10 Best Scenic Spots in Montana
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- No. 10 - Bison National Range.
- #9 - Sweet Grass Hills
- No. 8 - Scenic road to Mount Haggin.
- No. 7 – Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
- No. 6 - Scenic road to Mount Jaak.
- No. 5 - The picturesque lane of Lake Kookanousa.
- No. 4 - Glacier in Yellowstone
- No. 3 - Looking Glass Hill Road.
- No. 2 - Bear Tooth Highway.
- #1 - Glacier National Park
With the state name coming from the Spanish word for mountain (montana), Montana certainly offers plenty of mountain views. Much of its geography is due to the continental divide, which also divides the state itself into more than 100 mountain ranges on the west side and mostly prairie to the east, although jagged peaks form the horizon almost everywhere. Traveling around the state is often difficult due to many roads being closed during the winter, but that hasn't stopped the year-round crowds of travelers coming to see the infamous Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. However, there's more to the area, so we've compiled a list of our favorite Montana scenic spots to showcase the state not as separate parts, but as a whole:
No. 10 - Bison National Range.
Start Location: Moise, Montana
Final location: Jocko River, Montana
Length: Mile 26
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
This ride through Montana's National Buffalo Range, the area with the most free-ranging bison outside of Yellowstone National Park, is permitted for daytime use only. As the road winds its way through mountains and then out onto agricultural plains, keep an eye out for buffalo herds as well as other wildlife. The picnic spot at the Joko River where this route ends is a good place to rest before taking one of the several hiking trails.
#9 - Sweet Grass Hills
Start Location: Sweet Grass, MT
Final location: Chester, Montana
Length: Mile 106
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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It's hard to drive anywhere in Montana without crossing the highlands, but this trip through the Sweet Grass Hills showcases a different side of the state. Although the peaks are still visible in the distance, the foreground is nothing more than vast grasslands above gentle hills. Avoid driving this way after heavy rains to avoid the risk of getting stuck in the mud, and take some time to tour Chester's historic centre.
No. 8 - Scenic road to Mount Haggin.
Start Location: Anaconda, Montana
Final location: Mudraia Reka, Montana
Length: Mile 31
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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Known primarily to local moose hunters, this trail is a hidden gem in the state of Montana and includes a spectacular campsite at Mount Haggin WMA, also known as "The Bench." Along the way, travelers are treated to views of wide meadows, as well as mountain peaks. Feel free to stop and walk the trails of the Beaverhead National Forest for a closer connection to the landscape.
No. 7 – Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
Start Location: Livingston, Montana
Final location: Livingston, Montana
Length: Mile 71
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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Good choice of itinerary, especially for those traveling to or from Yellowstone. This route through Paradise Valley goes around part of the Yellowstone River. This provides many opportunities to stop and try your luck fishing or have a picnic by the water. Even the non-fisherman will enjoy a stopover at Mallard's Rest Fishing Access, where the peaks of the Absaroka Range are clearly visible and seduce your inner photographer.
No. 6 - Scenic road to Mount Jaak.
Start Location: Lincoln, Montana
Final location: Yes, MT
Length: Mile 30
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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Adventure lovers will especially enjoy this trip through the Jaak region, where there are few people and even fewer tourists. The road passes through dense forests, and it is easy to get lost in the pristine nature of the region, almost untouched by man. Such remoteness, however, gives this drive such an allure, and anyone traveling this way won't want to miss a glimpse of Yaak Falls and its cascading water.
No. 5 - The picturesque lane of Lake Kookanousa.
Start Location: Eureka, MT
Final location: Libby, MT
Length: Mile 69
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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This route also the eastern shore of Lake Kookanousa offers two picturesque views at once - on the one hand, there is a crystal clear lake, and on the other, the wide lands of the Tobacco Valley, as well as distant mountains. Stop at the Kookanousa Bridge, the highest and longest bridge in the state, for photos. Anglers will want to take the time to see if rainbow trout are biting on the Kootenai River just below Libby Dam.
No. 4 - Glacier in Yellowstone
Start Location: Browning, MT
Final location: Gardiner, MT
Length: Mile 352
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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Travelers with plenty of time for sightseeing—a couple of days at least—can't beat the many amazing sights and activities on this route between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Dinosaur lovers will definitely want to stop by the Old Trail Museum in Shoto, which has a complete Maiasaur skeleton on display along with the first discovered dinosaur egg. At Airlock State Park, visitors can stop for views of the canyon, or cast a hook and line in one of several lakes.
No. 3 - Looking Glass Hill Road.
Start Location: East Glacier Village, Montana.
Final location: Browning, MT
Length: Mile 24
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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The hills stretch for miles and seem almost endless on this beautiful road along the edge of Glacier National Park. Take care of unexpected turns where it's not unusual to spy on local wildlife crossing the road, or even roaming cattle. Hiking trails and charter boat tours are popular on Two Medicine Lake, which is also known for its good fishing.
No. 2 - Bear Tooth Highway.
Start Location: Cook City-Silver Gate, Montana.
Final location: Red Lodge, Montana
Length: Mile 64
Best driving season: Summer and autumn
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From the scenic Cook City-Silver Gate area near Yellowstone National Park to the old mining town of Red Lodge, this route through dense forests and mountains can calm the busiest minds. Stop at a Top of the World resort to rent a canoe or kayak, or simply browse and stock up on supplies. Take time for photos at the top of Bear Tooth Pass reaching 10,947 feet in the sky where you can see up to 75 miles into the distance.
#1 - Glacier National Park
Start Location: West Glacier, Montana
Final location: Saint Mary, Montana
Length: Mile 50
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
This scenic drive through Glacier National Park is nothing short of extraordinary with its panoramic views and diverse landscape. Water sports such as fishing and boating on the glacier-formed Lakes McDonald and St. Mary's will help pass the time while enjoying the natural beauty around. Or choose one of the many hiking trails through the deciduous forest against the backdrop of mountain peaks, such as the trail to the Sacred Dancing Cascade, to see a series of waterfalls among the raging rapids.
