Lone Pine Trail

Just west of Kalispell in the Flathead Valley is Lone Pine State Park, comprising nearly 300 acres of rocky escarpment below Blacktail Mountain. It's home to over seven miles of trails and a year-round visitor center at its peak, alongside a gorgeous and long-distance view across the Flathead Valley, backdropped by the big mountains of Glacier National Park and Jewel Basin. Visitors can drive to the summit and the Visitor Center for the lovely view, but those looking to utilize the well-maintained and family-friendly trails will want to begin at the bottom.

To hike to the top of Lone Pine State Park, two accessible trailheads are on Valley View Drive near the exit off Highway 93. The first is a clearly marked gated trailhead on Quarry Road, with a designated parking lot a quarter-mile down Valley View Drive. Alternatively, continue on Valley View Drive and follow the signs to arrive at the Valley View Trailhead. Both trails connect to the Lone Pine Trail -- the widest and easiest path to follow to the top -- marked by a red dot on trail signage. 

It's approximately 1.5 miles to the top from either trailhead, following a steady but gradual uphill grade the entire way. A few of the switchbacks include sitting benches for those looking to rest. Several other trails intersect, but you shouldn't have too much trouble navigating the wide and clearly marked path. The top of the trail peters out at the top of the park near a picnic shelter, and you'll need to continue a few hundred yards to the Visitor Center, and then a short climb up to the main viewing area, featuring historic stonework and benches to soak in the landscape.