Imagine being surrounded by lush green forests and a tranquil river in a place where the Internet service is dial-up and cell service is nonexistent… a place where you can truly get away from it all. That kind of peace and quiet still exists in the northwest corner of the Treasure State in a place called Yaak Valley Montana.

So, you may be wondering where is Yaak Valley in Montana. The Yaak Valley is located along the Yaak River within the Kootenai National Forest of Montana.

It is one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in Montana.

The Yaak is called Montana’s only rainforest. The low elevation and high precipitation create a climate known as "modified Pacific maritime."

Some 97% of the Yaak is public land, meaning excessive commercial development and dramatic increase in human population are prevented.

Considering the way most Montanans feel about those things, this place is paradise.

Of course, it goes without saying that the Yaak Valley is a mecca for wildlife.

The 330 (or so) people who call Yaak home enjoy getting together at the Yaak River Tavern & Mercantile.

The Yaak area has plenty of year-round activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and biking.

It's also a prime spot for berry picking during summer!

Yaak Valley, Montana is a beautiful place, and it's tucked away in such a small corner of our vast state that some people don't even know it exists. And the further you venture into this untamed wilderness, the more you’ll realize just how much it resembles Middle Earth. The deeper you go, the more vividly verdant your surroundings become, until you're quite literally immersed in lush green forest. There's truly no place in the world quite like Yaak Valley, and it's the kind of hidden gem that's earned Montana its Treasure State title.

Inspired to see more of the beautiful treasures hiding in the Treasure State? Here are a few of our favorite hidden gems in Montana.

And don't forget to sign up for AllTrails+ for all your hiking adventures!