It’s no secret that Montana has the reputation of being a paradise for people who love the outdoors. With natural beauty at every turn, the Lion Mountain Trail is a must-see experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The leisurely 2.6-mile stroll is a rewarding adventure for the whole family, even dogs! This low-key path starts by guiding you on a trek through the forest, leading you to the most picturesque views of Skyles Lakes and the surrounding mountains.

This enchanting hike is one of the 15 trailheads and only a small part of the 47 miles that makes up the Whitefish Trail.
Sara Franklin/AllTrails
About a half-mile into your journey, you will spot a learning pavilion with scattered picnic tables. It’s a great resting spot surrounded by lush greenery and serves as a gathering place for educational programs.
Lion Mountain Trailhead is conveniently located 2.2 miles from downtown Whitefish, making it an easy option for an after-work excursion.
Gabrial Reising/AllTrails
This Montana gem truly is a "short and sweet" hike, on average taking a little over an hour to complete.
The breathtaking views from the scenic overlook reinforce why Montana is often referred to as “Big Sky Country.”
Beth Burke/AllTrails
The views of the cascading pine trees and mountainous peaks are nothing short of amazing.
The well-maintained path attracts many outdoor enthusiasts, including mountain bikers, walkers, and runners. Snowshoeing is also a popular activity on the trail during the winter months.
Cynthia Miller/AllTrails

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The total elevation gain on the Lion Mountain Trail is 351 feet.
Grace Alexander/AllTrails
To fully experience the gorgeous scenery along the trail, we recommend hiking during the early summer months. The dense tall trees provide plenty of shade for those unusually warm summer days.
There’s plenty of parking off Lion Mountain Loop Road.
Jennifer Najimy/AllTrails
This dog-friendly trail makes for a great shared adventure! If your furry friend enjoyed the hike, you can attach their dog name tags to the marked post.
Jeremy Lawson/AllTrails
Gaze out at the serene water of Skyles Lake, spanning 37 acres.
Robin Holleman/AllTrails

Have you experienced the stunning views along the Lion Mountain Trail? It’s a must-see hike for any nature lover! Have you hiked any of the other trailheads along The Whitefish Trail? Share with us your other favorite hiking trails in Montana.

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Mountainside Drive, Mountainside Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA