It’s a warm August day and I’m enjoying the shade of the conifer trees as I wind my way up the switchbacks on a trail in Flathead National Forest. After just over a mile in lush forest, I break out into Flathead Valley where it’s an easy walk now to Strawberry Lake, a small but pristine alpine lake with sandy shores.
I kick my hiking boots off, pull my water shoes on and wade in to cool off. A couple of hours later, I’m seated on a deck suspended over scenic Flathead Lake, sipping on a shake made with local cherries. I decide that Montana is my new favorite place for hiking, and wonder why it took me so long to visit.
