Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Montana

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area North District, a pet-friendly attraction in Fort Smith, MT. You and Fido can enjoy hiking over 17 miles of trails. Boating, camping, photography and marveling at the scenic views are also popular activities. Please remember to clean up after Fido. Be aware that this park has two districts that are three hours driving distance apart, so it's strongly recommended to confirm which district offers the locations you plan to visit.

Swan River Trail in Bigfork, MT, is a pet-friendly, 4.2-mile trail that runs along the scenic Swan River. It's lovely year round for riding bikes, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and walking your pooch. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you.

Beehive Basin Trail No. 40 is a dog-friendly route in Gallatin Gatway, MT. This challenging 7-mile trail boasts some of the most breathtaking views of Big Sky and Lone Peak. At the 3.3 mile mark hikers enter Beehive Basin, a U-shaped glacial cirque with a crystal clear lake. Pack a picnic lunch and treats for Fido to enjoy at this halfway point. The trail allows dogs to be off-leash in certain areas, but is popular with hikers, backpackers and campers so you'll likely come across other visitors while exploring. The trail is best traversed between May and October.

Custer Gallatin National Forest in Bozeman, MT, welcomes dogs to enjoy the wilderness and pet-friendly trails with their humans. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6-feet in all designated recreation areas including parking lots, picnic areas, day hiking trails, trailheads, interpretive centers, restrooms, boat docks and piers, and developed campgrounds. Dogs may be off leash when on non-day hiking trails and in the backcountry, but should be leashed when encountering other hikers. The address leads to the forest office where information on Custer Gallatin National Forest can be acquired before heading into the wilderness.

The pet-friendly Whitefish Trail welcomes pups to join their owners when exploring! This multi-use path stretches 42 miles around the Whitefish, MT, area, connecting different points of interest and trailheads. There's something for everyone, with trails that lead to creeks, scenic overlooks, forests and more. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they are well-behaved and cleaned up after.

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 Great Falls! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up 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.

Norm Schoenthal Island is a dog-friendly open area in Billings, MT. This large recreation area alongside the Yellowstone River welcomes leashed dogs along the 2-mile trail system. The Island has very nice scenery and easy walks in all directions.

Ravine Creek Trail #34 is a dog-friendly path in Missoula, MT. You can find it north on Grant Creek Road, about five miles up. There's a small parking lot on the right. The trail is forested and leads up a steep grade and then ties into the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area trail system. Dogs must be leashed at the start but can be off leash at the start of the switchbacks in the national forest. You'll discover diverse wildlife, flowers and mushrooms along the way.

Trout Creek Canyon is pet-friendly. This 7.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Helena, Montana features beautiful wild flowers during the season. It's rated moderate, so most canine hikers should be able to enjoy the natural beauty on display. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as they are cleaned up after.

Bring Fido on this dog-friendly, 2.5-mile loop trail near West Yellowstone, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it features amazing views above Earthquake Lake's upper point. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in all designated recreation areas including parking lots, picnic areas, day hiking trails, trailheads, interpretive centers, restrooms, boat docks and piers, and developed campgrounds. Dogs may be off-leash on non-day hiking trails and in the backcountry but should be leashed when encountering other hikers.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Stahl Peak Lookout Trail, a 9.3-mile hike in Eureka, MT, that will take about 5 hours to complete with Fido. The dog-friendly trail lies within Kootenai National Forest, a beautiful 7,000-acre forest that is surrounded by another 33,000 acres of high country.

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.

Zimmerman Park in Billings, MT features miles of pet-friendly trails along the Rims, from the bluffs above Billings. Enjoy hiking the trails and taking in incredible views with your pup.

The Kim Williams Nature 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 Kim Williams Nature 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.

Bring Fido with you to explore the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument! Located in Lewistown, MT, this recreation area spans 149 miles of the Upper Missouri River, and the whole place is dog friendly, including a number of campgrounds. In addition, the monument includes six wilderness study areas that visitors can enjoy. Dogs and their owners can float down the river, hike, or drive in the area and view the natural beauty on display.

Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a dog-friendly recreation area in Great Falls, MT. You and Fido can enjoy the nine-mile Prairie Marsh Wildlife Drive Auto Tour and hike the Prairie Marsh Boardwalk trail which is just under one mile in length and rated as moderate. Biking, wildlife viewing and hunting are also popular. To protect nesting birds and other wildlife, pets must be leashed and remain on the Prairie Marsh Wildlife Drive or Prairie Marsh Boardwalk trail except when used for hunting during the appropriate seasons and in designated areas of the refuge.

Bitterroot National Forest is a dog-friendly recreation area in Hamilton, MT. You and Fido can explore the many trails, mountains and rivers that span this 1.6-million acre forest. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet in all developed areas and are not permitted in swimming areas. The address listed goes to the Bitterroot National Forest Office, but it's recommended to check the exact locations of where you want to visit in this vast forest before heading out.

Fido can join you at Lolo National Forest, a dog-friendly recreation area in Thompson Falls, MT. Popular activities include hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, wildlife viewing and much more. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet in all developed areas and are not permitted in swimming areas. It's recommended to find the location of the specific trail or other site you're hoping to visit in this vast national forest.

Centennial/Bausch Park is a pet-friendly community spot in Helena, MT. Your leashed four-legged family member can tag along as you explore the area. Amenities include a dog park, walking track, community art, historic sites and open spaces. A drinking fountain and gazebo are also on site.

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.