2024's Towns In Montana That Come Alive In The Fall

Montana is one of the most northern states in the lower 48, meaning the fall season seemingly sweeps in early. Its varied landscapes and many natural wonders offer many ways to experience this magical time of the year, from the great plains and badlands to its east to the towering mountains of the Rockies to the far west. Here, fall colors usually kick in from mid-September to early October, and they don't last for long, with most of the leaves falling within a few weeks. Like many northern states, summer quickly blends into winter, so be sure to check out these idyllic fall towns in Montana that really come alive!

Columbia Falls

Columbia Falls, situated on the western side of Glacier National Park, offers easy access to the park’s west entrance, where you can witness the stunning transformation of the landscape as the trees on the more densely forested side turn into an array of brilliant colors. The nearby Flathead River also makes for peaceful, scenic settings ideal for a fall picnic or walks along the water’s edge.

Hiking trails such as the popular John Stevens Canyon Trail showcase the vibrant colors of fall in Montana, with excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A short drive from Columbia Falls will lead you to Hungry Horse Reservoir, where the wild forests take on stunning hues with their yellow aspens and larches.

Columbia Falls celebrates the season with its annual Night of Lights festival, held in early October, featuring local food vendors, and live entertainment. Whether enjoying the autumn scenery in Glacier National Park or participating in local fall festivities, Columbia Falls is amongst the best destinations in the state to stop at this fall.

Whitefish

Whitefish is a prime destination in Montana to visit in the fall. Also located near the entrance to Glacier National Park, this small town offers easy access to some of the most breathtaking autumn scenery in the state, let alone the rest of the year. The park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road provides an ideal route for viewing fall foliage, with golden aspen trees, red cottonwoods, and neon larchs dotted throughout. You can experience the landscape on foot, too, at the nearby Whitefish Trail system.

In town, the annual Great Northwest Oktoberfest in late September and early October brings lively celebrations with traditional Bavarian music, food, and beer.

Red Lodge

Red Lodge is a cozy town at the base of the Beartooth Mountains in south central Montana. The nearby Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the US, is especially striking in autumn, with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges blanketing the surrounding forests and valleys in this secluded part of the state. The highway also leads to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance, making Red Lodge a perfect starting point for those looking to explore the park during a less crowded time of the year.

Hikers staying in Red Lodge flock to trails like the Willow Creek Trail, which offers some of the best views of the changing leaves in the woodlands of the Beartooth Range. In addition, Red Lodge Mountain Resort opens for a variety of outdoor activities, including scenic chairlift rides that can provide elevated views of the fall foliage before snow hits the ground.

Try to arrive by mid-September, as it is common in the region for snow to fall by the end of the month.

Bozeman

Bozeman is one of the biggest towns in Montana (with just over 50,000 residents) but is still filled with natural beauty and outdoor activities. The town's proximity to the mountains of Custer Gallatin National Forest makes it a perfect spot to enjoy the changing colors of autumn.

The nearby Gallatin Canyon will give you top-notch views of the vibrant foliage, while Hyalite Canyon, just a short drive from town, features a number of great hiking trails, including the Hyalite Lake Trail, where you can experience stunning vistas framed by the aspens and cottonwoods that are prevalent in the area.

The city’s farmers' markets also highlight autumn produce and artisanal goods, providing you with a taste of Montana’s harvest season. Additionally, the nearby Yellowstone National Park is less crowded during the fall, making it an ideal time to explore its geothermal wonders and wildlife while surrounded by a vibrant autumn landscape.

Bigfork

Bigfork is located along the northeastern shore of Flathead Lake and is an amazing place to spend time near the water. A visit in late September is ideal while the weather is still somewhat pleasant and the foliage in the nearby mountains and hills has not hit the ground yet.

The nearby Jewel Basin Hiking Area offers numerous trails where hikers can enjoy viewpoints of the Swan Range and the brilliant forests that blanket the area. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, a drive around Flathead Lake boasts stunning sites from a number of roadside lookout points where the colorful trees can easily be seen reflected over the water. The nearby Swan River also provides picturesque settings for an easy afternoon walk in the woods.

Livingston

Livingston, a small town of about 9,000 residents along the Yellowstone River, is another great destination near Yellowstone National Park to visit in the fall. Located just north of the famed national park, Livingston offers easy access to its northern entrance.

For something a little closer to town, the Paradise Valley, located a short drive south, is especially stunning in autumn, with its cottonwoods and aspens lining the riverbanks with the Absaroka Mountains in the background. Livingston is located near another notable national wildland: the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Here, the Pine Creek Trailhead is one of the most popular walks in the area and contains several woodlands, waterfalls, and viewpoints of the mountains along the way.

Each fall, Livingston celebrates with the annual Harvest Fest, featuring local artisans, live music, and family-friendly activities at Ferry Landing Ranch. The changing trees create a beautiful backdrop to the seasonal festivities. Come by in early October to see the peak fall colors in Livingston.

Visit Montana this Fall Season

Montana is home to such a diverse array of landscapes that wonderfully transform in the fall season. Whether you are looking to hike the mountains of Glacier National Park, delve into the wilds of Yellowstone, or partake in an autumn-themed festival, the options are numerous for anyone arriving during this magical time of the year. Whether you choose Livingston or Whitefish, each town has amenities such as hotels, outfitters, shops, and restaurants, many of which feature visitor centers, too, making them ideal stops for a day or two on any road trip.