PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL IN WESTERN MONTANA

Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail

Explore Northwest Montana’s Backcountry

Chris Sawicki

Explore Northwest Montana’s Backcountry

Embark on an epic journey of backpacking the rugged Rocky Mountains on portions of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT). This iconic route offers avid hikers and thru-hikers (hiking the trail in its entirety) an unparalleled experience, weaving through Western Montana's breathtaking landscapes and untamed terrain—from pristine alpine meadows to dense forests.

The eastern end of the trail lies in Glacier National Park’s Belly River Valley, crossing the Continental Divide, traversing some of the most remote areas of the park and offering a truly wild backcountry experience, complete with majestic wildlife sightings.

The trail goes on to explore hidden treasures, like the tiny outpost of Polebridge, the Whitefish Divide, the Ten Lakes Scenic Area and historic fire lookouts along the way.

From there, the trail stays off-the-beaten path in Montana’s Purcell Mountains amid some of the most remote portions of the state—like the Yaak Valley and the Northwest Peaks Scenic Area.

Read more about the entirety of the PNT here, including thru-hiking information, food storage regulations and vital know-before-you-go information, like trail conditions and alerts.