When do the leaves change in Montana? It might be earlier than you think! In fact, here in Montana, fall can arrive quite early. Late September and early October offer some prime leaf viewing options and we found the best places in the state to see them. Enjoy!

1. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
rickz / Flickr
It can be tricky to get to Glacier National Park in the short period of time after summer before the first major snowfall. But if you can make it, check out Going-to-the-Sun Road, U.S. Highway 2 leading to Lake McDonald, and the Bowman Lake area for fantastic fall hues.
2. The Bitterroot Valley
Bitterroot Mountains, Montana 59871, USA
Bitterroot Trail, Hamilton, MT, USA
Micah Sheldon / Flickr
When was the last time you explored the Bitterroot Valley? While it's stunning all year, it's especially vibrant in autumn, especially around the Hamilton area.
3. The Flathead River
Flathead River, Montana, USA
JD Hascup / Flickr
The Flathead River winds from Glacier National Park to Flathead Lake. The fall colors all around it are breathtaking, especially in the North Fork area.
4. Great Falls
Great Falls, MT, USA
KWWRTI / TripAdvisor
Great Falls has more than 33,000 trees and those are just public trees. The easy-to-find River's Edge Trail is especially vibrant in the fall.

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5. Fort Benton
Fort Benton, MT 59442, USA
Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce Facebook
As if you needed an excuse to visit Fort Benton, our charming historic city is beautiful in the fall. Take it all in by enjoying a nice riverside walk.
6. Bigfork
Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Mark Smith / Flickr
Given Bigfork's location, it makes sense that it's full of fall foliage. Go the last week of September or the first week of October for a bright, beautiful experience.
7. Whitefish
Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
Explore Whitefish Montana
NBC Today listed Whitefish as one of the best places in the country to see fall foliage. Considering it's surrounded by natural beauty (including several kinds of trees), that's not surprising.
8. Sluice Boxes State Park
David J Laporte / Flickr
Sluice Boxes State Park is located near the tiny town of Belt on the Kings Hill Scenic Byway. This entire area really comes alive in the fall, so whether you want to go for a drive or take a hike in the park, you'll see plenty of stunning fall foliage.

What do you think of our list of the best places to see Montana fall foliage? Are there any other places you would add? If so, let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!

If you are looking for even more activities to enjoy during the fall in Montana, check out our ultimate and definitive bucket list! You’ll find something the entire family will enjoy.

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When do the leaves change in Montana?

Courtnie Erickson | August 16, 2022

When do the leaves change in Montana?

Here in Montana, fall typically arrives early. If you love to spend your days leaf peeping, you’ll want to head outdoors as early as mid-September. In the higher elevations, the bright red, orange, and yellow hues make an appearance early in the season, and in the lower elevations, you can typically wait until early October.

What are some other locations that I must visit during the fall in Montana?

In addition to the destinations listed in the article above, there are many locations around the state that become absolutely stunning during the fall months. One town that we highly recommend visiting is Missoula. This city is surrounded by trees that showcase bright and stunning colors during the autumn. You can also spend your time outdoors on one of the many biking and hiking trails near the Clark Fork River.

If you want to see even more stunning Montana fall foliage, consider a scenic drive. The Paradise Valley Scenic Loop, for example, is a 62-mile loop drive that immerses you in Montana’s natural beauty. On your drive, you’ll pass farms, mountains, and rivers. When driving on this stretch of road during peak fall foliage, you’ll be in heaven.

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