Uploaded August 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
The Jewel Basin Hiking Area sits high above the flat floor of the Flathead Valley. The high point of this area is Mt. Aeneas which affords 360 degree panoramic views. A wonderful loop brings you to the summit, then wraps around to the subalpine basin and visits Picnic Lakes, a pair of beautiful lakes tucked underneath the rocky ridge.
In the fall, colors from the lush vegetation pop, insects are sparse, the pikas are calling, and migrating raptors hug the ridgeline as the migrate south. The cooler weather also means less visitors. Bring a warm hat, gloves, and a jacket and explore the loop after driving the rocky road up to Camp Misery high up in the Swan Mountain Range.
This blog is part of a six part series of hikes in and around the Whitefish area in coordination with Explore Whitefish. Check out their website at explorewhitefish.com to find out more ways to explore the area, things to do, places to stay, and how you can recreate responsibly while visiting.
The Jewel Basin Hiking Area sits high above the flat floor of the Flathead Valley. The high point of this area is Mt. Aeneas which affords 360 degree panoramic views. A wonderful loop brings you to the summit, then wraps around to the subalpine basin and visits Picnic Lakes, a pair of beautiful lakes tucked underneath the rocky ridge.
In the fall, colors from the lush vegetation pop, insects are sparse, the pikas are calling, and migrating raptors hug the ridgeline as the migrate south. The cooler weather also means less visitors. Bring a warm hat, gloves, and a jacket and explore the loop after driving the rocky road up to Camp Misery high up in the Swan Mountain Range.
This blog is part of a six part series of hikes in and around the Whitefish area in coordination with Explore Whitefish. Check out their website at explorewhitefish.com to find out more ways to explore the area, things to do, places to stay, and how you can recreate responsibly while visiting.
