Fall is the ideal time to visit Montana if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and into nature. The shoulder season welcomes the colorful displays of foliage, crisp, clean air, rivers teeming with fish, and active wildlife. Because Big Sky Country is vast, we’ve put together some top spots to see fall colors in all their glory. From the shimmering golden tapestry of aspen groves and deciduous trees in the southwestern and central regions, to the golden hues of the wheat fields against the backdrop of the setting sun over the northern and easter plains, here are some of the best places to visit in fall and where to stay.
Photo: Robert Paulus/Shutterstock
Montana's Aspens Are Turning Gold. Here's Where to See the Best Foliage in the State
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What is the best time to visit Montana in the fall
Photo: Visit Montana
The optimal time to visit Montana for fall foliage varies depending on the region. In general, the peak foliage occurs in September and early October, but check out this year’s forecast map for accurate predictions.
Northwest Montana
Photo: Amy Jimmerson
Northwest Montana offers many opportunities to witness the splendor of fall foliage and the shoulder season is also a great time for a road trip.
One of the better routes at this time of year is the North Fork Road, where you can enjoy the foliage of Glacier National Park on one side and Flathead National Forest on the other. A must-stop is North Shore Flathead Lake, the shoreline is adorned with yellows and oranges, and it’s a great place to watch the fall migration of birds.
Photo: Visit Montana
Seeley Lake, in the heart of Montana’s Lolo National Forest, offers a breathtaking backdrop for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. For a light hike, consider the Seeley Lake Loop Trail. This route will treat you to scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The lake’s calm waters also provide a peaceful setting for paddling, and several rental companies offer equipment and guided tours.
The Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District is another excellent choice if you’re planning a road trip. Numerous larch trees were planted along the Hungry Horse Reservoir after the 2003 fires. The West Side Road (Forest Road 895) and the East Side Road (Forest Road 38) are beautiful picturesque drives with access to hiking trails, camping, and boat launches.
The Bison Range and the Mission Valley are also must-see destinations for fall foliage enthusiasts. The Bison Range, a wildlife preserve, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, while the dirt roads of the Mission Valley, particularly around Polson and Ronan, are lined with colorful trees.
Photo: Explore Whitefish/Brian Schott
You might consider basing yourself near the popular ski area of Whitefish Mountain Resort on Big Mountain. During the off-season, the resort opens its hiking trails to the public, providing access to the remarkable display of golden larch trees.
Eastern Montana
Photo: Dan Armstrong
While the western part of Montana is renowned for its fall foliage, the eastern part of the state also offers something for leaf peepers. The Seven Sisters Wildlife Management Area, located between Sidney and Glendive along the Yellowstone River, is home to deciduous trees that showcase vibrant colors. The Hi-Line, a stretch of US Highway 2, is another excellent option for fall foliage viewing. Start in the Glasgow area and drive out to Tampico, then return to town along Riverside Drive Road and add stops in Malta, Chinook, or Havre for a full loop.
Traveling to Montana? Check out Matador’s Montana accommodations guides:
- Montana’s New Adults-Only Resort Is an Exclusive Luxury Experience in the Big Sky State
- 10 of the Best Hotels Near Glacier National Park
- Take a Fun Escape Into Nature at These Airbnbs Near Glacier National Park
- Live Out Your Inner Cowboy at These Rural Montana Farm Airbnbs
- 11 Missoula Airbnbs to Harness Montana’s Great Outdoors
- Why The Ranch at Rock Creek, One of America’s Priciest Hotels, Is More Affordable Than You Think
Southwest Montana
Photo: Thomas Curry/Shutterstock
One of the most memorable ways to experience fall in Southwest Montana is a scenic drive along the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. This picturesque route winds through towering mountains, carving a path through vast aspen groves. As you navigate the byway, bright shades of yellow create a seemingly endless tunnel of golden leaves.
Make a stop at one or more of the pristine lakes of Cliff, Wade, and Georgetown. The bodies of water reflect the fall colors of the surrounding landscape, creating a picture-perfect postcard moment.
For those wanting to stretch their legs and take in the colors, head to the Goat Flats Trail in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. This moderately challenging hike, approximately seven to eight miles roundtrip, takes you through a landscape of forests, meadows, and mountain slopes. As you ascend the trail, the changing colors of the aspen and larch trees unfold around you, culminating in breathtaking panoramic vistas from the summit.
Central Montana
Photo: Teresa Otto/Shutterstock
One of the most picturesque places to witness fall foliage in Central Montana is along the Missouri River Corridor, stretching from Holter Dam to Fort Peck. The riverbanks are lined with cottonwood trees, which burst into yellows and oranges during the autumn months.
The Rocky Mountain Front, a dramatic range of mountains that separates the Great Plains from the Rocky Mountains, also offers breathtaking views of fall foliage. Golden aspens surround the rivers and creeks that flow through the region. As you explore the area, you’ll encounter a variety of landscapes, from towering peaks to meandering streams, all adorned with warm fall colors.
Central Montana’s rolling foothills and open prairies of Lewistown and other island mountain ranges may not have the same density of trees as the mountainous regions, but the shrubs and bushes that dot the landscape often change colors, creating a brilliant tapestry that complements the vastness of the prairies.
Where to stay in Montana in the fall
From cozy cabins in the woods to rural farm stays, Montana has some stunning Airbnbs. Here are some of my top picks for fall.
Raven’s Nest Treehouse in Columbia Falls
Photo: Airbnb
“There’s no roughing it,” with a stay in this fabulous two-story luxury tree house, says the host. It’s situated on five wooded acres and is only 30 minutes from Glacier National Park and minutes from Whitefish Moutain Ski Resort. So you’ll have the best of both worlds: A secluded retreat and proximity to some of the best places in Northwest Montana for fall foliage.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $292 per night
Four-bedroom farm stay in Hamilton
Photo: Airbnb
This home is situated on ABC Acres, a permaculture farm in the Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana. From the front porch, you’ll be surrounded by nature and animals, including chickens and goats, and witness the farm’s daily activities. It’s just minutes from the Valley’s small-town happenings, so expect fall harvests at farmers’ markets and seasonal celebrations.
Nine guests, four bedrooms
Price: $400 per night
Stunning 2-bedroom guesthouse near Yellowstone National Park
Photo: Airbnb
Situated on a 230-acre working ranch, this rental offers a secluded and immersive farm retreat. Located just 40 minutes from the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park and an hour from Bridger Bowl, Erik’s Ranch is a nonprofit organization operated by young adults with autism. For an additional fee, guests can participate in various activities, including guided snowshoeing in winter, horsemanship lessons, and fly fishing or rafting during warmer months.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $336 per night
Secluded A-Frame
Photo: Airbnb
Only 20 minutes from Helena in the mountains of Jefferson City, this boutique A-Frame has three bedrooms, a hot tub, two outdoor firepits and jaw-dropping mountain views. It’s an ideal place if you are touring the state in the fall and a perfect stopping point between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. 
Six guests, three bedroom
Price: $320 per night