Part of the fun of hiking is challenging yourself to go farther than you think you can. While an 11-mile hike might seem daunting at first, you could make it happen in half a day if you’re a fairly experienced hiker. Get to know Kootenai National Forest a bit better by embarking on the Granite Lake Trail near Libby for a challenging but rewarding experience.

The Kootenai National Forest is located in the far northwestern part of Montana and the northeastern portion of the Idaho Panhandle.

Gordy Mcglynn / alltrails.com For the majority of Montanans, exploring the area involves quite a trek. Rest assured, this trail is absolutely worth discovering.

To reach the Granite Lake Trail from Libby, turn onto Shaugnessy Road from US-2, then take a left onto Snowshoe Road. Continue on and take a right onto Flower Lake Road, followed by a left onto Granite Lake Road.

Kate Baxter / alltrails.com At the end of Granite Lake Road, you’ll see a dirt road, #618, that will take you to the parking area.

As you hike through the forest toward Granite Lake, you’ll notice how stunning the area really is.

Kate Baxter / alltrails.com Wear long pants and long sleeves if you can, as there are plenty of nettles and other assorted thorny plants on the trail.

You’ll never be bored on this trail - it’s full of surprises.

Kate Baxter / alltrails.com You’ll come to the waterfall just a few miles into your hike, and it’s a little piece of heaven.

Eventually, you’ll reach the remote Granite Lake.

Gabe Darrow / alltrails.com Granite Lake pops up about six miles into your hike, and you’ll definitely want to stop and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Granite Lake Trail is popular with hikers, backpackers, and fly fishers.

Scott Wilcox / alltrails.com That said, due to its length and challenging parts, you have a great shot at having the lake to yourself, or at least staying secluded.

This is one hike that’s just as much about the journey as the destination.

Gordy Mcglynn / alltrails.com Pace yourself and stay hydrated, because you’ll definitely want to hike the entire distance.

If the Granite Lake Trail seems a bit daunting, build up your endurance with these hikes that are all under 3 miles long.

Gordy Mcglynn / alltrails.com

For the majority of Montanans, exploring the area involves quite a trek. Rest assured, this trail is absolutely worth discovering.

Kate Baxter / alltrails.com

At the end of Granite Lake Road, you’ll see a dirt road, #618, that will take you to the parking area.

Wear long pants and long sleeves if you can, as there are plenty of nettles and other assorted thorny plants on the trail.

You’ll come to the waterfall just a few miles into your hike, and it’s a little piece of heaven.

Gabe Darrow / alltrails.com

Granite Lake pops up about six miles into your hike, and you’ll definitely want to stop and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Scott Wilcox / alltrails.com

That said, due to its length and challenging parts, you have a great shot at having the lake to yourself, or at least staying secluded.

Pace yourself and stay hydrated, because you’ll definitely want to hike the entire distance.

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