Montana is a nature lover’s paradise, and summer is the best time to enjoy it to the fullest. If you’re a hiker and you’ve never experienced the Jewel Basin, you’re missing out on one of the Treasure State’s finest gems. This rugged natural area has a little bit of everything.
The Jewel Basin Hiking Area is located east of Kalispell, at the north end of the Swan Mountain Range.
Emily P / TripAdvisor This area is solely dedicated to hiking, and it’s magnificent.
In addition to sweeping views of the Flathead Valley, you’ll find 25 alpine lakes, 35 miles of hiking trails, and in the summer, fields of wildflowers.
Emily P / TripAdvisor The Basin is 15,349 acres in its entirety.
The trails here range from fairly easy day hikes to more complicated backpacking treks.
Jeff Grissom / alltrails.com Every trail has an elevation gain, but some are pretty minor.
The Basin is a popular place to go fishing, especially for cutthroat trout.
Troy Smith / Flickr Spin fishing and fly fishing are both common, and some have caught trout up to 16 inches long.
Although the Jewel Basin is popular nearly all year, it tends to peak in July and August.
G C / TripAdvisor Before then, some of the high lakes will still have ice, and you’ll probably still see some snow on the trails.
Another reason July and August are magnificent here: the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Jeff Grissom / alltrails.com And they’re even more beautiful in person.
Camping is permitted throughout the Jewel Basin area, except near a few of the more popular lakes.
brklynnovember / Flickr There are plenty of campsites, which are first-come, first-served. However, spending a day hiking here before returning home is just as enjoyable.
Have you ever gone hiking in the Jewel Basin? This summer, treat yourself to a true Montana experience.
Emily P / TripAdvisor
This area is solely dedicated to hiking, and it’s magnificent.
The Basin is 15,349 acres in its entirety.
Jeff Grissom / alltrails.com
Every trail has an elevation gain, but some are pretty minor.
Troy Smith / Flickr
Spin fishing and fly fishing are both common, and some have caught trout up to 16 inches long.
G C / TripAdvisor
Before then, some of the high lakes will still have ice, and you’ll probably still see some snow on the trails.
Jeff Grissom / alltrails.com
And they’re even more beautiful in person.
brklynnovember / Flickr
There are plenty of campsites, which are first-come, first-served. However, spending a day hiking here before returning home is just as enjoyable.
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Address: Jewel Basin, Montana 59911, USA
