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Peters Ridge Trail #37 | Bigfork, Montana
Peters Ridge Trail #37 offers "quick" access to sweeping views of the Flathead Valley, in NW Montana. The trail tends to be steeper and more rugged than the well-known Strawberry Lake Trail #5, another Alpine Trail #7 connector trail a few drainages to the south. The first half of the hike is mostly forested with a few openings allowing glimpses of Flathead Lake and the Bigfork area. The latter half is exposed and traverses into a bowl before climbing up to the ridge with sweeping views of rolling agriculture fields, lakes and much of the Flathead Valley to the north and west. From Peters Ridge you can choose to traverse the ridge or drop down to Alpine Trail #7.
Driving Directions from Nearest Town or Landmark
From Bigfork, go north on Highway 35 for 2.3 miles and turn right onto Highway 83. Stay on Hwy 83 for 2.8 miles and turn left onto Echo Lake Road. After 2.2 miles, turn slightly right onto the Foothills Road. Follow the Foothills Road for 6.5 miles to Forest Service Road # 5385 (Foothill Rd curves to the west here). Turn right onto Rd. 5385 for 1.7 miles, continue straight onto Forest Service Road #5388 when Road #5385 turns, and drive 3.9 miles to the trailhead on the right.
Highlights and Best Features of this Trail
- Incredible views overlooking much of Flathead Valley
- Access to Alpine Trail #7
Trail Distance
2.6 miles to the junction with Alpine Trail #7
Trail Vertical Gain or Loss
Vertical Gain: 1,445 feet (4,905 ft – 6,350 ft)