Explore Montana's Mountains and Prairies with Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide)
Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) download
If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to hiking in the Big Sky State, you should consider downloading Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide). This book, written by Bill Schneider, covers 120 hikes of both well-known and uncelebrated mountain ranges as well as pristine prairie hiking areas. It also includes accurate, up-to-date information, detailed maps, and eye-catching black-and-white photos. Whether you are looking for an easy family hike within minutes of an urban area or a multi-day backpack adventure in the wilderness, Hiking Montana is essential for planning your next outing in the Big Sky State.
Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) download
The benefits of hiking in Montana
Montana is a hiker's paradise, with diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and stunning scenery. Hiking in Montana can offer you many benefits, such as:
Improving your physical and mental health by reducing stress, boosting your mood, strengthening your muscles, and increasing your cardiovascular fitness.
Connecting with nature and appreciating its beauty, diversity, and complexity.
Learning about the history, culture, and ecology of Montana and its people.
Experiencing new challenges and adventures that will enrich your life and broaden your horizons.
Having fun and creating lasting memories with your family, friends, or solo.
The best hiking trails in Montana
With so many hiking options in Montana, it can be hard to choose where to go. To help you decide, here are some of the best hiking trails in Montana, organized by region. Each region has its own unique features and attractions that will appeal to different types of hikers.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Montana, and for good reason. It boasts over 700 miles of trails that traverse spectacular mountain ranges, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and forests. You can also see a variety of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Some of the most famous hikes in Glacier National Park include:
The Highline Trail: A 12-mile one-way hike that follows the Continental Divide along the Garden Wall. It offers stunning views of the park and the chance to see wildlife and wildflowers.
The Grinnell Glacier Trail: A 10-mile round-trip hike that leads to one of the park's most accessible glaciers. It passes by scenic lakes and offers views of icebergs and glacial features.
The Hidden Lake Trail: A 5-mile round-trip hike that starts at Logan Pass and climbs to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by peaks. It is one of the best places to see mountain goats in the park.
The Bob Marshall Wilderness
The Bob Marshall Wilderness is one of the largest and most remote wilderness areas in the lower 48 states. It covers over 1 million acres of rugged terrain, including the Rocky Mountains, the Continental Divide, and the Chinese Wall. It is home to diverse wildlife, such as wolves, lynx, wolverines, and mountain lions. It also has over 1700 miles of trails that offer solitude and challenge for experienced hikers. Some of the most notable hikes in the Bob Marshall Wilderness include:
The Chinese Wall Trail: A 22-mile one-way hike that follows the base of the Chinese Wall, a 1000-foot high limestone escarpment that stretches for 12 miles along the Continental Divide. It offers spectacular views of the wall and the surrounding wilderness.
The South Fork Sun River Trail: A 16-mile one-way hike that follows the South Fork of the Sun River, a scenic and wild river that flows through meadows, forests, and canyons. It offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and camping.
The Big Salmon Lake Trail: A 14-mile round-trip hike that leads to Big Salmon Lake, a large and pristine lake nestled in a glacial cirque. It offers views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers and a chance to see moose and bears.
The Beartooth Plateau
The Beartooth Plateau is a high-elevation plateau that lies on the border of Montana and Wyoming. It is part of the Beartooth Mountains, which are some of the highest and most rugged mountains in Montana. The plateau is covered by alpine tundra, meadows, lakes, and glaciers. It also has over 400 miles of trails that offer breathtaking views and access to some of the most remote and pristine areas in the state. Some of the most recommended hikes on the Beartooth Plateau include:
The Beartooth Loop Trail: A 9-mile loop hike that circles around Beartooth Lake, a large and scenic lake at the base of Beartooth Peak. It offers views of the lake, the peak, and several waterfalls.
The Island Lake Trail: A 6-mile round-trip hike that leads to Island Lake, a stunning lake that has a small island in its center. It offers views of several peaks, such as Pilot Peak and Index Peak.
The Lake Fork Trail: A 12-mile round-trip hike that follows the Lake Fork of Rock Creek, a clear and cold stream that flows through a glacial valley. It offers views of meadows, forests, cliffs, and lakes.
The Mission Mountains
The Mission Mountains are a range of mountains that lie on the west side of Flathead Lake. They are part of the Flathead Indian Reservation and are managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. They are known for their jagged peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. They also have over 200 miles of trails that offer access to some of the most scenic and sacred places in Montana. Some of the most popular hikes in the Mission Mountains include:
The Mission Falls Trail: A 5-mile round-trip hike that leads to Mission Falls, a spectacular waterfall that plunges over 100 feet into a pool. It offers views of the falls and the surrounding mountains.
The Glacier Lake Trail: A 8-mile round-trip hike that leads to Glacier Lake, a deep and clear lake that lies at the foot of McDonald Peak, the highest peak in the range. It offers views of the lake, the peak, and several glaciers.
The Rattlesnake Creek Trail: A 10-mile round-trip hike that follows Rattlesnake Creek, a scenic and wild creek that flows through a narrow canyon. It offers views of rock formations, rapids, pools, and cascades.
The hidden gems of Montana hiking
In addition to the famous hiking areas mentioned above, Montana also has many hidden gems that are worth exploring. These are places that are less crowded, less known, but equally beautiful and rewarding. Here are some examples of these hidden gems:
Mann Gulch
Mann Gulch is a historic site where 13 firefighters died in a wildfire in 1949. The tragedy inspired Norman Maclean's book Young Men and Fire and led to changes in fire management practices. Today, you can hike along Mann Gulch Trail, a 7-mile round-trip hike that follows the path of the firefighters as they tried to escape from the fire. You can see signs of the fire's impact on the landscape as well as memorials for the fallen firefighters.
Prairie hiking areas
Montana is not only about mountains; it also has some of the most beautiful and diverse prairie hiking areas in the country. These are places where you can experience the wide-open spaces, rolling hills, wildflowers, and wildlife of Montana's grasslands. Some of the most enjoyable prairie hiking areas in Montana include:
Lolo National Forest: This national forest has several trails that explore the prairies and foothills of western Montana. You can see views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains, as well as historic sites and cultural landmarks. One of the most popular trails is the Rock Creek Recreation Area Trail, a 30-mile loop that follows Rock Creek, a blue-ribbon trout stream.
American Prairie Reserve: This private, nonprofit effort aims to create the largest wildlife reserve in the continental United States by linking together more than three million acres of private and public land on Montana's Northern Great Plains. You can hike along trails that offer views of bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, and birds. You can also camp at Buffalo Camp, a primitive campground that features 13 sites and an amphitheater.
Makoshika State Park: This state park is Montana's largest and showcases the badlands formations of eastern Montana. You can hike along trails that reveal fossils, rock formations, and scenic vistas. You can also see wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, and rattlesnakes.
How to download Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) for free
If you are interested in downloading Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) for free, you have several options to choose from. Here are some of the ways you can get this book without paying anything:
The Internet Archive option
The Internet Archive is a digital library that offers free access to millions of books, movies, music, and other media. You can find Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) on their website and download it in various formats, such as PDF, EPUB, or Kindle. You can also read it online or borrow it for 14 days. To download Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) from the Internet Archive, follow these steps:
Go to https://archive.org/details/hikingmontana0000schn
Click on the format you prefer on the right side of the page.
Wait for the download to start or save the file to your device.
Enjoy reading Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide).
The Amazon option
Amazon is an online marketplace that sells books, among other things. You can find Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) on their website and download it for free if you have a Kindle device or app. You can also read it online or borrow it for free if you have an Amazon Prime membership or a Kindle Unlimited subscription. To download Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) from Amazon, follow these steps:
Go to https://www.amazon.com/Hiking-Montana-Falcon-Guide-Schneider/dp/1560443812
Click on the "Buy now with 1-Click" button or the "Read for Free" button if you have a Prime or Kindle Unlimited account.
Sign in to your Amazon account or create one if you don't have one.
Select your delivery method (Kindle device or app) or read online.
Enjoy reading Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide).
The Falcon Guides option
Falcon Guides is a publisher that specializes in outdoor recreation books. You can find Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) on their website and download it for free if you sign up for their newsletter. You can also buy it in print or digital format if you prefer. To download Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) from Falcon Guides, follow these steps:
Go to https://falcon.com/books/hiking-montana-9781560443810
Click on the "Download Free eBook" button at the bottom of the page.
Enter your name and email address and click on "Submit".
Check your email for a link to download Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide).
Enjoy reading Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide).
Conclusion
Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) is a great resource for anyone who wants to explore the amazing hiking opportunities in Montana. It covers 120 hikes of both well-known and uncelebrated mountain ranges as well as pristine prairie hiking areas. It also includes accurate, up-to-date information, detailed maps, and eye-catching black-and-white photos. You can download Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) for free from various sources, such as the Internet Archive, Amazon, or Falcon Guides. Whether you are looking for an easy family hike within minutes of an urban area or a multi-day backpack adventure in the wilderness, Hiking Montana is essential for planning your next outing in the Big Sky State.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) and hiking in Montana:
Q: How difficult are the hikes in Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide)?
A: The hikes in Hiking Montana (Falcon Guide) range from easy to strenuous, depending on the length, elevation gain, terrain, and weather. Each hike description includes a difficulty rating, a distance, an elevation gain, and a time estimate. You should always check the current trail conditions and weather before you go and be prepared for any changes.
Q: What are some of the best times to hike in Montana?
A: The best time to hike in Montana depends on where you want to go and what you want to see. Generally, spring and fall are good seasons to avoid crowds and enjoy mild temperatures and colorful scenery. Summer is the peak season for hiking in Montana, especially in the popular areas like Glacier National Park and the Beartooth Plateau. You can expect warm weather, wildflowers, and wildlife, but also more people and bugs. Winter is the off-season for hiking in Montana, but it can also be a magical time to experience snow-covered landscapes and solitude. You will need special gear and skills to hike safely in winter conditions.
Q: What are some of the safety tips for hiking in Montana?
A: Hiking in Montana can be a rewarding and fun activity, but it also requires some precautions and preparations. Here are some of the safety tips for hiking in Montana:
Plan ahead and do your research. Know your route, your abilities, and your limits. Check the trail conditions and weather forecast before you go. Leave a trip plan with someone you trust.
Pack smart and bring the essentials. Carry enough water, food, clothing, and equipment for your hike. Bring a map, a compass, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a whistle, a fire starter, and a knife. Consider bringing a GPS device or a satellite phone for emergencies.
Stay on the trail and respect the environment. Follow the trail signs and markers and avoid shortcuts or off-trail hiking. Stay on designated campsites and use existing fire rings if you camp. Leave no trace of your visit and pack out all your trash.
Be aware of wildlife and keep your distance. Montana is home to many wild animals, such as bears, wolves, mountain lions, moose, elk, bison, and rattlesnakes. Do not approach, feed, or harass any wildlife. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Be flexible and adaptable. Hiking in Montana can be unpredictable and challenging. Be ready to adjust your plans or turn back if necessary. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Stay calm and positive if you encounter any problems.
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