Flathead Lake Trail #77

Go Hike With Mike

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Flathead Lake TrailThis short, family friendly 0.4 mile loop interpretive Flathead Lake trail. The short but steep distance down to excellent view of Flathead Lake and the western skyline. This trail was developed in partnership with the Bigfork High School.

If you have the opportunity to visit this trail during the month of May the may Flowers will be in full bloom.  The trail is a little steep going down.  However, it is very manageable for young and old alike.  The view from this Flathead Lake trail is exceptional.  At points on the trail you will see north into Woods Bay as well as east to Wildhorse Island.  Once at the bottom of this short trail be sure to refresh yourself with a plunge into the blue waters of Flathead Lake.

At a Glance
Usage: Light
Closest Towns: Bigfork
Water: No
Directions: To get to this trail head from Bigfork, go south on Highway 35 past Woods Bay, and turn right after mile marker 23, entering the Beardance trailhead parking. The trail goes downhill from both parking areas, creating a loop.

Location

Latitude : 47.95622819
Longitude : -114.0329612

Elevation : 3,071 feet – 3,071 feet

There is no camping at this trail head.  Camping is available in Wayfarers State Park about 10 miles to the north in Bigfork.

Beardance Trail

Go Hike With Mike

Flathead Lake Beardance TrailThe Flathead Lake Bear Dance Trail is 6.7 miles long and climbs about 2,200 feet. It begins off of Highway # 35 from the Beardance Trailhead and follows Forest Road #10222 and terminates at Crane Mountain Road #498.  The trail is open to: hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Usage: Heavy
Closest Towns: Bigfork
Directions: From Bigfork go south on Highway 35 past Woods Bay and turn right after mile marker 23, entering the Beardance trailhead parking. The trailhead is on the east side of the highway.
Season: These trails are typically snow free by April.
Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles are prohibited.

Area/Length : 6.7 miles
Latitude : 47.95678
Longitude : -114.03442

Elevation : 3,071 feet – 5,309 feet

Beardance Area: Trails #76, 373, and 314

Beardance TrailDirections: From Bigfork go south on Highway 35 past Woods Bay and turn right after mile marker 23, entering the Beardance trailhead parking. The trailhead is on the east side of the highway.

Flathead Lake Bear Dance Trail Description:

The Phillips Trail 373 leaves from the Beardance parking lot and climbs moderately, enjoy a nice viewpoint of Flathead Lake, then continues to climb through the trees and finally crosses two creeks and then descends to the road.

The Crane Mountain Trail 314 climbs up switchbacks in the shade of a dense forest and follows Crane Creek up to the junction with an old road. Once you reach the old road, the grade levels off for an easy hike to the upper trailhead.

Flathead Lake Bear Dance Trail 76 starts climbing up switchbacks then continue to climb up through a forested area to the trailhead on Crane Mountain Rd.

For a shorter family friendly hike, consider Flathead Lake Trail.

The Go Hike with Mike trail guide contains most every trail head in the Flathead and Kootenia Forest as well as the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness.  Click here to purchase your copy.

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