Exploring Flathead National Forest

Exploring Flathead National Forest

The Flathead National Forest contains 2.4 million acres of land in Montana, much of which is open to exploration. The forest spans a huge area in all four directions from Kalispell and Flathead Lake. Besides opportunities to camp, fish and boat, there are more than 2,500 miles of hiking trails. We checked out one of those trails yesterday.

Only a few miles further up our road is a portion of the Flathead National Forest. We hadn’t yet been up that way and chose yesterday as the day for our first adventure. Off we went in search of some sort of trail, and within a few minutes had found a forest service road which serves as a hiking trail. This particular trail winds it way through the Flathead National Forest as well as through timber company land.

What a fantastic spot for a hike! Not only were there no signs of recent human access, it was beautiful. Birds were flitting around and there was a lot to see. For example, about ten minutes into our walk, I saw the first quaking aspen tree, without leaves at the moment. Soon I noticed there was an entire grove of them. I made an immediate promise to myself to come in the summer of fall to listen to these trees when their leaves are blowing in the wind. A favorite sound of mine!

We continued on, went around a corner, and saw a familiar site. While we have similar views from a hilltop behind our home, this was a view of Flathead Valley from a different angle. What a treat to spend some time soaking in the view.

And then there was the most interesting sight of all. We happened to look through a bunch of trees into the valley and saw a very vacant and run down cabin and outhouse. There were rusted car fenders next to the house which were probably from the 1920s. Using that evidence as well as the condition of the home, I’d guess someone’s Montana dream of the late 1800s/early 1900s was to have a cabin in a valley far away from everyone and in the midst of the forest. Unfortunately and obviously, their dream has since returned to nature as the quaking aspens once again claimed that land.

As you might imagine, we had an amazing time exploring those few miles of Flathead National Forest. Now we only have about 2,495 miles left to go!

For other hiking posts, click here. For more information on the Kalispell area, click here. And of course, if you need help selling or buying a home in the Flathead Valley, I can be reached at 406-270-3667 and kat@thehousekat.com.