The Little Known Hiking Path in Montana Is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

When the new year arrives in Montana, it’s typically met with snowy days and cold temperatures. It’s the time of the year when we find ourselves searching for indoor activities and ways to stay warm. But this year, my New Year’s resolution is to spend more time outside, and I’ve found a wonderful destination to help me meet my goal. The Ross Creek Winter Trail, located in the Kootenai National Forest and near Bull Lake, is a delightful place for time outdoors. When the weather is nice, this is the ultimate day trip destination, and in the winter, this is one of the best places for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Ross Creek Winter Trail may be one of our favorite first hikes of the year in Montana.

There’s no better way to bring in the new year than time spent outdoors and in the fresh air. The Ross Creek Winter Trail is an excellent place to explore as you can hike when there is little snow or strap on a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis when the area has transformed into a winter wonderland. You will find this winter trail at the junction of Ross Creek Cedars Road and the west shoreline of Bull Lake Road. This trail will take you along the access road to the Ross Creek Cedars Recreation Area, which is closed to motorized traffic from December to May each year.

You will trek nearly 3.5 miles one way to the recreation area. While this out-and-back journey can be a bit long, you’ll also want to prepare for some inclines as you will climb more than 400 feet in elevation. If you want to explore this trail on cross-country skis, the single-track trail is groomed occasionally throughout the season. However, no matter how you choose to explore this area, I recommend taking your time. You are exploring a beautiful, thick forest with towering trees, a flowing creek, and even distant mountain views. It is like you are exploring your own snow globe.

Plus, you may find that you are on this journey all by yourself. This is a quiet trail in the winter months, allowing you to easily experience solitude on your journey. The Ross Creek Winter Trail is a great place to move your body, spend more time outdoors, and think about the year ahead—it’s perfect.

The Ross Creek Winter Trail is not only one of our favorite winter hikes in Montana, but it’s one of the best hikes for the new year. Bundle up, grab your gear, and bring in the new year in a magical, beautiful way.

What is your favorite hike for the beginning of a new year? Do you enjoy winter hiking in Montana? Let me know! And, if you are searching for even more things to do in the winter in Montana, we have several suggestions that are sure to help you fall in love with this time of the year.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own winter adventure in Montana using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.