Montana · Hiking · Near Whitefish

Switchback

4.8 mi
round trip
2,225 ft
climb
6,368 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Switchback open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 5 alerts for Flathead National Forest.

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

Switchback is a 4.8-mile out-and-back hike in Montana's Flathead National Forest, within the Swan Lake Ranger District. It's a moderate trail with an elevation gain of 2,225 feet, rising from a low point of 4,151 feet to a high of 6,368 feet. The trail is natural-surface and open to bikes, and the Forest Service lists it as not accessible. The trailhead is Switchback TH #725, and the route is open year-round. The climb is steady, with the steepest stretches in the upper reaches. Several other hikes start close by, including Birch Loop about a mile away and Crater Notch and Mt. Aeneas at roughly 1.2 to 1.3 miles. For an overnight base, Graves Creek Campground sits about 7.5 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Radio_Facility_001

    Campground

    Campground · 1.2 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Blaine Creek Grill

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 10 mi · Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Museum Of Wildlife

    Museum

    On your way back · 17 mi

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