HomeMontanaKalispell › Camp Misery Trailhead

Camp Misery Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 169 Google reviews · Running trail in Kalispell, Montana · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Camp Misery Trailhead yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicHillyTrailhead parking

Popular hiking area with trails leading to Mount Aeneas and views of goats, lakes, and valleys.

What runners say about Camp Misery Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (169 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“The wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and plants along the path are just beautiful.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“Trails are very well marked, but you should still have a GPS handy.”

Road: did this on June 28 in clear dry weather. I almost didn't because I have a 2wd sedan (Chevy volt) with very low clearance and other reviews seemed dramatic. The road is fine! I guess some reviewers have a great of heights, but really you're not right on the edge.

★★★★★ — Brittany , Jun 2021

Easy access to some amazing country. I love this area. Perfect for short day hikes or overnight camping trips. Follow my photography page for more Northwest images @pucktography on Facebook, insta, and the web.

★★★★★ — Brandon , Aug 2022

Very crowded on the weekends, for good reason. Very long Forrest service road lead in with lots of washboard ruts and larger potholes. Lots of parking at the trailhead and along the road if the trailhead is full. Trailhead has wellmarked trail options, with two potential routes from the trailhead.

★★★★★ — Will , Oct 2021

It’s a trailhead! Parking lot with a pit toilet (not clean and no TP — pack your hiker’s wallet). Lot gets full early and the road to Camp Misery is somewhat miserable (slow with huge washboards). However, it’s all worth it. The hikes from Camp Misery are some of the best in Montana!

★★★★☆ — Darika , Aug 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 169 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 22 mentions

“Parking can be a challenge so if you arrive early you’re sure to get a spot right by the trailhead.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 21 mentions

“We hiked Mt Aeneas and it was challenging and absolutely gorgeous.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 4 mentions

“The road up is a pretty rough 5 miles up the hill to the trailhead.”

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Plan your run at Camp Misery Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitefs.usda.gov
  • Phone+1 406-758-5208
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Camp Misery Trailhead

Jewel Basin Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901

Get directions

Running trails near Kalispell

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Strawberry Lake Trailhead

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1 miNatural surfaceScenic

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Woodland Park

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Green zone with a picnic shelter & playground, 2 duck ponds & an adjacent seasonal water park.

16.6 miles away

Whitefish Stage Linear Park

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Lawrence Park

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PavedScenicDog-friendly

Clean, well-kept area featuring 18-hole disc golf, climbs, ziplines and a playground.

17.2 miles away

Meridian Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 8 reviews

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17.7 miles away

Buffalo Head Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 6 reviews

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17.8 miles away

All running trails in Kalispell, MT →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.