The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Montana Who Loves The Outdoors

Let’s be honest: Pretty much everyone who lives in Montana loves the great outdoors. We might not all be avid skiers or experts at fly fishing, but the vast majority of Montanans love spending time outside. This list certainly doesn’t include every outdoor activity the Treasure State has to offer—that would be impossible. But if you’ve experienced most of these things, you’re probably doing Montana right. Check out the ultimate Montana outdoor bucket list.

1. Spend some real time exploring Glacier National Park.

Driving on Going-to-the-Sun Road is great, but to really experience Glacier, you’ve got to get out of your car and be a little adventurous. Go hiking, take a Lake McDonald boat tour, camp under the stars. It’s such a surreal place, so enjoy it to the fullest.

2. Go boating on Flathead Lake.

Whether you live in Western Montana or call the east side home, vacationing at Flathead Lake is a quintessential Montana experience.

3. Visit Makoshika State Park.

Montana’s largest state park is amazing. Dinosaurs once roamed the area, and in fact, one of the largest Triceratops skulls ever unearthed can be found in the visitors’ center.

4. Hike the Hyalite Creek Trail to Hyalite Lake.

On this trail, the destination really is the journey. The beautiful canyon views and waterfalls leading up to the top lead to Hyalite Lake, and if you make it all the way up and back you’ll have covered 5.5 miles.

5. Soak your tired muscles at Lolo Hot Springs.

Soak in the peaceful outdoor pools surrounded by the natural beauty of Lolo. It doesn’t get better.

6. See a sunrise (or sunset) from the top of the M Trail in Missoula.

The short hike up Mount Sentinel will give you breathtaking views of the city, especially when it’s bathed in the glow of dawn or dusk.

7. Go fly fishing in the Yellowstone River.

If you’ve never been fly fishing, ask a seasoned pro in your life to take you along. You just might love it.

8. Float the Madison River.

It’s equal parts exhilarating and relaxing.

9. Go camping at… well, pretty much anywhere.

You haven’t really camped until you’ve camped in Big Sky Country.

10. Spend the night at an old forest fire lookout.

There are several spots in Montana where you can stay in an old fire lookout. The accommodations are rustic, but you’ll never be able to top the views.

11. Hike the Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail.

This trail might be 6.9 miles long, but it’s not overly strenuous, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

12. Go swimming in a swimming hole.

Pools are fine, but nothing tops taking a dip in a swimming hole on a hot day.

13. Visit Seeley Lake.

Seeley Lake is surrounded by the Mission and Swan mountain ranges, and it’s stunning in any season.

14. Ski or snowboard at Whitefish Ski Resort.

Winter is no time to stay indoors. Hit the slopes at one of Montana’s most popular destinations.

15. Visit a wildlife refuge.

Montana has more wildlife than… well, anywhere. Places like the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge will up your odds of seeing some.

16. Walk the swinging bridge to Kootenai Falls.

We dare you.

Being outdoors is so amazing. Check out these peaceful spots in Montana where nature will completely relax you.