There’s No Better Place To Spend Your Summer Than These 7 Hidden Montana Spots

We sure do love our Montana summers... but we also know that this is when tourists flock to places like Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, Seeley Lake, Philipsburg, Bannack State Park, Virginia City, and our other tourist towns. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure before fall, just check out our list of local-friendly spots.

1. Big Sheep Backcountry Byway

Ready for a summer road trip? Just head to the Big Sheep Backcountry Byway, which lies south of Dillon near the Idaho state line. The 50-mile, two-lane gravel road takes you through the backcountry of southwestern Montana, and it's beautiful in the summer.

2. Stevensville

Everyone thinks of Fort Benton as the birthplace of Montana, but Stevensville is where the Treasure State as we know it began. Not only is the historic St. Mary's Mission fantastic to visit, the small Western town will always charm you.

3. Echo Lake

Echo Lake is located near Bigfork. It has all the beauty of Flathead Lake with half of the people, at least on most days. Also, it's one of the warmest lakes in the Flathead Valley, so it's great for a summer swim.

4. Mystic Lake Trail

Located in Custer National Forest near Roscoe, the 5.5-mile Mystic Lake Trail is a total gem. You'll have some switchbacks and boulders to deal with, so make sure to take this trail only after you've had some other hiking experiences.

5. Augusta

There's so much to love about Augusta, one of the main things being that it's mostly fellow Montanans who visit. The tiny town is a gateway to the immense Bob Marshall Wilderness, so you'll be near plenty of outdoor activities.

6. Crystal Lake Trail

This breathtaking three-mile trail is located near St. Regis in Lolo National Forest. The hike is highly underrated and not as well-known as some of the others in the area, and the lake is as clear as its name indicates.

7. Choteau

Choteau is charming, low-key, and extremely underrated. Spend a weekend here if you're looking for a nice getaway without a lot of tourists.

Where is your favorite spot to spend a sunny summer day in Montana?