7 Out-Of-This World Hikes In Montana That Lead To Fairytale Foot Bridges
There’s something special about stumbling upon a foot bridge on a hiking trail. They make exercise seem a little more magical, which is probably something all of us could use. Some of the best hikes in Montana feature enchanting foot bridges that you’ll want to cross over and over again. Check out the bridges on these Treasure State trails and you’ll see what we mean.
You'll find the trailhead for this six-mile venture near the town of Clinton. While it's not extremely challenging, there are a few things (think steep climbs and stinging nettles) that make it unpleasant for young children. The swinging bridge, however, it a great highlight. You can learn more about this scenic hiking trail in Montana, one of our favorite waterfront trails, in this article.
This peaceful park sits on the banks of the Yellowstone River. This scenic hike in Montana is a two-mile loop trail that's beautiful, easy, and features several foot bridges.
John H. Dover Memorial Park, 2531 Mary St, Billings, MT 59105, USA
Located near Essex, this 1.9-mile trail is great for beginning hikers. The loop takes you around Johns Lake, Sacred Dancing Cascade, and McDonald Falls. The views from the foot bridge are unreal. You can learn more about this Johns Lake Loop in this article.
With clear waters that rival anything you'd find in the Caribbean, Avalanche Lake is a popular Glacier National Park trail that begins near Lake McDonald, traipsing through old-growth cedars and hemlock forest along a stream to a glacial melt lake. At 5.7 miles in length, it's not a short hike, but it's not exceptionally challenging, either.
This seven-mile out-and-back trail near Noxon takes you through mossy cedar groves to a quiet lake, with a couple of beautiful foot bridges along the way. The view at the top is stunning, so it's well worth powering through the elevation gain.
Noxon, MT 59853, USA
6. St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail, Glacier National Park
You've got to love a trail that takes you to not one, but two breathtaking waterfalls. The trailhead for the 2.9-mile trek is located near East Glacier Park Village, and the wooden foot bridge is definitely one of the highlights of the St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail, one of the best hikes in Montana.
Of course, the most iconic foot bridge in Montana is probably the swinging bridge on the Kootenai Falls Trail. This easy 1-mile trek has an easily accessible parking lot, a well-marked trailhead, and of course, the beautiful waterfall at the end.
Kootenai Falls, Montana 59923, USA
Hiking in Montana is an extraordinary experience. What are your favorite hiking trails in our great state? What do you think are the best hikes in Montana? Let us know in the comments! If you’re just getting started and are a beginning hiker, try one of these trails for mere mortals first.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Montana
April 19, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Montana?
There’s no doubt that the entire state of Montana is a hiker’s paradise. However, some days, you simply don’t have the time or energy to explore a long and strenuous trail. When you are searching for easy hikes in Montana that the entire family can enjoy, the options are extensive. One of our favorite kid-friendly hikes is Palisade Falls near Bozeman. This trail is quite easy and is beautiful from start to finish. Plus, the waterfall at the end makes every step well worth it.
If visiting Glacier National Park, check out the Running Eagle Falls Trail. This easy and scenic hiking trail in Montana is only 0.6 miles and takes you to a beautiful waterfall. This short hike takes very little time to complete, giving you plenty of time to continue exploring all that this beautiful national park has to offer.
Also in Glacier National park is Trail of the Cedars. This boardwalk trail is 0.9-miles and is flat, easy, and beautiful. The boardwalk makes this trail highly accessible, so you can easily bring your entire family along — wheelchairs and strollers included. During your journey, make sure you look up as some of the trees that you’ll pass on your journey are more than 500 years old. You’ll find this trailhead approximately five miles east of the Lake McDonald Lodge.
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
