Birch Lake, in the Jewel Basin east of Kalispell, has it all. This moderate trail will lead you past grand vistas, abundant huckleberries, and if you’re lucky, plenty of wildlife. From the hike’s high point, you’ll be able to gaze across the whole of the the Flathead Valley, and if the weather cooperates, Birch Lake is a lovely place for a summer swim. There’s great fishing there, too. On the way back to the trailhead, make sure you’re on the lookout for the families of mountain goats that roam the slopes of the northern Swan Range.
Photo by John Larson
