Even a simple summer afternoon hike gives visitors glimpse of the park that scenic drives can't match. The first split to think about is the Continental Divide. The Lake McDonald area , as the western gateway to the park, is the most developed area. Hikes here are pleasant, but because of heavy forest, you'll catch very few views until you reach the treeline. The North Fork area to the north is particularly reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest.
Hikers can go for a long way along the forest floor before they can see above the treetops.
The Southern Sector is a wild, seldom-visited part of the park. Hikes here tend to last for several days since hikers need to transverse at least 7 miles of foothills to reach the peaks of the divide. This is a good area for horse packing. Trails frequently connect to the Two Medicine area on the other side. East side of the Divide the land is drier and generally higher.