The Jewel Basin: A Diamond in the Rough

 

Shelby Hendrix is a student at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota majoring in Hospitality and Tourism. She fuels her love of the outdoors by skiing, hiking, and backpacking in the wooded corners of the Midwest to the mountains of the West. While spreading the word of her adventures through words and pictures, she hopes to ignite the fellow traveler in others. She can be reached at 15hendrshe@gmail.com.

The Flathead Valley in Montana is known for many things like Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort, or the United States’ largest freshwater lake on the west side of the Mississippi, Flathead Lake. Here, engulfed in the Rocky Mountains and rugged pine trees lies the best jewel of them all: The Jewel Basin. Riddled with huckleberries and sapphire-blue lakes, it is a wonder why a gem of this sorts is kept secret by locals, but the lack of foot-traffic it receives will make any hiker thankful.

The Jewel Basin is a 15,000-acre area residing in the Flathead National Forest. It includes multiple secluded camping sites, 25 small lakes that are a fisher’s dream, and 35 miles of hiking trails. Here, bears, moose, mountain goats, and all mountainous animals thrive in protected areas. The alpine fauna nourishes the native bugs as the wildflowers take over the landscape every spring. 

The most popular hike is to Birch Lake, a great day hike for families. It’s about 6.2 miles there and back and features alpine views leading to a calm, beautiful lake perfect for fishing. Even if you aren’t fishing, it is a great path to take to incredible picnic spots. Starting at the parking lot, which is named “Camp Misery”, follow the trailheads up the first initial elevation gain. This may be a bit of a scramble as there are some steep areas. However, if you visit at the right time in summer, the trails will be lined with fresh Huckleberries to pick. This will definitely make the walk worth it. Don’t forget to pack lots of water and snacks for the mid-hike stops!

The highest elevation in the Jewel Basin is located on Mount Aeneas at 7,500 feet above sea level. Here, there is a designated trail that will lead you right to the top! It’s about a 6-mile hike, starting from Camp Misery, that includes several steep areas with switchbacks. While it may be strenuous in some areas, the 360° view from the top will be with you for the rest of your life. From the top, you can see Glacier National Park, Flathead Valley, the Hungry Horse Reservoir, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. It is truly the crown jewel of Montana.

The Jewel Basin is the perfect place to escape to. With high chances of seeing wildlife, views you could only dream of, and hikes for everyone, it’s the local’s top choice for a day away. Here, nature-lovers can be completely engulfed in everything that makes Montana amazing and will battle between spreading the news or keeping the secret under wraps. Don’t forget to take only pictures, leave only footprints, and breath that fresh mountain air.

 

Getting There:

From Kalispell, Montana, head east on Highway 2. Where Highway 2 goes north, continue east on Highway 35. Make a left onto Lake Blaine Road which turns into Foothill Road. Foothill Road follows south along the base of the Swan Range mountains. Turn left onto Jewel Basin Road (FS Road 5392) and follow it 7 miles to the Camp Misery Trailhead. Caution: the last 5 miles are extremely rocky and steep and recommended for low-clearance vehicles should be prepared.

When to Come:

Summer is the most popular time to come and the small parking lot will fill up fast. Make sure to arrive early on weekends, specifically in July and August. If you are coming in the fall, spring, or winter, make sure to bring the right equipment for snow and rain. It can get very cold and windy.

Accommodations:

Camping in the Jewel Basin is on a first-come-first-serve basis. This means that you must get there early to find the perfect spot for you and your group. On the most popular lakes, there is no camping, so you much venture deeper into the park in order to do so. Most of these trails are not very difficult.

Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell: 1840 Highway 93 South, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone: +1(406)756-4500. Cost: $166/night.

The Fair Bridge Inn, Suites & Outlaw Convention Center: 1701 US-93, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone: +1(406)755-6100. Cost: $60-$80/night.

Food and Beverage:

$ Moose’s Saloon: Pizza and beer. Address: 173 N Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone: (406) 755-2337

$ Montana Coffee Traders Inc: Coffee and sandwiches. 111 S Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone: (406) 756-2326

$$ Montana Club Restaurant: BBQ and cocktails. 1301 S Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone: (406) 260-4401

Entertainment:

Glacier National Park: (406) 888-7800. $30/car and free if you have a National Park Pass ($80). Lots of food, hiking, views, and of course, mountains. Visit Going-to-the-Sun Road for the best sights!

Whitefish Mountain Resort: (406)862-2900. Address: 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. Ride the gondola up the valley’s best ski resort during summer months! Includes valley-wide views and some good food at the top! $20/person round-trip. Seniors and juniors $13, children under 6 get to ride free.

Shopping:

Snappy’s: Sporting goods. Phone: (406) 641-1050. Address: 1400 U.S. Hwy 2 E, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Kalispell Center Mall: Includes casinos, banks, and lots of shops to find whatever you need! Phone: (406) 751-5052. Address: 248 N Meridian Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Helpful Links:

https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/recreation-area/jewel-basin-hiking-area.html

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/flathead/recarea/?recid=77671