Glacier Country Montana, USA Travel Guide
Flathead Lake: (South of Kalispell/Whitefish) Largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Scenic drives, cherry orchards (seasonal), and various state parks for recreation.
Bigfork: (To the southeast of Kalispell, on Flathead Lake) An artsy village known for its numerous art galleries, live theatre, and a variety of restaurant options.
Consider various methods for travel within the region and for extended trips.
Organized tours offer ease for specific activities like whitewater rafting on the Flathead River or guided fishing trips. Red Bus Tours in Glacier National Park also offer guided park visits.
Independent travel, specifically with a rental car, is highly recommended for flexibility. You may explore at your own pace, stopping at scenic viewpoints or specific shops without adhering to a tour schedule.
Beyond The Crown Of the continent, Montana holds many other natural areas for exploration.
Surrounds much of Glacier National Park. This vast forest includes countless trails, lakes, and campgrounds, quieter than the national park.
Near Bigfork, a non-motorized area with over 35 alpine lakes and many trails, offering stunning alpine scenery.
Near Libby, MT, west of Glacier, this site features powerful waterfalls and a swinging bridge over the Kootenai River.
The North Fork Road, a gravel road in Glacier National Park, leads to the remote community of Polebridge. It features rugged views of the river and chances for solitude.
Wild Horse Island State Park on Flathead Lake is accessible only by boat. This island is home to wild horses, bighorn sheep, and deer.
Explore the historical and cultural the richness of the region beyond its natural wonders.
St. Ignatius Mission (St. Ignatius, MT) is south of Flathead Lake. This beautiful historic church features intricate painted interiors, a testament to early missionary efforts.
Fort Connah (Charlo, MT) is a reconstructed historic Hudson's Bay Company trading post. It gives insight into the fur trade era and early European-Native American interactions.
Explore the communities around Flathead Lake, known for their cherry and apple orchards. Many offer roadside stands during harvest season.
Visit the villages along the North Fork Road for a glimpse of rustic, off-grid Montana life.
Consider extending your trip to explore more of Montana or neighboring regions.
An iconic destination known for geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. Typically 6-8 hour drive from Glacier National Park.
World-renowned mountain scenery (Banff, Jasper). Comparable grandeur to Glacier. A border crossing is needed.
Explore Kootenai National Woodland and Coeur d'alene'Alene, Idaho, for more lakes, forests, and outdoor activities.
Extend your Glacier Country experience with these regional combinations.
Combine The Crown Of the continent with a drive through the Flathead Lake region, Missoula, then south to Yellowstone National Park and Magnificent Teton National Park. This path has a comprehensive national park experience.
Combine Glacier National Park with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. This allows experiencing the full ecological and scenic beauty of this transboundary ecosystem.
Amtrak connects to Seattle/Portland to the west. This creates opportunities for a wide-ranging journey across different landscapes and cities.
Numerous trails within Flathead National Forest and Jewel Basin. Kootenai Falls a scenic stop.
St. Ignatius Mission for history. Flathead Lake orchards for agricultural insight.
Golden larches in fall, wildflowers in mid-July. Wild Horse Island for unique wildlife.
