Blodgett Canyon Wilderness Picture And Video Tour

Join us as we explore the stunning Blodgett Canyon near Hamilton, Montana, one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the Bitterroot Mountains! In this scenic adventure, we take you through breathtaking views, towering canyon walls, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams that make Blodgett Canyon Trail a must-hike in Montana. Whether you’re planning a day hike, looking for Montana travel inspiration, or searching for the best hiking trails near Missoula, this tour has everything you need. See one of the most beautiful hiking spots in Western Montana. Don’t forget to subscribe for more outdoor adventures, nature hikes, and town tours across Montana!

Hiking Blodgett Canyon

Hiking Blodgett Canyon in July is an absolute joy. The days are cool, waterfalls are abundant, the wildflowers are popping and the campsites around Blodgett Lake are rarely occupied. Blodgett Canyon is one of the most scenic hikes in Southwest Montana because it offers landscape diversity as you walk up the 12.3 mile trail to the lake. You could do the four-mile Montana day hike to the popular waterfall but then you would miss out on seeing the incredible Yosemite Park like, rock formations that make up the north valley wall. During the hike to the lake, you’ll see over seven lofty pyramid shape mountain peaks.

Changes in Vegetation

You will also see a dramatic change in vegetation. The hike starts out with ancient Ponderosa Pine and shear cliffs as you listen to the dull roar of Blodgett Creek below. Next you find your self in the typical Montana mountain vegetation of Douglas Fir, “Huckleberry” (Vaccinium species) and “Thimble Berry” bushes (Rubus parviflorus). After six miles, the forest stops and you see a charred landscape of burnt fallen trees and pink “Fireweed” (Epilobium angustfolium) standing defiantly among the damage. The burnt trees are the result of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Forest Fires of 2005 and 2016. In a short half-mile you are back in dark stands of Douglas Fir, Spruce and the friendly sounds of Blodgett Creek. Be careful on the trail covered by dense patches of “Thimble Berry” bushes. It is easy to step into an empty void instead of the trail under the leaf canopy. Finally, the last two miles are alpine vegetation of “Pink Mountain Heather” (Phyllodoce empettriformis), “Glacier Lilies” (Erythronium grandiflorum) “Dianthus”(Dodeccatheon species) and even more incredible views. Don’t worry, there is plenty of water along the 90% of the trail to cool off.