When people ask if I miss home, I always say that what I miss most is the incredible nature and outdoor activities Montana has to offer. The fresh air, the lakes, mountains, rivers, boating and especially the hiking—Montana summers just wouldn’t be the same without the nature.

Hiking Adventures-

Montana boasts some incredible hiking trails, and the first one I always hit when I’m back is the M Trail in Bozeman. It’s my go-to for a quick, invigorating workout to start the day. The trail is about 2 miles round trip, and if you tackle the steep side, you can reach the top in about 20-30 minutes. Running the longer route down wraps up the whole hike in 30-45 minutes.

If you have the time and are up for a longer hike, you can continue past the M Trail, and about 2 hours later, you’ll reach Baldy Peak. 4-5 hours and 10 miles round trip, this more extended trek is absolutely worth it, with breathtaking views as you hike along the ridge of both Bozeman and the Bridger Range. Along the way, you’ll pass a prominent line marking where the Bridger Foothills Fire of 2020 was stopped—a fire that threatened Bridger Bowl, one of our main ski hills. It’s striking to see the contrast as new life begins to grow around the affected area.

Among my absolute favorite hikes in Montana are Storm Castle and Lava Lake. Both trails in the Gallatin Range are around five miles in total with a manageable incline, making them perfect for a morning or afternoon adventure.

Storm Castle (5.4 miles) offers a breathtaking reward at the top: a stunning view from a giant boulder that serves as a natural lookout. The refreshing breeze at the summit is just what you need after the final steep climb. Just be cautious when looking down—it’s a long way, and the height can make you dizzy!

Lava Lake (5 miles) holds a special place in my heart as it was the first hike I ever went “backpacking” on as a kid. Back then, it felt like the longest hike in the world, mainly because we spent half the day picking huckleberries on the trail! At the top, you’re greeted by a beautiful lake, perfect for a quick swim. The water is absolutely freezing, fed by snowmelt, but it’s incredibly refreshing. It’s even popular for some hikers to bring their fishing gear and spend a day trying to catch something. Bringing home huckleberries—if they haven’t been eaten already—is a great reward and makes for delicious pancakes the next morning!

Montana is also home to three entrances to Yellowstone National Park: the West, North, and Northeast Entrances. The park offers countless incredible hikes, but this summer, my big adventure was tackling Electric Peak. The peak gets its name from the frequent lightning strikes it attracts, due to the iron deposits at the summit. It’s essential to check the weather before heading out to avoid getting caught in a lightning storm.

To reach Electric Peak, enter Yellowstone through Gardiner, Montana, and continue to Mammoth Hot Springs, which marks the start of the hike. The trek is a challenging 20 miles round trip, so make sure to bring plenty of food, water, and necessary first aid supplies. The views and being able to see so many Montana native wildflowers makes it so worth it. Surprisingly, there’s even cell service at the top, so you can call friends to share the excitement of your accomplishment!

Lake Time!

Lake time is a quintessential part of summer in Montana, and Helena is home to some incredible lakes that I frequent in July and August. Two of my favorites, Hauser Lake and Canyon Ferry Lake, are separated by a dam and hotspots for boating, fishing, camping and all sorts of recreational water sports.

Hauser Lake is particularly popular for its calm waters, making it ideal for water skiing, wake surfing and paddleboarding. The lake’s shores are lined with areas where you can easily set up for a day of relaxation or grilling. Canyon Ferry Lake, on the other hand, is much larger, with over 35 miles of water to explore. The surrounding landscape is typical Montana, with rolling hills and open skies, making it a picturesque backdrop behind the boat.

Further north in Montana, about a 5-6 hour drive from Bozeman, you’ll find Swan Lake and Flathead Lake, both nestled near Glacier National Park. These lakes are breathtaking, with their crystal-clear waters framed by majestic mountains, absolutely stunning. Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, stretches over 200 square miles. The pristine water and spectacular mountain views make it a must-visit destination, despite the drive. Additionally, the region is renowned for its Flathead cherries, and you can pick up some of these delicious fruits from the many orchards that line the lake’s shores.

My Absolute Favorite Summer Activity-

Though there are many contenders, nothing beats floating down the Madison River on a tube and capping the day with a soak at Norris Hot Springs. This is an activity I make sure to do at least once every summer.

The Madison is a mostly calm river with a steady flow, making it perfect for a day of floating. There are a few shallow spots and a couple mild rapids, but for the most part, it’s a smooth ride. The adventure begins by dropping off a car at the takeout point, then piling into another vehicle to drive to one of the three main put-ins. It typically lasts about 3-4 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sun and scenery as you drift downstream.

Afterward, you retrieve the car left at the put-in. Though if you only have one vehicle, hitchhiking with others in the parking lot or on the main road is a common and easy alternative. If you need to rent tubes, Big Boys Toys in Bozeman has them for rent, so you’re all set for a fun day on the river.

To end the day, head up the road past the put-ins, and you’ll come across Norris Hot Springs, where a relaxing soak is a must. The atmosphere is fantastic, with great food and, often, live music to set the mood. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day on the river.

Montana offers countless outdoor activities beyond what I’ve mentioned, but these are some of my absolute favorites. Besides family, the nature will always bring me back home. Oh, how I love Montana summers!