Some places grab your soul from the moment you pull off the highway -- Kootenai Falls is exactly…read moreone of them. I rolled through here expecting a nice view, and got full-on nature theatre. The hike isn't brutal -- about half-a-mile from the road to the bridge or viewpoint, with picnic tables and restrooms at the lot. Enough challenge to feel good, not so much that it kills your afternoon. The trail that leads upstream to the main falls is short but dramatic: water rushing over rock terraces, multiple drops, including a 30-foot fall seen from the overlook. Downstream you cross that swinging bridge -- it creaks, it sways above the green Kootenai water, and it gives you a rush just standing there. Accessible but wild feeling: old railroad overpass, rocky descent sections, metal stairs, forest canopy, birds, moss -- all the good stuff. I went there in early summer; the river was high, mist in air, sun breaking through trees. The light hits the falls just right at golden hour -- reflections everywhere, water sparkle, shadows dancing. Ambience is pure Montana: no loud crowds, mostly locals, forest smells, river roar, the rustle of pine needles. Parking isn't fancy, but it's clean; restrooms are basic. Picnic area shaded, with enough space to sit, eat, soak it all in. Final take: 5 stars, no doubt. Probably one of those places I'll revisit again and again just to feel that rushing water, that bridge sway, that "whoa" moment when you turn the corner and see the falls looming. If you're in this part of Montana -- don't pass it by.

Kootenai falls and the suspension bridge are the perfect hike for everyone and I mean everyone!…read moreWhether you are not in the best of shape or you are traveling with kids or you have your dog with you, not only can you do this trail but you will thoroughly enjoy it. This is one of the best experiences I have had during my travels and I recommend it to everyone. We spent hours here enjoying the beauty of nature. The walk is gorgeous, The falls are gorgeous, the suspension bridge is fun and exciting! And when I say anyone can do this, the lady in front of was by herself with two children...she literally had a newborn baby strapped to her and was pushing a stroller for her toddler and they made it over the suspension bridge and all the way back up. The only caveat is that there are some steps which are definitely not dog friendly. They are kind of a twisted metal with spikes that is probably great for traction and melting snow, but would be very difficult on a dog's paw pads, so if you have a dog with you you will have to carry them down some stairs. However, we encountered multiple people with large dogs, so unless that's a problem for you, for some reason you can still do this hike with your large dog. Our dog is small so it was a breeze. Another thing you will see a lot of on this hike is smiling faces. This is a genuinely beautiful place where people are just really happy. I could not recommend this more highly and even if you're not super close, it is worth the drive.

I've been living in Troy for 5 years now and this place is special, well kept and peaceful. Unless…read moreyou're from Florida it would seem (the only 2 commentators to complain). Open your eyes Folks, God only made so much of this beauty.

This is one of my favorite places to go every summer. They have a few really nice sized picnic…read moretables so we always pack a lunch and enjoy it next to the creek before enjoying a hike through the cedars. The drive up is long and the road is narrow but their is a pretty good sized parking lot once you reach the top. The path seems to be very well maintained and it's an easy hike. I suggest going in the spring because all of the creeks are flowing strong and the sounds and smell mixed with the giant cedars is just amazing, but you should for sure come back in the summer as well while the creeks may not be flowing it is still stunning and people stack stones in the creek bed it really is a sight to see!

I have renamed this favorite spot of mine Paranoia Falls. Lean closer and let me tell you the…read morestory of the time me and my sister decided to explore here... Upon researching a map of the area around Kingston Idaho I came upon some interesting waterfalls and decided to further investigate using Google. The photographs although very few were very pleasing and my interest was piqued when someone commented that there was a case behind one of the waterfalls thus the trip was born. I called up my sister and told Maggie that we were going to go on a trip to see some waterfalls so we packed our cameras and set up for this wonderful adventure. After a 50 minute drive down Route 90 we came upon Forest Road nine and proceeded to take that approximately 25 miles until we sold yet another tiny sign which we almost passed that said Shadow Falls. We proceeded up this treacherous array of mountain switchbacks so tiny that at times the tires touched the side of the cliff which was not protected by a guard rail. Clutching the dashboard with eyes wide with terror I watched her every move as we slowly climbed the steep grade and were greeted with logs across a river water was running across the logs so she had to go on it to get across and then the went skiing for about 10 feet and we landed on the other side of this treacherous muddy pass. Several heart pounding moments later we arrived at a vacant car pull off and it was beginning to get dark. A large mousse with a massive horns walked right by us and disappeared into the forest. We proceeded to walk up a path which was promised only 200 yards away and was greeted with waterfall number one the name was fern falls. We enjoyed this first waterfall thoroughly. There is a small foot bridge over it and I got to take many fabulous photographs. Then we proceeded to shadow falls which was promised to be nearby however we got maybe about 50 steps into the darkening forest and were stopped in our tracks by a low rumbling growl which seemed to be coming from all directions. Now here we were alone in the forest. The sounds of much larger mammals was present as we heard the ever growing presence of crackling underbrush and snapping forest floor twigs. It was then that we had a come to Jesus meeting about if we should continue up the hill and yes we did continue and were within eyeshot of shadow falls when all of a sudden a distinct growl not far from us came thundering from the trees and we were instantly paranoid. With no other human being inside and the sun setting unusually fast we tore off running down the hill after a failed test of the bear spray which I had a death grip on. My 250 pounds sister was so scared she blew right by me and like an Olympic runner left me in the dust the only thing I remember at that point was seeing her britches falling off of her and if you have ever dropped a pan of fresh baked bread and dropped it on the floor you will understand what I was now looking at!!!! With my heart pounding at least 180 bpm I caught up with her near the small dark parking spot and I recall slamming open the doors throwing in everything and the next thing I knew the jeep was in reverse. We were gone. Recommendation - do not go alone. Do not go in a small car with low clearance. Go early the sun sets very fast way up in that mountain. Take bear spray and possibly a baseball bat.

A beautiful set of falls with a great setting for family pictures. Go north from Prichard for 15…read moremiles on NFD Rd 208 the on a nice dirt rd travel 4 miles to a parking area for a short hike. The pictures do not do it justice.

About three hours to the top and 3,800ish feet of elevation gain. Tough climb but completely within…read morereason for anyone who enjoys hiking. Definitely not for someone who doesn't exercise, is mostly sedentary, doesn't enjoy exertion etc. When you get to the rocky area near the top you may briefly despair thinking there's not a trail, and you're just going to be hopping over rocks. There is indeed a trail you just have to look for it. Great views at several points along the trail and the summit is nothing short of spectacular.

One of the steepest hikes in Northern Idaho, and well worth it!…read more Scotchman sits very close to the Montana border. To get to it, you have to make a confusing set of turns down forest roads. As far as mileage, this trail isn't very long, but it's uphill the entire time and there aren't many switchbacks. Once you hit the scree fields, you're close to the summit. There is a family of Mountain Goats that chill up there and you are almost guaranteed to see them!

This is such a fun trail but wear the proper attire because as you start at the bottom and go to…read morethe top it gets cooler and cooler! We've gone up and been around snow before on this one and there's little tiny waterfall streams on the way as well. There's plenty of little lookout areas with benches and such to sit and take a break and lots of wild birds to see. Lots of people bring their dogs on this one which would be fun for them and I haven't experienced it being too crowded ever.

While I wasn't able to make it to the top due to lack of time, I was happy with the trail…read moreconditions and the views I was able to see. This trail is easy to access, near neighborhoods and the road to Schweitzer Ski Area. Views start pretty early but the elevation gain is steady. It will climb 2,000 feet from the trailhead, making it a challenge for those in the winter with their crampons and snow shoes, or a nice summer mornings' workout before it gets too hot. Lake Pend Oreille and the Cabinet Mountains are in full view on a clear day.

It's a great campground - clean and affordable. I was born and raised in the area and would love to…read morecamp here more often. It's affordable and most of the camp spots are right on the lake. However, Flathead Lake is not for the faint of heart . Come prepared for any weather at any time of the year!

Beautiful place with plenty of recreation opportunities available. Lots of rocky beach access with…read morea boat launch. There is a short trail that follows past each of the campsites and leads to a covered shelter. On a weekday afternoon, it was quiet with only a few visitors. Views out to the Mission Mountains are great, same to Wild Horse Island. Close to Polson and a short drive from Kalispell. Out-of-state fee of $8 to enter the park, to be aware of.

Nice 5.5 mile out and back trail to the lake. Good workout with some elevation. Please note you…read morewill see logging which is a turn off for purist. The trail is smooth without major rocks. The creek is visible on the first section of the trail. If you want a short walk just hike to the overlook.

Love swimming here in the summer It's a five minute drive from my house and has beautiful views of…read morethe Green Monarch Mountains.

Not a big park. Has beach, boat launch, restrooms, picnic area. It's close to the road and the…read moretrain tracks. It has a good view of the lake.

Wild horse Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful relaxing space with great accommodations .read more

Dale and Mary are wonderful hosts and their home is beautiful. They are locals and know just how to…read moreguide you to fill your days with adventure or just relax on Flathead lake and enjoy down time. highly recommend!

Herron Park has a labyrinth of beautiful, intersecting forest trails of all skill levels to…read moreexplore. That means you can take a nice easy stroll, or take on a more challenging uphill climb, or a mix of both. It's not as awesome or epic as Glacier, but if the national park is closed or you want something different, this is a good option. The trails are well maintained and clear. In fact, several were temporarily closed for maintenance while we were there, and were actually actively being worked on. Most trails lead up the side of the small mountain the park is up against. That means after awhile you are going to get some pretty great views. And some great exercise as well! The area is basically a pine forest, and in the spring there are beautiful flowers all over the place. Some well known trails in Herron Park are the Notch Trail, the Family Trail, and Overlook Trail. Another note - I had cell service through most of the 4 mile loop hike we decided upon too, which is a bit unusual for the area. Four stars for being pretty great.