Guides/Overland routes/Montana
Overland route115 midifficulty: moderate

Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop

RegionMontanaAgencyU.S. Forest Service, Bureau of ReclamationLast verified—
Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop — overland route near Hungry Horse, Montana, Montana
USDA Forest Service - Northern Region
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
115mi
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Direction
Loop
Vehicle
High-clearance vehicle. The west side is paved; the east side and southern connection are graded gravel and dirt with washboard sections.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Drops out fast on the east and south sides; service in Hungry Horse and Martin City.
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The Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop is a roughly 115-mile circuit around Hungry Horse Reservoir on Flathead National Forest, between the Swan Range to the west and the Bob Marshall Wilderness to the east. The west side is paved; the east side and southern connection between the two are graded gravel and dirt forest road. The reservoir, formed by Hungry Horse Dam, is one of the larger Bureau of Reclamation reservoirs in the Northern Rockies.

Most drivers run the loop in six to nine hours, longer with stops for fishing, swimming, or boat-launch breaks. Snow closes the south end and east side from late November through April. There are no technical obstacles, but the gravel sections washboard hard in late summer.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Seasonal closures. The south end and east side close from late November through April with snow.
  • Washboard gravel. The east side corrugates badly in late summer.
  • Wildlife. Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, and deer. The corridor is grizzly habitat throughout.
  • Limited services. No fuel on the loop. Top off before driving.
  • Reservoir drawdown. Water levels drop through summer; some boat launches become unusable by August.

Location

115 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 48.150, -113.833

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation
Nearest townHungry Horse, Montana
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r01/flathead
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location48.150, -113.833

Getting there

Directions

Counter-clockwise from the dam. From US-2 at Hungry Horse, take FR 895 / West Side Road south along the reservoir, around the south end at Spotted Bear, and back north on FR 38 / East Side Road.

Clockwise from the dam. From US-2 at Hungry Horse, take FR 38 / East Side Road south. The dirt is rougher in this direction; expect slower pace.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

Hungry Horse Reservoir lies south of US-2 between Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The dam sits at the north end near the towns of Hungry Horse and Martin City. The west side road parallels the Swan Range; the east side road parallels the Bob's western flank. Flathead National Forest's Hungry Horse Ranger District manages the corridor.

Trail Overview

Roughly 115 miles, loop. The west side road (FR 895) is paved most of its length with one short gravel transition; the east side road (FR 38) is graded gravel and dirt the entire way. The southern connection at the Spotted Bear Ranger Station ties the two together. Several FS spurs branch east toward the Bob Marshall Wilderness; trailheads at Spotted Bear and the Big Salmon Creek area.

Points of Interest

  • Hungry Horse Dam. Bureau of Reclamation dam at the north end. The dam visitor area has interpretive displays.
  • Spotted Bear Ranger Station. Historic FS guard station at the south end. Wilderness trailhead and developed campground.
  • Bob Marshall Wilderness trailheads. FS roads east of the loop access multiple Bob entry points.
  • Reservoir boat launches. Several developed launches on the west side; primitive launches on the east.
  • Six Mile Falls. Roadside falls on FR 38 east-side road.

Where to Camp

Flathead National Forest maintains a string of developed campgrounds around the reservoir: Lakeview, Lid Creek, Murray Bay, Lost Johnny Camp, and Spotted Bear. Dispersed camping is allowed on FS land off side roads with the standard 16-day stay limit. Multiple gravel pullouts on the east side accommodate self-contained rigs.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Plan to fuel and water in Hungry Horse, Martin City, or Columbia Falls before driving the south or east side.
  • The east side gravel washboards by late summer. Drop pressure if needed.
  • Spotted Bear is the Wilderness gateway; arrive early in summer for trailhead parking.
  • Cell service drops fast on the east side and south end. Carry navigation backups.
  • The reservoir level draws down through summer; boat ramps may close as drawdown progresses. Check with the FS before launching.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop?
Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop is rated moderate. The route runs 115 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop?
High-clearance vehicle. The west side is paved; the east side and southern connection are graded gravel and dirt with washboard sections.
When is the best time to visit Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Is there cell service at Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop?
Drops out fast on the east and south sides; service in Hungry Horse and Martin City.