Logan State Park
Guide

Though there are no official trails within the bounds of Logan State Park, much of the area surrounding the park is National Forest land. Kootenai National Forest and Lolo National Forest offer an extensive and well-managed networks of hiking trails (as well as biking and equestrian trails). Dramatic peaks, thick forests, rushing streams and wildflower-blanketed valley pastures are all within a short drive of the park. Fishtrap Lake Trail (#1104) is one notable nearby trail which offers fantastic views of rugged county and some shallow mountain lakes.

From the launch at Thompson, boaters and anglers alike can explore some of the 3,000 watery acres which compose the Thompson chain of lakes (Upper, Middle and Lower Thompson Lakes). Whether you are going jet-skiing, aiming to pull a monster bass out of the water, or just heading out for a relaxing paddle, you’ll find few things to complain about at Logan. The state park also features ten boat slips, which are located right by the campsites.

When thinking about northern Montana, “heat” is probably not the first word which comes to the forefront of most people’s minds. However, during July and August, conditions can become downright sweltering around Logan State Park, which does not stay as cool as the surrounding peaks. High temperatures average in the high-80s during late summer, and on some days the mercury climbs well further. Middle Thompson Lake’s clear, bracing waters provide a fantastic way for visitors to beat the heat on days like those.

Logan State Park and the surrounding mountains, blanketed in thick conifer forests and dotted with crystal-clear lakes, offer some of the most scenic, awe-inspiring views in the Northern Rockies. Each season brings new character to the landscape; spring brings rich wildflowers, summer enlivens verdant forest undergrowth and open pastures, fall turns aspen leaves and larch needles to brilliant shades of yellow, and winter brings a wonderland of deep snow and thick ice. Throughout the year, photographers can capture these spectacular scenes and add some real gems to their portfolio.

Though Logan itself is too small to be a hunting ground, the surrounding forests, lakes and mountains provide some of the richest big game habitat for in the country. Bear, elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose and even mountain lions can be bagged in their respective seasons. Turkey and waterfowl are popular autumn targets as well. Take a deep breath of cold morning mountain air as you, surrounded by some of the most spectacular and rugged scenery in the west, wait patiently for your game. Before heading out, make sure you are properly licensed and familiarize yourself with hunting regulations, which are put out by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Most winters, northern Montana receives some notoriously harsh cold spells. Middle Lake Thomspon, as such, almost always builds a healthy layer of ice on its surface, making it a great ice-fishing spot. Anglers can, of course, cast lines into the lake during the warmer months, but ice-fishing offers greater solitude and views of a completely transformed, snow-clad landscape. Smallmouth and largemouth bass, rainbow trout, pike and yellow perch are a few of the species which can be found in the lake.