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Join the Adventure

Tag along with us as we explore the hikes around Moss Mountain Inn as well as the backcountry opportunities. The Flathead County is full of places to lose oneself in and we hope to provide our readers with information about each adventure we have and some possible information about the area that may not be known.

Strawberry Lake

6 miles out and back with 1,912 ft. in elevation gain this trail is semi-challenging. The hike is well shaded through a managed forest with trail work done in 2022 leaving it in good condition. There are switchbacks with a consistent incline for the majority of the trail but once the trail straightens along the side of the mountain it levels out and opens up to some falls and strawberry lake quickly.
There is camping and multi-use allowed on the lake and trail with good fishing and swimming. Dogs are welcome and Mushka really enjoyed cooling off after the dusty hike up and lazing in front of the fire as the night cooled down.
We did an extra hike the next morning up Strawberry Mountain (6,204 ft.). There is no trail up to it so bushwhacking is required but a beautiful view greets the effort.
27 miles from MMI it is a bit of a drive to get to the trailhead and requires travel on a somewhat maintained dirt road.
Overall, a pretty quick hike for day use or camping with access to many more trails leading to Columbia Mountain and the Jewel Basin. Worth the drive to see new terrain outside of Whitefish and Glacier.

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Demers Ridge

Located about 22 miles out of Columbia Falls (12 miles from MMI) Demers ridge trailhead has two access points. An open element switchback trail across from the Camas bridge and a more protected lengthier trail about 2.7 miles past Camas bridge at Demers pit.
We took the Demers Pit trail for a more protected hike with less strenuous switchbacks. This access is a bit longer in length, being about 8.5 miles round trip though the trail remains steep the whole way up.
About half or a little more of the trail is through a dense regenerative Lodgepole forest from the 2001 Moose Creek Fire. As you get closer to the first summit the trees open up showing off the North Fork and Glacier area.
Be aware that there are several false summits and saddles, so keep up the hiking pace until you come to an open ridgeline leading to a rock cairn on Glacier View Mountain (6,097 ft). Enjoy a rest and stretch on the panoramic summit. Total elevation gain is 3,100 feet mostly at the heavy lodgepole stint and saddle climbs.
Be sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen, and have bear spray on hand as always. Hiking poles are recommended.
Mushka enjoyed hurtling logs and chasing ground squirrels but got hot quick. The only water was a small creek right at the beginning so a hot, dry hike through and through. Make sure to pack a bandana to wet when the pup refuses to drink.

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Cyclone Lookout

Driving to Cyclone Trailhead from Moss Mountain Inn (MMI) will take about 50 to 60 minuets depending on road conditions, vehicle type, and comfortability with dirt roads. The trail access is behind a gated forest service road. Follow the North Fork Rd until Hay Creek on the left hand side. Turn onto Hay Creek and follow for a mile or two then take a left hand turn and follow that for a couple miles to reach the forest service road also on the left. I would recommend turning around upon arrival as it tends to get tight with more cars showing up.

The trail is 4.2 miles round trip with 1,100 ft. in elevation gain. The summit sits at 6,030 ft. but if you want a little extra height there is an active fire tower that can be accessed. The hike starts out mellow with more incline as you reach the switchbacks in the last part of the trail. It is dog friendly and Mushka had a great time as always. The whole trail except for the summit is forested and well shaded. However I always recommend early hikes for more comfortable hiking temperatures, less people, and less bugs. Would rate this hike as an easy hike with good views and a good start to the active summer season.

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Standard Peak

A 6 mile round trip trail with 1,955 ft. in elevation gain Standard Peak is a moderate hike with a consistent incline most of the way and a final push right at the end to reach the peak at 7,196 ft.. There is access to Canyon Creek Trails along the way and the summit sits right behind Big Mountain. Loads of huckleberries, whortle berries, and thimble berries to snack on while admiring the great views. The trail is partially shaded with open aspects along the way and limited water availability. This is a dog friendly trail but don't forget to pack the pups water and a wet bandana to keep them cool during the hot months.

This trail is difficult to see going up the road. The best way to find it is to track the 7.6 miles up McGinnis Creek Road then find a good place to turn around and park on a pull out above or below the trailhead. The trail cuts up the slope next a large Larch tree and we flagged it with orange tape the last time we hiked it. Again this trail is up a dirt road that narrows considerably the higher you go but is much closer to MMI.

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Hornet Lookout

Hornet is about 35 to miles north of MMI. Follow the North Fork rd. about 20 miles then take a left hand turn onto Whale Creek Rd for 4 miles then turn north onto Hornet Rd and follow 5.2 miles to the trailhead. Road narrows and gains elevation relatively quick so be careful driving and of other vehicles.

From the parking area the hike is only a mile round trip and travels through the old Whale Creek burn. The hike is easy with slight elevation gain around 800 ft. to put you at 6,744 ft. total elevation. It is dog friendly and mostly open aspect to allow for 360 degree views. This Lookout can be rented out and for more information on the history check out this link.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/flathead/recarea/?recid=66218

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