Plan Your Perfect Fall In Montana With These 17 Adventures

The 70-mile Beartooth Highway, often called “the most beautiful drive in America,” is especially stunning in the fall. As the aspen and cottonwood trees turn golden and red, the highway becomes a vibrant corridor of color against the rugged Beartooth Mountains. The drive reaches an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape ablaze with autumn hues.

Along the route, there are several must-see overlooks and viewpoints that offer even more stunning sights. The Beartooth Pass Overlook provides sweeping views of the canyon and mountains, while the Top of the World Store is a great spot to stop for a quick hike or a snack. Rock Creek Vista Point is another popular stop, offering dramatic vistas of the valley below and the towering peaks above. If you’re feeling adventurous, numerous side trails offer opportunities to immerse yourself in the fall scenery, like the Beartooth Loop National Recreation Trail and the Lake Fork Trail.

One of Montana’s most beloved summer recreation playgrounds, Flathead Lake transforms into a vibrant mosaic of fall colors as the seasons change, making it a must-visit destination in autumn as well. The expansive lake, also one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the western United States, is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Scenic drives along Highway 35 offer breathtaking views of the foliage mirrored in the lake’s clear waters. For a more immersive experience, consider a leisurely boat ride or explore the hiking trails around the lake, such as those in the nearby Flathead National Forest.

We can’t talk about fall foliage without mentioning Montana’s crowning jewel! Glacier National Park is a prime destination for fall foliage enthusiasts, offering a striking display of autumn colors amidst its dramatic landscapes. As the summer crowds thin out, the park transforms into a canvas of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, particularly vivid in the larch forests, which are a stunning contrast to Glacier’s vivid lakes. The park’s diverse terrain means you can experience fall color from various perspectives—whether you’re hiking along the picturesque Highline Trail or driving the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers sweeping views of changing landscapes without ever leaving the comfort of your vehicle.

We couldn’t possibly list everywhere there is to discover here! Popular spots like the Many Glacier and Lake McDonald areas are also particularly notable for their fall beauty, where the colors reflect off tranquil waters, providing ample photo opportunities.

U.S. Route 2 in Montana extends nearly 700 miles from the Idaho state line to the North Dakota state line. It’s a vital northern corridor for Montana, with more mileage within the state than in any other. That means there’s a whole lot of pavement to cover and even more scenic diversity to explore – especially in autumn! It skirts the southern border of Glacier National Park (so there’s your first hint that it’s going to boast some spectacular fall color!) and runs alongside BNSF Railway’s Northern Transcon route, giving it and its forested surroundings the nickname the “Hi-Line.” It also crosses the Continental Divide at Marias Pass as it winds down into the northern plains.

This roller coaster of a road adds up to some seriously vibrant windshield views for those who’d rather skip the hike and enjoy fall from the comfort of a vehicle, though it also offers plenty of side trips for those who want to experience fall up close and personal. For those who want to get right up in the thick of it, the Kootenai National Forest near Libby features trails that meander through dense forests and along clear streams, all adorned in autumn splendor.

The Yellowstone River, which winds its way through southern Montana, is a prime destination for experiencing fall foliage at its finest. The riverbanks are lined with cottonwoods, willows, and other deciduous trees that burst into shades of gold, orange, and red as the season changes. The contrast between the vibrant foliage and the clear blue waters of the river creates a stunning visual spectacle, especially as the river makes its way through Montana’s spectacular Paradise Valley.

But don’t think that you need to hoof it to Yellowstone proper to enjoy the beauty! The river passes through many towns in Montana, including Billings. Here, the fall foliage is interspersed with urban parks and green spaces, making it easy to enjoy the seasonal colors without leaving the city. Riverfront Park and Pictograph Cave State Park are notable spots where visitors can take in the vibrant fall scenery along the Yellowstone River.

This beautiful Flathead Valley pumpkin patch is one you’ll want to visit year after year, either with family or with a group of friends. With jump pads, things to climb, toys to drive and race, wagon rides, farm animal areas, games, and so much more, clearly, this is much more than a pumpkin patch! Of course, you’ll definitely want to load up a wagon with some show-stopping pumpkins too.

Rocky Creek Farm in Bozeman is a certified organic farm and gorgeous fall haven that combines natural beauty with seasonal festivities. Spanning 50 acres, this picturesque farm offers an array of colorful (and delicious) autumn delights, including pressing apple cider, a fall pumpkin patch, field trips, and U-pick berries, and apples. You can also stock your pantry for fall and winter at the farm stand, which offers products all grown and harvested right here on the farm, like herbs, flowers, eggs, honey, meat, and more.

Helena is a phenomenal place to visit in fall, and the town hosts an impressive variety of festive events, festivals, and shindigs. From the Ales for Trails brew extravaganza to the vintage market, symphonies, and the Last Chance Community Pow Wow, there’s no shortage of fall happenings here! In particular, Helena’s Fall Fest is a smorgasbord of traditional autumn festivities, and every September the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds comes alive with three nights of concerts and four days and nights of carnival fun. There’s the soap box derby, a bevy of food trucks, plenty of live music, and even a car show.

The Montana Brewers Fall Rendezvous in Missoula is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. With over 40 breweries showcasing their best brews, it’s a fantastic way to sample the diverse flavors of Montana’s hop-tastic craft beer scene. Set against the backdrop of early October’s fall colors, this event also includes live music and food vendors, making it a lively and festive occasion for the 21+ crowd. Make sure to grab your tickets in advance to enjoy this unique brew extravaganza!

The Haunted Peaks Halloween Festival in Big Sky turns this picturesque Montana mountain town into a hub of Halloween excitement. From eerie haunted houses and a horror film festival to spirited costume contests and pumpkin carving, there’s something for everyone. The festival typically lasts the entire month of October, offering plenty of opportunities to get into the spooky spirit. Check ahead for specific events that might need tickets, and enjoy the festive autumn atmosphere!

While Bannack State Park (pictured), Garnet, and Virginia City are often considered the most popular, Montana has quite a few ghost towns hiding up its sleeve. And exploring them with a backdrop of fall colors feels like walking through the set of an old Western movie! Wander through towns like Granite where well-preserved buildings and artifacts bring the stories of miners and pioneers to life. Explore historic saloons, old-time theaters, and abandoned homes that echo with the past.
These ghost towns are scattered across the state and many are accessible year-round, though some attractions may charge entrance fees. The cooler weather makes fall the perfect time to explore these historic places to the fullest!

Fall is the ideal time to hit up Montana’s hot springs, both natural and man-made. As the weather cools down, soaking in hot, mineral-rich water while surrounded by colorful autumn leaves and cool-hued mountains is pure bliss. Spots like Chico Hot Springs, Bozeman Hot Springs, and Norris Hot Springs offer a cozy retreat with beautiful fall views.

Fall is a fantastic time to check out Montana’s craft, vintage, and farmers’ markets, where you can find a range of fun finds and seasonal produce, from crisp apples to colorful squash. As one of the largest in the state, the Great Falls Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, June-September) stands out with its lively atmosphere and variety of over 100 vendors offering everything from fresh veggies to homemade pies. It’s the perfect spot to pick up local goodies and enjoy the crisp fall air. But you’ll also find markets in just about every county in the state. Don’t forget to check out your local market hours and dates to make sure you don’t miss out!

Fall is an amazing time to explore Montana’s most beautiful waterfalls. The crisp air and changing leaves create a stunning contrast with the rushing water, offering incredible photo ops and peaceful escapes. As the trees shed their foliage, you’ll get clear, unobstructed views of these natural wonders. Plus, fewer crowds mean you can enjoy the serenity and beauty of the falls in a more personal setting. Easy-access falls, like Kootenai Falls, make for fantastic family-friendly outings, while more challenging trails, like St. Mary, require a little more planning.