Is there anything more beautiful than the changing leaves in Montana in the fall? This is such a special time of year in the Treasure State, and there are some gorgeous drives you can take to experience the warm autumn hues firsthand. This road trip to the best fall foliage in Montana takes you from Missoula up to Glacier National Park, then to the northwest corner of the state before looping back. Take a long weekend and see Montana like you’ve never seen it before.

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1. Missoula
Micah Sheldon / Flickr
Missoula, MT, USA
Kate Brady / Flickr
Start your journey in Missoula, the city that seems to come alive in the fall. There are numerous biking and hiking trails near the Clark Fork River where you can stretch your legs before your trip, but you’ll see plenty of beautiful fall foliage driving through town.
2. Jewel Basin
Jewel Basin, Montana 59911, USA
Troy Smith / Flickr
Head north on Highway 93 until you reach Jewel Basin, an area of the Flathead National Forest known for its hiking and spectacular beauty. The Basin is located at the north end of the Swan Mountain Range and east of Kalispell. This is one of the best places to view the fall colors in Montana.
3. Glacier National Park
rickz / Flickr

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64 Grinnell Dr, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
Troy Smith / Flickr
In late September and early October, Glacier National Park becomes a mecca for fall foliage lovers. A combination mainly consisting of maples, aspen, and larch creates a colorful masterpiece you won’t want to miss. The west side of Logan Pass stays open until the end of October, and other park roads are open well into November, so you'll be able to catch the peak fall foliage in Montana. You’ll see Glacier in a whole new light.
4. Glacier
Glacier, MT, 59411
JD Hascup / Flickr
If you're looking for things to do in fall in Montana, you’ll want to spend a lot of time enjoying all the beauty Glacier has to offer. Glacier is also a great place to spend the night. Most of the park’s campgrounds are open all fall, and the Glacier Guides Lodge in West Glacier promises cozy accommodations.
5. Highway 2 to Libby
Libby, MT 59923, USA
Lolo Steve / Flickr
After a refreshing night's sleep, get on Highway 2 and head west for about two hours. You’ll see some of the prettiest leaves changing color in Montana on the way. Once you arrive in Libby, surround yourself with autumn leaves by taking a trek to the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness.
6. Thompson Falls
Thompson Falls, MT 59873, USA
Luke Detwiler / Flickr
For the final stretch of your journey, you’ll take Highway 200 back to Missoula. The road will be lined with colorful trees, and you’ll want to stop and take some photos. Thompson Falls is a great place for a pit stop since it’s surrounded by mountains and sits right on the Clark Fork River.

Get into the spirit of the season by taking this road trip to the best fall foliage in Montana before winter. If you’d rather stick to one tank of gas on your next journey, check out this route.

 

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Best Fall Foliage In Montana

Beth Price-Williams | August 23, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Montana?

Peak fall foliage really depends on where you are in Montana. If you live in the northern part of the state, expect the fall foliage to begin in early September with the peak times arriving in mid-September through early October. However, the rest of the state should experience peak fall foliage in early to mid-October.

Keep in mind, though, that the length of the fall colors in Montana and their expected peak dates can and may vary according to the weather. Weather also plays a role in just how vibrant the leaves will be in a given year.

Where are the best places in Montana to see fall foliage?

Not sure where to see the fall colors in Montana? Discover plenty of spots for leaf peeping in the state – from taking a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood to exploring Glacier National Park. Other popular places to see the leaves changing colors in Montana include Sluice Boxes State Park, The Flathead River, and The Bitterroot Valley.

Consider heading out on a leisurely Sunday drive along such picture-perfect roads as Highway 200 in Clark Fork Valley, Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway, and The Looking Glass Road in Glacier National Park.

What are the best Montana hikes to take in the fall?

Still looking for fun things to do in fall in Montana? How about hitting one of the picturesque hiking trails that boast the spectacular colors of fall? For an easy hike, set off along Rocky Point Trail in Glacier National Park, Triple Tree Trail in Bozeman, or Saint Mary Peak Trail in Stevensville.

If you’re on the hunt for ways to enjoy fall without hiking, find your way out of a corn maze at Montana Corn Maze in Manhattan; go pumpkin-picking at Sweet Pickin’s Pumpkin Patch in Kalispell; or check into a cozy cabin at Blue Sky Cabins in Red Lodge.

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