There's nothing better than a hike through Big Sky Country, except for a hike with a side of history. The Elkhorn and Crow Peak Trail is a challenging trek, but it takes you to Elkhorn, an old mining town that was abandoned long ago.
This 6-mile trail is located near the town of Boulder in the Deerlodge National Forest.
It was home to a school, a hotel, a church, and (of course) saloon.
But the town began to decline at the turn of the 20th century due to silver prices dropping and a tragic diphtheria epidemic that killed quite a few of the local children.
The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in Montana That We Can’t Stop Thinking About
Tongue River Reservoir is a small town state park in Montana worth exploring. This 12-mile-long reservoir is situated along the open prairies of southeastern Montana.
Montana really does pack a punch when it comes to undisturbed, sprawling pockets of nature. We're lucky to have such an incredible array of opportunities when it comes to being outside and enjoying the space as it was intended by good ol' Mother Earth.
advertisement
One such place that I cannot stop thinking about is Tongue River Reservoir State Park. Located near the town of Decker in southeastern Montana, this park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in water-based recreation. Decker, with a population of just over 100 residents, is quite small when you think about it. This just means that this state park likely won't be overcrowded when you visit!
Tongue River Reservoir State Park is situated about 10 miles northwest of the Montana-Wyoming border, near the small town of Decker. The park is accessible by car and is about 25 miles from Sheridan, Wyoming, and roughly 100 miles from Billings, Montana. The park’s remoteness offers a peaceful escape, with wide-open skies and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
The park encompasses more than 12 miles of shoreline around the Tongue River Reservoir, a 12-mile-long reservoir formed by the Tongue River Dam. It spans approximately 642 acres, offering visitors plenty of space to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of southeastern Montana.
The reservoir is surrounded by rolling hills, prairie grasslands, and the Big Horn Mountains in the distance. The park’s main draw is its water activities but it also offers wildlife viewing, fishing, camping, and picnicking opportunities.
The reservoir's expansive size makes it perfect for a variety of boating activities. Whether you’re using a motorboat, pontoon boat, or jet ski, there are several boat ramps around the park for convenient water access.
Fishing is another major draw at the reservoir, attracting anglers from all over. Common catches include walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, perch, and catfish. During the winter months, ice fishing is a popular activity as well.
While there are no designated swimming beaches, many visitors still enjoy cooling off in the clear waters of the reservoir. This is especially popular during the warmer summer months when the weather is perfect for a refreshing dip.
advertisement
For wildlife enthusiasts, the park is a great spot for wildlife viewing. Visitors might spot deer, antelope, and a variety of birds such as waterfowl and raptors like hawks and eagles. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding in the spring and fall seasons.
Camping at Tongue River Reservoir offers over 80 campsites, catering to both tent and RV campers. Some sites are located right on the water, providing stunning views and easy access to the reservoir. The campground offers basic amenities, including drinking water, vault toilets, and a fish cleaning station, though it lacks electric hookups, making it ideal for a rustic experience.
Tongue River Reservoir State Park experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s and 90s°F (around 27-35°C), making it perfect for swimming and boating. However, be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.
Winters can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, but this is the best time for ice fishing enthusiasts. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, which is ideal for those looking to enjoy camping, fishing, or wildlife viewing.
When planning a visit to Tongue River Reservoir State Park, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. The park is open year-round, but the camping season typically runs from mid-May to mid-September, depending on weather conditions. Fees include a small day-use fee for out-of-state visitors, while Montana residents with a state park pass can enter for free. Camping fees vary depending on the type of campsite selected.
The park offers basic facilities, including vault toilets and drinking water, but there are no electric hookups or shower facilities so visitors should prepare for a more primitive camping experience. For boaters, there are no specific restrictions for motorboats on the reservoir, though it’s important to be mindful of other boaters, swimmers, and anglers.
Wildlife safety is another consideration. While larger wildlife encounters, such as with bears, are rare, it’s essential to store food properly and keep a safe distance from animals. In warmer months, be aware of the presence of rattlesnakes. Additionally, the rural location means that cell service can be spotty or nonexistent, so it’s a good idea to download maps or navigation tools ahead of time.
If you want more information about visiting this small-town state park in Montana, then visit the Montana Fish & Wildlife Parks website. Want some more peaceful places in nature? Check out the most remote lake in Montana, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way you can receive plenty of information before you start your journey.
The Stunning Top-Secret Lake in Montana Nobody’s Ever Heard Of
Some hidden gems require a bit of time and effort to reach, but this remote lake in Montana — and the hiking trail to get there — are well worth the adventure.
Montana's greatest draw is its vast stretches of desolate, remote landscape within its borders, which beckons intrepid wanderers to explore its beauty. There are so many scenic lakes in Montana that you won't have difficulty finding a remote spot to sit beside. That said, one lake is so remote that it'll take the better part of your day simply getting to it. I guarantee you'll find these one-of-a-kind views well worth the effort – and the journey – to get there.
advertisement
As you prepare for your hiking excursion, be sure to reference our Ultimate Packing List for guidance on what items to bring to make the most of your experience. Please don't forget bug spray as the mosquitoes can be quite bothersome without it during the warmer summer months.
Solomon Preciado / AllTrails
Sapphire Lake is situated approximately 7,000 feet in elevation. It is about 24 miles north of Seeley Lake or 11 miles southeast of Condon, Montana. The trailhead to Sapphire Lake is accessed via East Holland Trail No. 415, which is located off Montana Highway 83 and Holland Lake Road. Continue along this road, keeping left at each road intersection until you reach the parking lot at the dead end. This is where you'll find the trailhead and a pit toilet if needed.
Take special note that even the summer months can see snow at the end of the trail approaching Sapphire Lake, so take note of the conditions, read reviews, and download the offline trail and topographic maps on AllTrails before you start your hike.
susan Latin / AllTrails
Follow East Holland Trail Number 415 along the northern fringes of Holland Lake toward Upper Holland Lake. You'll approach a series of switchbacks followed by a branch in the trail a couple of miles in, and you'll want to continue following Trail No. 415. After about a half mile, branch off to the right to continue making your way toward Upper Holland Lake.
All along the trail, especially as you increase in elevation, you'll be mesmerized by the towering Mission Mountains and the glassy, crystal-blue waters of these alpine lakes. I recommend that you take plenty of opportunities to drink in the surrounding scenery and capture the gorgeous landscape on your camera or cell phone!
Jan Nowak / AllTrails
As you continue to meander your way along the winding switchbacks, you'll pass several gorgeous waterfalls intermixed with jaw-dropping cliff-edge views of the valley and Upper Holland Lake below you. You'll also encounter a handful of creek crossings, so waterproof hiking boots and poles are especially useful during these portions of the trail.
Aden Osborn / AllTrails
Eventually, you'll arrive at a high plateau and your final destination of Sapphire Lake at 7,100 feet in elevation. This pristine lake is so incredibly remote, you're likely to have it all to yourself to enjoy, so you'll want to spend some time to soak it all in. This trail is great as a backpacking adventure and is best split over two days so that you can spend more time immersed in the wilderness. However, hard-motivated hikers can conquer the trail in one day if you begin your hike very early in the morning, as it can be completed in about eight hours.
Holland and Sapphire Lakes are a truly stunning area of the Flathead National Forest in Montana. Come and explore this remote and beautiful landscape.
