are young. You can harvest mint at any point, and the fresh leaves will enhance the flavor of your dishes, often used in dressings and sauces. Mint also offers various health benefits, with hot mint tea being particularly helpful for soothing the stomach and relieving anxiety.

POTATOES

Potatoes are a beloved vegetable, especially among children, and growing them in raised beds can provide a fresh, free supply for your kitchen. To grow healthy potatoes, make sure they receive full sun, are planted in rich, slightly acidic soil, and are kept well-watered for optimal growth.

Timing is crucial when planting potatoes, as they cannot tolerate extreme cold. Aim to plant them before the last significant frost of the season. While different varieties may take longer to mature, most potatoes typically require about two to three months to reach maturity.

SUMMER SQUASH

Summer squash cannot tolerate frost, so it’s important to plant it when the risk of frost has passed. For optimal growth, ensure your plants get appropriate sunlight, and the soil has good drainage, is moist, weed-free, and fertile. Plant the seeds several weeks before the last spring frost, once the soil has warmed up.

You can easily plant summer squash by directly sowing seeds or using seedlings. Prior to planting in raised beds, mix compost into the soil to enrich it, and fertilize as needed throughout the growing season. Summer squash typically takes about 2-3 months to reach maturity.

CARROTS

Carrots are deep-rooted vegetables, so it’s important to choose raised beds with enough height to allow their roots to grow properly. While root vegetables are typically grown in the ground, raised beds offer better control over growing conditions and soil fertility.

Carrots prefer well-draining soil, and adding sand can help improve soil texture, as they thrive in sandy conditions. Plant the seeds about 3-4 inches apart, and keep the soil moist during the first week for the best yield. Carrots usually take 70 to 80 days to mature, and once they reach this point, they’re ready to harvest and enjoy.

ONION

Onions are easy to grow, and planting them in raised beds makes the process even simpler. Typically, onions can be harvested within 100 days. They need rich, well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight, and only a little moisture, as they are a spring plant.

While onions are easy to grow, they do require some care. Nitrogen is crucial for their growth, so make sure to add nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to keep the plants healthy.

Onions don’t need constant moisture, but providing consistent watering can enhance their flavor. Apply a mulch layer and water regularly. When the top of the onion turns yellow, it’s time to harvest. This color change indicates that the onion is ready to be pulled from the soil.

LETTUCE

Lettuce is a must-have in salads and an essential garnish for burgers and sandwiches. For healthy growth, it’s important to focus on the fertility of the soil, as lettuce requires fertilization. However, your efforts will be well worth it.

Lettuce is versatile and can thrive in both fall and spring, so you don’t have to worry too much about the season. It prefers partial sun and will reach maturity within 2-3 months.

To ensure healthy growth, fertilize the soil every week, and adding compost is a great idea. Lettuce thrives in cool soil, and regular watering is key. Keep the soil moist and use mulch to maintain moisture. On hot days, lettuce needs shade, so choose the right spot for your raised bed based on this requirement.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a small raised bed garden can be a surprisingly productive space, capable of yielding a diverse and delicious harvest. By carefully selecting varieties suited to compact spaces and prioritizing succession planting, even the most novice gardener can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, homegrown vegetables. This list of 20 top contenders, from crisp lettuces and vibrant radishes to flavorful tomatoes and versatile peppers, offers a great starting point for designing your own miniature garden oasis.