If you love the outdoors, then you know Montana is the place to be.

We've got hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, skiing, camping, and a whole lot more. There is much to see and do. For many, two of the must-sees are Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Both stunning, but the theory is if you want to see lots of wildlife, go to Yellowstone; if you want to see lots of beauty, go to Glacier.

I've been to both, and I tend to agree; however, if you're looking to get outdoors, but want to escape all the hustle and bustle of the tourists and the big crowds, are are some areas that you should check out, especially if you love to hike.

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While millions of people travel to Montana each year, the majority of those are coming to the western part of the state.

One of the big attractions, other than the two National Parks, is Flathead Lake. Flathead is the biggest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and is known for its beauty and clarity. The Lake is also a hotspot for tourists, but right next to the lake is Flathead National Forest, and that is filled with some hiking gems.

According to Montana Hidden Gems, if you are looking to get out and enjoy Big Sky Country, but you don't want to deal with all of the crowds, check out these hikes all located inside Flathead National Forest, oh, and they're dog friendly as well.

  • Birch Lake
  • Mount Aeneas
  • Strawberry Lake
  • Jenny Lake
  • Ousel Lake

According to the site, all of these hikes are under 8 miles to the destination, so if you are looking for some Montana adventure, it is certainly worth planning a trip or two.

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Where is your favorite place to hike in Montana? What makes it so special for you? Please feel free to send a message on our app and let us know.

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