Located in south-central Montana, the Gallatin National Forest includes over 1.8 million acres of various terrain. First established in 1899 as a forest preserve, Gallatin protects valleys, ridges, rivers, lakes, and mountains. Two Wilderness Areas find themselves inside this forest that borders Yellowstone National Park. Visitors from cities across the country like Seattle or St. Louis travel through Bozeman, MT, to enjoy the scenery, fish the lakes, and climb the mountains of Gallatin. With six mountain ranges inside the park to choose from, rock and mountain climbers find plenty of action here. Others come to hike the over 2,290 miles of trails that run through the forest.
Gallatin National Forest Hiking Trails
From mountain peaks to lakeside trails, there's a hiking trail for everyone in the Gallatin National Forest.
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Lava Lake Trail
The Lava Lake Trail, also known as the Cascade Creek Trail, is an in-and-out pathway that is wide enough to accommodate traffic both ways. The path travels through coniferous forests alongside a creek with several small waterfalls. The grade is gradual until the final section, where a series of switchbacks gets you up a slope to the lake's location with tremendous views in every direction.
Length: 5.7 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Hyalite Peak Trail
The Hyalite Peak Trail is a well-established ascent of Hyalite Peak through a series of switchbacks. While the average grade of the climb is 8%, some switchbacks attain 20% or more. Your hike brushes several impressive waterfalls before it reaches the midway point at Hyalite Lake. From there, the intensity of the walk increases until you reach the peak, where an incredible panoramic view greets you.
Length: 15.0 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Ousel Falls Trail
Ousel Falls Trail is a short in-and-out pathway that descends to a picturesque waterfall. The path is wide and well-maintained. Along the route, a series of outlooks allows you to stop, rest, and observe the river as it passes alongside you on its way to the waterfall.
Length: 1.6 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
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Bridger Ridge Traverse
To get the same view as the Bridger Party did in the early 1800s, take the Bridger Ridge Traverse. The trail immediately ascends 4,000 feet to the top of Sacagawea Peak. From there, hikers walk the ridgeline for miles. The last section of the hike is a knee-pounding descent to the plains surrounding Bozeman.
Length: 18.7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
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Pine Creek Lake Trail
The Pine Creek Lake Trail is an exciting climb of 3,391 feet to the source of Pine Creek at 9,022 feet in elevation. The path follows the stream through a forest and into intermittent clearings. These meadow-like exposures include a small lake where the creek pauses before crashing further down the mountainside. Pine Creek Lake sits amongst a stunning series of mountaintops that provide a once-in-a-lifetime view.
Length: 10.4 miles
Intensity: Difficult
How to get to Gallatin National Forest
Address: 10 East Babcock Street, Bozeman, MT 59771
Fee: Entry fee $0
No matter what time of year you visit the Gallatin National Forest, the best way to explore the area is in an RV. With over 2,290 miles of hiking trails, Gallatin National Forest is a great place for an RV adventure, and an RV is a comfortable way of reaching the trailheads. Since most of the trails are in and out, knowing that a comfortable rest is waiting after a hike is a pleasant thought. In such vehicles, families create memories that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gallatin National Forest
Is Gallatin National Forest open all year round?
Yes, the Gallatin National Forest is open year-round. Some areas of the forest are inaccessible in winter because of deep snow, but there are plenty of spots to admire the winter wonderland of the forest.
How many hiking trails does Gallatin National Forest have?
Gallatin National Forest has more than 2,290 miles of hiking trails that snake through the forest. There are trails for every level of hiker, from novice to experienced, so you can challenge yourself according to your abilities.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Gallatin National Forest?
Yes, you need a permit to hunt in Gallatin National Forest. Anyone twelve or older also needs a fishing license to fish in the forest as well.
What is the closest town to Gallatin National Forest?
Carbella, Montana is one of the closest towns to Gallatin National Forest. There are restaurants and stores where campers can restock. Bozeman is the closest big city with plenty of amenities.
What type of wildlife lives in Gallatin National Forest?
Wildlife living in the Gallatin National Forest includes grizzly bears, gray wolves, bald eagles, and Canadian lynx. There is a variety of birds that live in the forest, plus plenty of fish in the streams and lakes of the forest as well.
