If you want to challenge yourself with a new day hike somewhere other than in Glacier National Park, Jewel Basin might be just the place for you. Located in the Swan Mountain Range, the basin has 27 lakes and more than 35 miles of well-maintained trails.
If you’re into fishing, then you will love Jewel Basin. With an abundance of cutthroat in the cool waters of an expansive lake system, experienced fishermen and women can catch some top-notch trout. You can hike in, set up camp, and spend a couple of days waking up early and staying out late to take advantage of the prime dawn and dusk fishing.
Day hikers will be impressed with the amazing views of the Flathead Valley, but be prepared to tackle some difficult trails to get to these vantage points. Camping is first come first serve and generally pretty busy during July and August. Your best bet to get a good site is to go early in the week.
How to get there: To access Jewel Basin’s main trailhead, Camp Misery, you will want to take U.S. Highway 83 until you reach Swan River Elementary School. Look for a blinking caution light, and turn north on Echo Lake Road. Drive about three miles to Foothills Road where you will take a right onto Jewel Basin Road. Drive five miles up the gravel road until you hit Camp Misery trailhead.