State guide
When to catch Montanathrough the year
We follow 2 places in Montana for wildflowers and fall foliage: fall at Glacier and Lost Horse Canyon and summer at Glacier. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.
When are you going?
Fall in Montana
- SEASON · FALL FOLIAGEGlacierBy mid-September, and the western larch by mid-OctoberMontana
“by mid-September, and the western larch by mid-October” · National Park Service ↗
Winter in Montana
Our sources name nothing here for winter; the other seasons above have what they do.
Spring in Montana
Good in spring
- GlacierGoing-to-the-Sun Road for hikers and bikers
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Summer in Montana
- SEASON · WILDFLOWERSGlacierBetween mid-June and mid-AugustMontana
“between mid-June and mid-August” · National Park Service ↗
Also good in summer
- GlacierWildflowers at Logan Pass
- Lost Horse CanyonLake Como floating dock in
From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.
Places in Montana
- GlacierLocal timing: between mid-June and mid-August
- Lost Horse CanyonRegional timing: October
Planning a Montana trip
Towns to stay in
- Missoula, MTLost Horse Canyon · 56 mi
- Bozeman, MTYellowstone · 90 mi
- Butte, MTLemhi Pass · 80 mi
Nearest place we follow, straight-line miles.
Browse by season and event
- Wildflowers · 1 place hereWildflowers, everywhere →
- Fall foliage · 2 places hereFall foliage, everywhere →
Questions people ask
When do the wildflowers bloom at Logan Pass at Glacier?
Between mid-June and mid-August, in a fast succession of blooms during a short growing season.Source: National Park Service, Glacier photo tips ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What will I see at Glacier?
Beargrass and whole fields of glacier lilies in the subalpine, and purple asters on the east side late in summer. The park has nearly a thousand wildflower species.Source: National Park Service, Glacier wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is Going-to-the-Sun Road open in the fall at Glacier?
Usually the whole road stays open until the third Monday in October, conditions permitting. Then the west-side gate moves to Avalanche Creek or Lake McDonald Lodge, and the road beyond is open to hikers and bicyclists.Source: National Park Service, Glacier operating hours and seasons ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are visitor centers open in the fall at Glacier?
They close in late September and early October; the restrooms at Apgar Visitor Center stay open all year.Source: National Park Service, Glacier operating hours and seasons ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When does the larch turn in the Bitterroots at Lost Horse Canyon?
The Forest Service's Northern Region botanist says alpine larch above about 7,000 feet in western Montana turns yellow-orange each October, before the needles drop. From Missoula you can see it on the Bitterroot Mountains to the southwest.Source: US Forest Service, Alpine Larch in the Northern Rocky Mountains ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I drive Lost Horse Road in a regular car?
The Forest Service calls it a narrow, rough dirt road and recommends high-clearance vehicles. Schumaker Campground at Twin Lakes is free and first come, open until snow closes it.Source: US Forest Service, Schumaker Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Nearby state guides: Idaho · Wyoming · Washington · Oregon
Montana in pictures
How we know
- Sep 27Park ServiceLogan Pass wildflowers between mid-June and mid-August; no off-trail travel in its alpine meadowsSource (opens National Park Service, Glacier photo tips in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceTrees turning by mid-September, western larch last in mid-October; Going-to-the-Sun Road and service seasonsSource (opens National Park Service, Glacier operating hours and seasons in a new tab)
- Sep 27Park ServiceAlpine larch above about 7,000 feet in western Montana turns yellow-orange each October (regional, Northern Region botanist)Source (opens US Forest Service, Alpine Larch in the Northern Rocky Mountains in a new tab)
- National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.