Montana · Hiking · Near Whitefish

Flathead

16.4 mi
round trip
1,711 ft
climb
6,198 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Flathead open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Kootenai National Forest. It doesn't name Flathead, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Kootenai National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Flathead is a hard hike in the Libby Ranger District of Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana. The route is an out-and-back that rises from about 4,900 feet to just over 6,200 feet, with an elevation gain of 1,711 feet, and it covers roughly 16.4 miles in total. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and is open from May 1 to November 30. Bikes are allowed on it, and the surface is natural. Sylvia Lake Campground sits about 3 miles away, and Dunsire Pass is a similar distance. Elk Basin is about 5.5 miles off, and Star Meadows Guard Station is roughly 7.6 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    4 Corners

    Campground

    Campground · 2.7 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Dick Idol Signature Gallery

    Gallery

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Whitefish

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

Route details

Distance
16.4 mi round trip
Climbing
About 1,711 ft
Starts at
FLATHEAD-KOOTENAI DIVIDE TH172 (about 5,160 ft)
Summit
5,845 ft
Difficulty
Hard
Time
About 6.5 hours

Getting there

Park at FLATHEAD-KOOTENAI DIVIDE TH172.

Questions about this route

How long is the Flathead on Tepee Mountain?

About 16.4 mi round trip from FLATHEAD-KOOTENAI DIVIDE TH172 (about 5,160 ft).

How much elevation gain is on the Flathead?

About 1,711 ft of climbing round trip.

How hard is the Flathead?

It is rated hard.

Where does the Flathead start?

FLATHEAD-KOOTENAI DIVIDE TH172 (about 5,160 ft).

How long does the Flathead take?

About 6.5 hours round trip.

Conditions and forecast on Tepee Mountain

Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.