Where To Go and What To Know This Fall in Montana

To track the exact timing of Montana's fall foliage, this prediction map helps travelers plan accordingly in different regions of the state. Popular fall foliage locations range from western Montana's dramatic Rocky Mountain Front, covered with Western larches, to the striking Missouri River breaks in eastern Montana, known for its golden grasslands.

For more detailed fall foliage locations, provided by leaders from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the U.S. Forest Service, see below.

• Northwest Montana:
  • Jewel Basin Hiking Area
  • Bison Range and the Mission Valley
  • Seeley Lake
• Eastern Montana
  • Hi-Line
  • Seven Sisters Wildlife Management Area
  • Elk Island Wildlife Management Area
• Southwest Montana
  • Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
  • Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
  • Bannack State Park
• Central Montana
  • Sluice Boxes State Park
  • Trout Creek Canyon Trail
  • Patrol Mountain Trail

"Fall is one of the best times of the year to be outside in Montana, and we always look forward to the golden colors," said Mitch Staley, chief marketing officer at the Montana Department of Commerce. "Cooler weather makes it easy to hit the trails, pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors."

When it comes to accessing outdoor spaces, Montana's 56 state parks provide convenient access to quiet spaces, hiking trails, wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. Twenty of the state parks also have campgrounds, which can be reserved reserved online.

Waning daylight expands opportunities for stargazing, especially at places like Medicine Rocks State Park, an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and Makoshika State Park — both known for having little light pollution.

For travelers looking to explore the northwest corner of the state near the east side of Glacier National Park, there are four campgrounds owned by the Blackfeet Nation that combine traditional recreation with cultural experiences. To learn more about them — Chewing Black Bones, Duck Lake, Red Eagle and Buffalo Calf — visit Montana's new stories page.

Other uniquely Montana activities to witness during the fall months include the annual elk rut, characterized by the loud sounds (bugles) made by male elk to lure in partners (cows). This spectacle can be seen (and heard) in places like the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in central Montana and Yellowstone National Park.

Lastly, no fall trip in Montana is complete without a soak in natural, mineral-rich hot springs. Discover where to soak and find more travel inspiration by going to visitmt.com.

About the Montana Department of Commerce
The Montana Department of Commerce promotes Montana as a place to travel and do business. For more information and to plan your Montana trip, go to visitmt.com.

SOURCE Montana Department of Commerce