Surrounded By Montana's Majestic Mountains Is A Charming Lake Town With Rugged Hiking Trails

Yearning for an adventure through the rugged wilds of Montana? Then channel your inner cowboy and head northwest, where the untamed mountain lands reign. The region is teeming with wide-open wilderness spaces, sprawled among the crags of the Rocky Mountains. From the dense Kootenai National Forest to the unmatched beauty of Glacier National Park, the feral terrain seemingly stretches down to the very ends of the earth. Delicately swaddled between these two national sites is another Big Sky Country destination that beckons you to roam free — Eureka!

Lying roughly 10 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border, right along the Tobacco River, this charming part of the state is beauty personified. A true lake town, Eureka is surrounded by shimmering splotches of water, with the 90-mile-long Koocanusa reservoir just off to the west. Straddling Highway 93 for only about two miles, Eureka serves as a humble abode to 1,600 Montanans. But despite its small stature, this rural Lincoln County community is still brimming with much Wild West personality. 

With roots tracing back to the late 1800s, this former logging town regularly pays homage to its days of yore with yearly happenings like the Rendezvous Days, an event held each April that brings the Rocky Mountain fur trading era back to life through fascinating reenactments. Of course, there are annual rodeo spectacles, as well as an outdoor quilt show each August — both a nod to the old way of life.

And, for those keen on tackling Eureka's surrounding landscape like the American frontiersmen of the past, the area does offer amblers and ramblers miles upon miles of winding trails to explore, among countless other outdoor recreation opportunities.

Eureka, which is situated about 60 miles northwest of Glacier International Airport in Kalispell, is truly a land of its own. For those who'd like to journey on foot, the encroaching Kootenai National Forest — a lush, mountainous terrain that spans more than 2 million acres — is a great place to start. The Ten Lakes Scenic Area, which stretches along the upper edge of the sweeping forest, has nearly 90 miles of backcountry trails to trek. If you're up for the challenge, be sure to check out the handy online map of the various paths, courtesy of Trailforks. 

If you'd prefer to embark on a more leisurely stroll, enjoy a walk through Eureka's Historical Village, which is lined with historic structures and various artifacts hailing from the surrounding Tobacco Valley. Standing on the south end of town, this site includes an old general store, library, schoolhouse, railroad depot, and a couple of log cabins, among other buildings, that were built in the 1880s and 1920s.

You can also explore the area on water via the Tobacco River, or have a splash at the nearby Lake Koocanusa or Glen Lake, the latter of which is just east of town. Seeking more adventure? Columbia Falls, an underrated riverside city that serves as Montana's gateway to Glacier National Park, is only about an hour away. Drive a few miles further and you'll hit Flathead National Forest, which is one of the best things to do in Montana outside of Glacier National Park.

Ready to get booking? The Treasure State has a treasure trove of rustic lodging options, many of which can be found right in Eureka. The Wilderness Club Resort, which sits on 550 sprawling acres near Lake Koocanusa, tops the list of best properties on Tripadvisor. And with its array of homey cabins and luxurious cottages, it's not hard to see why. The resort has its own 21-acre lake, a water park, and a sports complex for the athletes at heart. And for the golf aficionados, there's even a massive golf course, designed by retired golfer Sir Nick Faldo himself. The Suites at Indian Springs has golf and Rocky Mountain views, too. Or, for cozier cabins, you can check into Tobacco River Ranch Glamping or the Homestead Cabin Resort, both fan-favorites on Tripadvisor.

Great food options are also easy to come by in town. For breakfast and lunch staples, grab a seat at Cafe Jax. Located on Eureka's main drag, this classic diner has loaded omelets, burgers, soups, sandwiches, and everything in between. The hamburger joint Front Porch Dewey Burger & Fish Co. is right down the street and has rave reviews on Yelp. It's also home to the famous Eureka burger, which was voted "America's Best Burger" during a 2009 "Live with Regis and Kelly" segment. Craving something on the sweeter side? The Munchy Monkey has you covered with its assortment of luscious homemade desserts, while The Gathering Place Coffee Shop is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.