Take A Beautiful Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Montana Autumn Colors

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.

1. Missoula

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

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

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

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

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

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.