We don’t mean to brag (actually, we do), but Montana boasts some of the finest natural beauty in the nation. And while many think of our mountains and lakes as icons of the Treasure State, we shouldn’t discount our highly underrated forest land.

The Custer Gallatin National Forest is one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the region. And it also happens to be incredibly beautiful to the point where parts of it look surreal.

The Gallatin National Forest comprises 1.8 million acres, spanning a good portion of south central Montana.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
It's a giant gateway to Yellowstone National Park.
There are six separate mountain ranges within the forest, so it truly feels like you're surrounded by them.
Spend A Day Touring, LLC / Flickr
Parts of the stunning Lee Metcalf Wilderness are located within the firest boundaries.
Matt Kemp / Flickr
Parts of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness are also located within the forest.
Troy Smith / Flickr
It's really that enormous.

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The forest is so enormous that it's possible to truly feel like you're in your own world.
Eric Gross / Flickr
This takes "getting away from it all" to a whole new level.
Parts of the Beartooth Highway, the most scenic drive in America, wind through forest property...
Lynette / Flickr
... but you should make it a point to explore on foot, because the forest is home to some of the most stunning hikes in the state.
C.A. Kelly / alltrails.com
This is a scene from the Lava Lake Trail.
The Gallatin will change the way you think of forests.
Callie Daniels / alltrails.com
This one is so much more than the Lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and spruce trees that are scattered throughout it.

This one amazing forest holds all the best parts of nature. We’re lucky to have the Custer Gallatin National Forest here in Montana — especially since we already have Glacier National Park.

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