While it’s always bittersweet to see summer go, the beautiful transformation across Montana always helps ease the blow. From Billings to Bozeman and Butte to the Bitterroot Valley, swaths of color are sweeping the forests. If you’re in the midst of autumn there’s a good chance you’ve already seen some of the beautiful fall foliage in Montana that’s on display each year. I love simple walks near my house to take it all in, but if you’re looking for more of an adventure, make your way to Flathead National Forest and the Hungry Horse Reservoir. It’s beautiful throughout the year, but in the fall it’s a sight to behold.

Welcome to Hungry Horse Reservoir located within the Flathead National Forest. While the forest is certainly a popular spot for outdoor activities, this body of water might not be first on the list when it comes to leaf peeping.
Jordan Marissa / alltrails.com
However, it's undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous spots for fall foliage in Montana.
Warren LeMay / Flickr
Fed by the South Fork of the Flathead River, this body of water has about 170 miles of shoreline and is 34 miles long.
Freethedust / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

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The dam that creates it can be found about three miles south of Hungry Horse, in Flathead County.
Searsha Gebhart / TripAdvisor
You can access the area by taking an arduous hike of about 23 miles. That might be ideal for those who love a challenge that ends with a phenomenal payoff. Or, you could simply use the two roads that encompass the reservoir.
Waunderlust / TripAdvisor
Both the East Side Reservoir Road #38 and the West Side Reservoir Road #895 will lead you to boat access sites and campgrounds so you can spend some time taking in the beauty.
Waunderlust / TripAdvisor
A great way to enjoy the surrounding fall foliage is to take a boat ride and maybe enjoy some fishing. Both are allowed!
Waunderlust / TripAdvisor
However you choose to enjoy your time, remember to sit back and think about just how grateful you are to be in Montana.

The Hungry Horse Reservoir can be visited throughout the year — just be sure to check conditions before heading out. You can learn more about the area by visiting the official Forest Service website. You can learn all about the history of the Hungry Horse Dam on the National Park Service website.

And, if you’re feeling ambitious after reading about this fall foliage in Montana, you can check out the Hungry Horse Reservoir Trail on AllTrails. Note that the route is 23 miles and is rated as hard, so it’s best to be an experienced hiker before taking this on.

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