Posted in Montana Hiking, Nature, Seasonal April 23, 2022 by

These 7 Montana Trails Are Ripe For Berry-Picking

If you’ve ever wanted to go berry picking in Montana, you’ll have several u-pick berry farms to choose from. But if you’d rather go the more natural route and head out for some wild huckleberry picking, you can always hit one of our local trails that are known for their delicious berries. These are a few of our favorites.

1. Huckleberry Lookout Trail
Luke Abram / alltrails.com
Located just off Camas Road from West Glacier, this trail is appropriately named -- it's full of huckleberries all summer. Unfortunately, the grizzly bears seem to know this, so if you hike it, be on the lookout and check with the park rangers before you hit the trail. You can find the trail on the map at the official Glacier National Park website.
Huckleberry Lookout Trail, Montana 59912, USA
2. Lava Lake Trail
Dagmara Kokonas / alltrails.com
You'll find Lava Lake near Gallatin Gateway, and the 5.5-mile hiking trail that leads to the lake is often full of wild berries waiting to be picked. And even when berries aren't in season, the views of the Spanish Peaks make it worth the trek. Our article has more details about this beautiful Montana trail.
Lava Lake Trailhead, 501-901 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
3. Danny on Memorial National Recreation Trail
Angie McCrorie / alltrails.com
This 7-mile hike near Whitefish is a pretty popular trail, but if you go early in the season, you'll find plenty of ripe huckleberries. This is another area known for bear sightings, so take appropriate precautions. Visit our article for more about the Danny On Trail and the scenic lift ride you can take up or down the mountainside.
Danny On Trail, 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
4. Leverich Canyon
Lauren Sorteberg / alltrails.com
This 5-mile trail near Bozeman is full of beautiful wildflowers and is often used by bikers. However, if you travel on foot, you'll have an easier time scoping out the huckleberries that line it all summer long. Visit the Forest Service website for more information about this trail.
Leverich Canyon Mountain Trail Head, S 3rd Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
5. Marion Lake Trail
Ian Anderson / alltrails.com
This is another great Glacier National Park Trail, which you'll find near the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex. The 7-mile trail takes you right through some raspberry bushes, huckleberries, and blueberries. You can find the trail on the map at the official Glacier National Park website.
Marion Lake Trail, Montana 59916, USA
6. Baree - Bear Lakes Trail
Jesse Kyriss / alltrails.com
Located near Trout Creek, this 9-mile trail makes a steady climb to the Cabinet Divide. The best time to pick berries here is late July or early August when the season is just beginning. Visit the Kootenai National Forest website to find this trail on the map.
Kootenai National Forest, Montana 59923, USA
7. Grotto Falls
Kari Lane / alltrails.com
The good news is, this easy 2.4-mile trail near Bozeman is great for all skill levels, unlike some of the other trails on this list. The bad news is, that means the early birds will get the best berries, so plan your hike accordingly. Visit our in-depth guide to the Grotto Falls Trail.
Grotto Falls, Montana 59047, USA

Hiking trails should all come with a sweet reward. These Montana hikes all have spectacular scenery, which is the next best thing to fresh berries.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Huckleberry Picking

April 28, 2022
Meghan Byers

When is berry picking season in Montana?

Summer is the best time for berry picking in Montana, with most berries at their peak in mid to late summer. The best time to go out in search of huckleberries is around August. Strawberries and blueberries are best picked between July and August, whereas raspberries have a slightly longer season that stretches into September, though they’re also at their peak between July and August. Boysenberries on the other hand are in season a little earlier, from around June through July.

What should I keep in mind when going berry picking in Montana?

Getting out on the trails and picking wild berries is a great summertime activity, but there are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re following hiking trails with berry picking in Montana. First of all, bears are also big fans of berries, so brush up on your bear safety tips. Avoid hiking at dawn or dusk when bears are more active, hike in a group if possible, and carry bear spray with you and know how to use it. Second of all, make sure you stay hydrated and wear loose, light clothing. Stop and rest in the shade if you need to. You can also visit some of the many pick-your-own berry farms in Montana if you prefer a less wild berry picking adventure.

What are some good places to go hiking during the summer in Montana?

Mid to late summer is one of the prettiest times of year to enjoy Montana’s stunning scenery. Wildflowers and greenery abound and make for a magical experience, and Montana’s lakes and waterfalls are beautiful under the summer sun. The Lake Como Loop Trail includes both a lake and a waterfall and is a refreshing hike on a warm day. For more ideas, visit our guide to some of the best trails for summer hiking in Montana.