This Fire Lookout Trail In Montana Will Leave You Breathless

Some of Montana's views will always leave us breathless... and since many of them come at the top of a lengthy hiking trail, we mean that in more ways than one. The next time you visit Glacier National Park and you're up for a somewhat challenging hike with some seriously rewarding views, check out the Scalplock Lookout Trail.

Located near Essex off of Highway 2, the Scalplock Lookout Trail is an exhilarating nine-mile out-and-back adventure.

Due to its length, it's typically not as packed as some of the other shorter trails at Glacier National Park.

The hike is a nice, steady climb all the way up to the top of the mountain, but it's also pretty challenging at times. However, the huckleberries make it worth it.

Some Montanans even think the trail should be called Huckleberry Hike since you'll find plenty of them on the trail when they're in season.

The hike is ranked as moderate due to the steep climb, and you may find yourself wanting to give up before you reach the top.

But rest assured, it's well worth it to keep going. The views don't really open up until about half a mile from the top, and when they do, they're spectacular.

The Scalplock Lookout is a staffed fire lookout, but you're welcome to take a look at it.

And after your 3,000 feet of elevation gain over 4.5 miles, you'll want to stick around and hang out for a while.

On a clear day, you'll be able to see all sorts of gems like Salvage Mountain, Church Butte, and Two Medicine Pass.

The Great Bear Wilderness and the Middle Fork Flathead River can also be seen. Bring a picnic lunch and take it all in.

You can hike this trail in any season - it's popular in early spring, but we think there's no better time to make the hike than summertime when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Bring plenty of water and bear spray as the trail is pretty primitive.

To hike this magical trail, just find the Walton Ranger Station on U.S. Highway 2. And if you're a little short on time but still want to experience Glacier at its finest, try this hike instead.