Ashley Lake Road

The Ashley Lake Loop offers a fantastic touring cycling adventure through the Flathead National Forest, showcasing diverse landscapes and stunning views of Ashley Lake itself. You'll pedal along mostly paved surfaces, though some unpaved sections add a bit of variety, with the lake's tranquil waters reflecting the low, glacier-shaped mountains. It's a journey through a premiere natural landscape, perfect for soaking in the beauty of Northwest Montana.

This moderate 16.5-mile (26.5 km) route involves 1043 feet (318 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete. The best time to visit is from late spring through early fall, between May and October, when the weather is mild and the route is clear of snow. While it's a popular choice, its distance and elevation mean it's best suited for cyclists with good fitness.

As the most popular touring cycling route in the Flathead National Forest, the Ashley Lake Loop stands out among the region's hundreds of miles of roads and trails. It provides a great opportunity to experience the vast 2.4 million acres of the forest, known for its majestic mountain ranges and sparkling lakes, without venturing onto the more challenging singletrack or OHV trails.