4.6
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156
hikers
52
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Helena-Lewis And Clark National Forest traverse a diverse landscape of mountains, rivers, and forests across nearly 2.9 million acres. The region features significant natural features, including limestone cliffs, river canyons, and segments of the Continental Divide. Hikers can explore varied terrains, from the Big Snowy Mountains to the Missouri and Blackfoot Rivers. This national forest offers numerous opportunities to experience Montana's natural beauty on foot.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
2
hikers
4.13km
01:14
130m
130m
The Rodney Ridge Loop offers a dynamic hiking experience right outside Helena, Montana. You'll ascend through open pine forests, then emerge onto a rocky ridgeline that provides sweeping panoramic views…
1
hikers
5.11km
01:24
90m
50m
Embark on an easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) hike along the Dearborn River Trail, where you'll gain 304 feet (93 metres) in elevation over approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes. The…

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1
hikers
951m
00:15
0m
0m
The River's Edge Trail offers an easy hiking experience along the Missouri River, providing scenic viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and prairies. You will find the path winding through varied…
3.20km
00:50
20m
40m
This easy 2.0-mile hike along the Missouri River offers scenic views of Hauser Lake, the dam, and rocky cliffs in Helena National Forest.
2.27km
00:35
10m
10m
Enjoy an easy 1.4-mile hike along the Missouri River in Black Sandy State Park, offering scenic river views and a peaceful outdoor experienc
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Giant Springs State Park is named after a giant spring, which flows at 156 million gallons per minuet. It was a site of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805.
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The Helena-Lewis And Clark National Forest offers a wide selection of trails, with 19 routes specifically categorized as easy hikes. In total, there are 48 hiking routes across various difficulty levels within the forest.
Easy hikes in the forest feature diverse terrain, including river valleys, forested paths, and open hills. You'll find trails alongside major waterways like the Missouri and Blackfoot Rivers, and routes that offer views of the surrounding mountains and rock formations, such as those near Devil's Glen.
Yes, there are easy loop trails available. A popular option is the Rodney Ridge Loop, which is 2.5 miles long and offers scenic views of the hills and forest.
Easy hikes often lead to impressive natural features. For example, the Devil's Glen via Dearborn River Trail follows the Dearborn River and showcases notable rock formations. You can also find trails near lakes, such as the Hauser Hiking Trail, offering lakeside views.
Absolutely. For a shorter, easy walk, consider the River's Edge Trail, which is less than a mile long, or the Missouri River Walk, a 1.4-mile path along the river.
The forest is rich in history and natural beauty. You can find highlights like the Marias Pass Memorial Square: Roosevelt Obelisk, Stevens, which holds historical significance. Portions of the vast Bob Marshall Wilderness are also within the forest, offering a sense of untouched nature.
The easy trails in Helena-Lewis And Clark National Forest are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the scenic beauty, varied terrain, and accessibility of these routes.
Yes, many easy trails offer beautiful water views. The Devil's Glen via Dearborn River Trail follows the Dearborn River, and the Missouri River Walk provides pleasant views along the Missouri River. The Hauser Hiking Trail is also located near Hauser Lake.
Easy hikes in Helena-Lewis And Clark National Forest generally feature minimal elevation gain, making them accessible. For instance, the Missouri River Walk has only about 7 meters of ascent, while the Hauser Hiking Trail involves around 18 meters of climbing.
While this guide focuses on easy trails, the Helena-Lewis And Clark National Forest does contain segments of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT). Some easy access points or shorter sections might allow you to experience a small part of this iconic route, such as the South Fork Sun - Continental Divide Trail highlight.
The best seasons for easy hiking are typically spring, summer, and fall, when trails are clear of snow and temperatures are mild. Summer offers lush greenery, while fall brings vibrant foliage. Always check local conditions, especially in spring when some higher elevation trails might still have snow or be muddy.


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