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Montana
11.8 mi
Distance
1,494 ft
Gain
Excellent conditions for a hard hike today
Checked 8/6/2026 · openweather, snotel, scoring_engine
Clear skies, low wind, and a 95/100 weather score make this an ideal day for the Lightning-Windfall hike. No snow on the ground and no precipitation expected. Temperatures will be warm but manageable for a strenuous outing.
Why you'll love it
Lightning-Windfall
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
The Lightning-Windfall trail is a moderately challenging 11.8-mile loop that climbs nearly 1,500 feet through Montana's backcountry. This trail offers a rewarding full-day adventure with steady elevation gain and scenic views typical of the region's mixed forest and alpine terrain.
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Moderate 4.68-mile hike to a scenic alpine lake with 1,318 ft elevation gain.
Saint Patrick Peak Summit
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Quick alpine summit with 444 ft gain near Saint Patrick Peak.
Trio Lakes
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Easy alpine lake hike with gentle elevation gain and scenic mountain views.
Hoodoo Lake
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Moderate 4.5-mile hike to scenic alpine lake with 1,053 ft elevation gain.
Upper St Joe Lake
~12 min drive
Easy sub-mile trail to a scenic alpine lake with minimal elevation gain.
Heart Lake
~5 min drive
Moderate 7.92-mile hike to an alpine lake with 2,045 ft elevation gain.
Trail Lake
~9 min drive
Steep alpine hike to a mountain lake with significant elevation gain.
Oregon Lakes
~17 min drive
Scenic alpine lake hike with steady climb and mountain views.
French Lake
~6 min drive
Moderate 7.4-mile alpine lake hike with 1,581 ft elevation gain.
