Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Montana

If your dog likes to ruff it, bring Fido hiking in Montana. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips in Montana that won’t be soon forgotten. Seriously, go take a hike!

Bitterroot Trail

Missoula, MT

Bitterroot Trail The Bitterroot Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Missoula! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Bitterroot Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details

Bramlet Lake Trail

Libby, MT

Bramlet Lake Trail Bramlet Lake Trail is a dog-friendly, 3-mile hike located in Kootenai National Forest. This short hike will lead you to Little Bramlet Lake, which lies just inside the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. The Libby, MT, trail lies outside the wilderness and used to be a mining road. Checking with the ranger station before embarking is a good idea, as the trailhead may move. See Details

Four Lakes Loop

Thompson Falls, MT

Four Lakes Loop Four Lakes Loop is an 8-mile, pet-friendly hike in the Lolo National Forest in Thompson Falls, MT. You and your dog will delight in the fairly desolate trail that leads by summits, meadows and lakes. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you. See Details

Crystal Lake Trail

St. Regis, MT

Crystal Lake Trail Crystal Lake Trail is a 3.5-mile, pet-friendly hike in the Lolo National Forest in St. Regis, MT, that will take about 3 hours to complete with Fido. This short hike will take you up a steep trail that is not too difficult, but will provide a good workout. There is ample shade and water along the way if you decide to take a break. Take a swim in Crystal Lake or explore the old mining town. See Details

Riverfront Trail (MT)

Missoula, MT

Riverfront Trail (MT) The Riverfront Trail (MT) is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Missoula! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Riverfront Trail (MT). Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details

Lost Buck Pass Trail

Libby, MT

Lost Buck Pass Trail Lost Buck Pass Trail is a pet-friendly 7.5-mile hike at Upper Geiger Lake that will take about 5 hours to complete with Fido. The Geiger Lakes are a popular destination in Libby, MT, because of the easy access, camping, fishing, and beautiful scenery. If you are looking for a more desolate trail, head to this area via the Fourth of July Creek Trail 115. See Details

Middle Fork Bull River Trail #978

Noxon, MT

Middle Fork Bull River Trail #978 Middle Fork Bull River Trail #978 is a 6-mile, pet-friendly hike in the Kootenai National Forest in Noxon, MT. The trail ends at a dispersed campsite approximately six miles from the trailhead. There are two major stream crossings at about the 1-mile mark that can be challenging and dangerous during peak flows. See Details

Hazel and Hub Lakes Trail

St. Regis, MT

Hazel and Hub Lakes Trail Hazel and Hub Lakes Trail is a 6-mile, pet-friendly hike in the Lolo National Forest in St. Regis, MT, that will take about 4 hours to complete with Fido. Along this trail you will encounter a cedar forest, a scenic waterfall and creek crossings. First you will come to Hazel Lake, which is the larger one. Hub is further along and offers better fishing, swimming and camping. See Details

Deer Lake Trail

Thompson Falls, MT

Deer Lake Trail Deer Lake Trail in Thompson Falls, MT, is a 7-mile, pet-friendly hike in the Lolo National Forest that will take about 4 to 5 hours to complete with Fido. If you are looking for more solitude than can be found at Cabin Lake, you may want to take this trail to Deer Lake. Few hikers make this strenuous hike. What makes it strenuous? The fact that the 2600 feet of elevation gain takes place almost entirely within one mile of the hike. See Details

Route of the Hiawatha

St. Regis, MT

Route of the Hiawatha The Route of the Hiawatha is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Saint Regis! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the Route of the Hiawatha. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details

Hyalite Canyon

Bozeman, MT

Hyalite Canyon Hyalite Canyon in Bozeman, MT, is pet friendly. This popular cross-country skiing area includes a series of loops near the reservoir, which you can enjoy in the winter months if you like skiing with your dog. Check out the rest of the area during the sunnier season for a walk on the trails. See Details

Roadrunner Trail

Shelby, MT

Roadrunner Trail Roadrunner Trail in Shelby, MT, is a perfect place to relax mind, body and dog after a long drive. This 5-mile trail is pet-friendly and there are doggie stations at both ends of the trail along with garbage receptacles. You may bring your own water and your canine companion can also lap from Lake Shel-oole on the northern portion of the trail. See Details

Pompeys Pillar National Monument

Billings, MT

Pompeys Pillar National Monument Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails around Pompeys Pillar National Monument. Enjoy the geological features of the Monument site. The Pillar and the cliffs across the river are composed of sandstones and shales. Although no animal or plant fossils have been documented at Pompeys Pillar, significant fossils have been found in similar sandstone beds nearby.

Directly north of the Pillar is a viewing area of the Yellowstone River, to which both trails and sidewalks lead. The Yellowstone River meanders and is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states and provides rich, fertile farmland and habitat for many wildlife and bird species. The riparian areas along the river contain several cottonwood community types. Many standing cottonwood trees within the flood plain are estimated to be more than 100 years old.

Finally, for those who love a good picnic, there are tables set up throughout the monument. You are also more than welcome to place a blanket on the ground, or in one of our tipis, and have your lunch. The picnic tables are up year-round, so even if the Interpretive Center is closed, folks are still more than welcome to come in and use the area. See Details

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Whitefish, MT

Whitefish Mountain Resort Take Fido to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Whitefish Mountain Resort in Whitefish, MT. The resort is a popular ski destination that offers pet-friendly activities throughout all seasons of the year. Dogs are welcome to trek up the mountain trails. Please be sure to check the status of trails before departing on a hike as some may close due to weather conditions. See Details

River's Edge Trail

Black Eagle, MT

River's Edge Trail The River's Edge Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Black Eagle! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the River's Edge Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com. See Details

Centennial Park

Billings, MT

Centennial Park Centennial Park is pet-friendly. Bring your leashed pooch for a walk on the paved trials of this 30-acre Billings hangout. Make sure you keep him close by, as wayward softballs and baseballs on the many fields might be a tempting prospect for a ball-loving pup. Centennial Park is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk. See Details

Greenough Park

Missoula, MT

Greenough Park Leashed dogs are welcome at this 42-acre city park that runs along clean and beautiful Rattlesnake Creek for about 1 mile and is a diverse mix of cottonwood bottomlands and coniferous forest. A paved trail runs the length of the park and numerous unpaved paths go near the creek and toward more undisturbed places. This city park has an impressive interpretive birding trail named after Arnold Bolle, a famous conservationist and former University of Montana professor. A series of interpretive signs along the trails identify the most commonly seen birds; more than 100 bird species have been identified here. In the spring and summer, it's an especially good area to see warblers, vireos, orioles, and black-headed grosbeaks. In the winter look for pygmy owls, pine grosbeaks, and belted kingfishers, and spotted sandpipers. Pileated woodpeckers are also frequently sighted, and White-tailed deer and an occasional black bear (early morning in the fall) can be seen. See Details

Bozeman Creek

Bozeman, MT

Bozeman Creek Bozeman Creek in Bozeman, MT, is pet friendly. This multi-use trail on Forest Service land is located about 7 miles south of town. This old logging road parallels Bozeman Creek and is an out-and-back, meaning the distance is up to you. The full length of the trail is 9 miles and leads to Mystic Lake. The area is often used by snowshoe walkers and during the winter is a great place to explore on skis with your pooch. See Details

South Fork Loop Trail

Big Sky, MT

South Fork Loop Trail The South Fork Loop Trail is a dog-friendly hike in Big Sky, MT. Fido is welcome to join you on this trail that is open year-round provided that they are leashed or under voice command. The dirt-surfaced trail is one mile long and parallels the river in some sections. See Details

Little Hoodoo Trail

Rexford, MT

Little Hoodoo Trail Dog-friendly Little Hoodoo Trail in Rexford, MT, provides an excellent view of impressive sandstone formations known as The Hoodoos. Beginning at Rexford Bench Campground, the moderately challenging 1.3 mile trail takes an average of 30 minutes to complete and is ideal for hiking, running or walking with your four-legged friend. Little Hoodoo Trail is a short, single track trail offering views of The Hoodoos jutting out from an inlet along Lake Koocanusa. They can also be viewed from the west side of Highway 37. For those wishing to see more expansive lake views in this scenic area, Little Hoodoo Trail eventually crosses the Pacific NW Trail. See Details