A Dog-friendly Guide to Montana

Embarking on a journey through Montana with your four-legged companion promises unforgettable adventures and boundless natural beauty throughout a state that still feels greatly untouched. From the rugged majesty of Glacier National Park to the charming streets of Whitefish, and the home of the most geysers and hot springs, there is plenty to do with your dog when visiting Montana. Whether you're exploring pristine wilderness trails, dining at pet-friendly eateries, or embarking on scenic drives, Montana offers some of the most beautiful areas to explore with your dog. Explore this dog-friendly guide to Montana, uncovering the best spots to play, eat, and explore. We visit Montana every year, so be sure to check back and see what new activities we add across the Treasure State.

Glacier Country

Exploring Glacier Country, Montana with your furry companion promises an unforgettable adventure blending majestic landscapes and pet-friendly activities. In Glacier National Park, leash up for scenic hikes along trails like the McDonald Creek Bike Path or venture on the Going-to-the-Sun Road for breathtaking vistas. Whitefish beckons with its welcoming atmosphere and dog-friendly breweries, while Missoula offers tranquil riverside walks.

Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish, Montana, offers a mix of outdoor exploration and city charm. With 12 dog-friendly hikes available around the city, there are plenty of options for stretching your paws in nature. We enjoyed the easy Lion Mountain Trail that spans 2.6mi, offering scenic views of Whitefish Lake and surrounding peaks. This trail also has the cutest memorial at the summit where frequent hikers have pinned their dog’s name tags to a post in honor of their many walks on the trail. Downtown, indulge in dog-friendly shopping at local stores where furry companions are welcome, then treat yourself and your pet to a refreshing break at a café with outdoor seating or a sweet treat from Sweet Peaks. Your dog will need to wait outside, but they serve dog pops for their furry customers. Minutes from downtown is Hugh Rogers Dog Park a 5-acre fenced in park. The park features separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment, a pond for swimming, and shaded seating areas for owners to relax. We’re typically not dog park people, but this park is so spacious it offered plenty of room for Rue to stretch her legs. She particularly loved the agility equipment.

For a memorable day trip, venture to the Kootenai Suspension Bridge, where leashed dogs can accompany you across this stunning landmark over the Kootenai River. After a day of activities, unwind at Clydesdale Outpost, a pet-friendly accommodation offering an upscale ranch experience with cozy cabins and ample space for your dog to roam. Whitefish also serves as an excellent starting point for a road trip to Banff National Park, making it a perfect destination for adventurous road-trippers exploring the majestic Canadian Rockies with their four-legged friends.

Glacier national park

Exploring Glacier National Park isn’t the easiest with your dog, but there are a few outdoor adventures you can enjoy. Start your day with a visit to Apgar Village, one of the main villages in Glacier National Park. Apgar is located on the west side of the park about one mile in from the West Entrance. Apgar has one of the most popular campgrounds in Glacier Park, is home to the visitors' center, a general store, a few restaurants and a large gift shop. This is also the best location to walk the only dog friendly trail in the park - McDonald Creek Bike Path. This path is a paved trail that runs 2.5 miles between West Glacier and Apgar Village. It’s well maintained and lined with trees for the entire trail. This is an active trail that campers use to get around the park, so be mindful of bikers. Lake McDonald is right off the parking lot in Apgar by the visitors’ center and is definitely worth a walk along the edge and out onto the dock. Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park measuring 10 miles long, more than a mile wide and 472 feet deep. In the summer months, you can rent a kayak or SUP and hit the lake with your pup. For a scenic drive, take the Going-to-the-Sun Road, where you can stop at overlooks suitable for dogs to enjoy panoramic vistas. Many of the park's picnic areas also welcome leashed pets, providing a perfect spot for a midday break surrounded by nature.

missoula, montana

Nestled in the Northern Rockies of Montana, surrounded by seven wilderness areas and at the confluence of three rivers, Missoula is a blend of outdoor adventure and city vibes in a state that still feels very small town. Start your day with a stroll along the scenic Riverfront Trail, where you and your pup can soak in views of the Clark Fork River and Mount Sentinel. For off-leash fun, head to Jacobs Island Bark Park, a spacious area where dogs can romp freely amidst the island's natural beauty. If you're up for a challenge, tackle the iconic M Trail, providing panoramic views of Missoula Valley—a perfect workout with rewarding vistas for both you and your furry friend. Cool off with a treat at Big Dipper Ice Cream, a local favorite where dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio. Their unique flavors earned national acclaim from Good Morning America as the #1 ice cream shop in the country. For a more adventurous outing, consider dog-friendly rafting trips on the nearby rivers, offering a thrilling experience amid Montana's stunning landscapes. Complete your day with a visit to Toiffer Pet Outfitter, where you can find everything from premium pet supplies to locally made accessories.

Yellowstone Country

** We haven’t explored this area of Montana yet, but this is everything on my list for our 2025 visit**

Visiting Yellowstone Country in Montana offers a diverse experience, encompassing vibrant cities and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, with plenty of dog-friendly activities to enjoy along the way. Begin your adventure in Bozeman, a bustling college town known for its rich cultural scene, eclectic dining options, and access to outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Bozeman also boasts several dog-friendly parks and trails, such as Peets Hill and the Gallagator Trail, where your furry friend can explore off-leash. Just a short drive away, Big Sky features world-class skiing in the winter and a plethora of summer activities, including mountain biking, fishing, and scenic gondola rides. Many hiking trails around Big Sky, like Ousel Falls and Beehive Basin, are dog-friendly, offering stunning views and fresh mountain air.

The highlight of the region, Yellowstone National Park, offers unparalleled natural beauty with its geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking vistas. While pets are not allowed on the trails within Yellowstone, they are welcome in developed areas, campgrounds, and within 100 feet of roads. Exploring Yellowstone, from the iconic Old Faithful geyser to the majestic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, provides an unforgettable glimpse into one of America's most treasured national parks. Together, Bozeman, Big Sky, and Yellowstone National Park create a perfect blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventure.

Bozeman

Nestled in a serene, sprawling valley of farmlands with the Gallatin and Madison Rivers to the west, the Yellowstone River to the east, the Bridger Range to the north, and Spanish Peaks to the south, Bozeman is completely surrounded by epic nature just waiting to be explored by you and your canine companion. Bozeman is a short drive from an abundance of breathtaking hikes, a popular one is Storm Castle Peak Hike, which overlooks the Gallatin Canyon.

If your legs need a break from all the hiking, take a leisurely on-leash roam with your pup around downtown Bozeman to peruse Main Street’s historic western architecture, shops, and cafes. Also, try to catch the Bozeman Farmers’ Market before it ends for the season.

Even while in town, dog life is sweet in Bozeman. The Gallagator, also known as Linear Trail, is a beautiful trail that runs through town. Formerly an old railway line that extended to Gallatin Gateway, the rail line was referred to as Gallagator by passengers due to the slow speed. Today, the trail connects Montana State University to downtown and also to Peet’s Hill, Lindley Park, and Highland Glen Nature Preserve. In other words, you can walk for miles.

Snowfall Recreation Area is a full-scale dog park where they can run to their heart’s content. Two miles of trails meander through the 37 acres, but a dog fence ensures they can’t roam too far! They have benches throughout, along with a dog drinking fountain. After a day of exploring, relax and unwind at The Lark Bozeman. The property features modern updated rooms infused with that Montana vibe. The property is located downtown and walkable to all the shops and restaurants. It features an on-site cafe, gathering areas, valet parking, and dog-friendly rooms.

west Yellowstone

Stretch your legs and discover new sniffs along the 2.5-mile Refuge Point Loop Trail with spectacular views of Earthquake (Quake) Lake near West Yellowstone. This moderate hike within the Custer-Gallatin National Forest promises views of Quake Lake formed by a massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake in 1959. Along this scenic trail, you will spot abundant wildflowers in spring and summer, and wildlife including bighorn sheep, antelope, bison, moose, and eagles soaring overhead. For a longer hike, consider trekking the 11.3-mile Coffin Lakes Trail in Custer-Gallatin National Forest. This moderate out-and-back trail features creeks, waterfalls, and a lake where your pup can take a dip.

Take a stroll down West Yellowstone’s streets lined with specialty shops for some window shopping. Explore Henry’s Lake or Hebgen Lake. If your dog is experienced at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), spend the day doggy-paddling together out on the water. Watercraft rentals are available at the Kirkwood Marina on the north shore of Hebgen Lake.

Starting from West Yellowstone, head into Yellowstone National Park through the West Entrance. Yellowstone National Park was established as the world’s first national park in 1872 and spans over 2.2 million acres. The park has one major road throughout the park: Grand Loop Rd. It forms a figure 8 and can be looked at as an upper loop and lower loop. Without stopping, plan for each loop to take about 2.5 hours each and you can stop at any pullout and take in the views.

Enjoy Yellowstone’s premiere attraction from a designated dog area just 200 feet from the famous geyser. While dogs are not allowed on the boardwalks or trails for safety reasons (hydrothermal features are near boiling point), the geyser puts on a spectacular show sending plumes of water as much as 184 feet in the air, so you’ll still get the full experience. Kepler Cascades is a scenic overlook in the park on a roadside pullout just 2.5 miles south of Old Faithful. It’s a three-tiered cascade that drops over 50 feet. Another pull-off to consider is Mammoth Hot Springs towards the end of your drive. You can’t take your dog along the boardwalk, but you can see some of the springs from the parking lot.

Big Sky

Just one hour from Yellowstone, plenty of dog-friendly hiking awaits in Big Sky. Beehive Basin Trail is a favorite amongst hikers for its breathtaking views of Big Sky. It’s even ranked one of the top ten hikes in the world! The 6.6-mile national forest hiking trail winds through open meadows covered in wildflowers and has an elevation gain of 1,500 feet offering views of Lone Peak–the most iconic peak in all of Big Sky. Halfway through the hike, you will enter Beehive Basin, a glacier-carved valley with a turquoise lake and a view of the granite peaks.

After a day of hiking, sit and stay a while at the Beehive Basin Brewery in the town center. Grab a refreshing hand-crafted brew and a fresh bowl of water for your pup. Leashed dogs are welcome inside the microbrewery taproom where you can sip a pint while gazing at mountain vistas or watch the brewers at work through the viewing window.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore more of the Treasure State! Drop any questions about visiting Montana with your dog in the comments.