Western Montana: Can’t-Miss Stops on a Scenic Road Trip

Consider Glacier National Park as the gem of western Montana. Take a sightseeing drive along the park’s 80-kilometer Going-to-the-Sun Road, spying snow-capped mountains, alpine aspen forests and wildlife such as mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Stop for scenic views at Logan Pass, the road’s highest point at 2,025 meters, or get a remarkable glimpse of a glacier at Jackson Glacier Overlook. In the eastern part of the park, hike the South Shore Trail in the Two Medicine area and go canoeing on Two Medicine Lake. About 4.3 kilometers west of Two Medicine, you can sign up for a ranger-led hike or follow Mount Henry Trail on your own to reach Scenic Point; be sure to venture just a bit off the trail to view the glorious Appistoki Falls flowing into Appistoki Creek. You can also opt for another nearby loop trail that leads to Running Eagle Falls near East Glacier Park Village, or simply walk the perimeter of pretty Pray Lake. After all of that exploring, spend a relaxing evening at the comfortable Glacier Park Lodge, built in 1913. Need ideas of more must-see places in the park? Consult the friendly concierge for ideas for another day of adventures before heading southwest.

After departing Glacier Park Lodge, take U.S. 2 and enjoy the mountain drive toward the town of Bigfork; RV campgrounds, resorts and inns dot the route, so this might be the perfect time for you to spend an extra day soaking up the scenery. In Bigfork, you’ll discover a charming community and its views of the Swan River flowing through town into Flathead Lake. While water recreation at places such as Wayfarers and Flathead state parks are big draws, so are trails, tastings and town strolls. Begin or end your day with either a sunrise or sunset sail or a waterskiing outing on Flathead Lake. If you’re hiking in the area, stop for a picnic lunch at Bond Falls. For a unique experience, schedule a hiking excursion with Swan Mountain Llama Trekking. You’ll explore Flathead National Forest, walking with llamas that carry your gear (and your lunch!); you can choose from several trip lengths, ranging from three hours to five days. In the afternoon, head downtown and stop for a bite to eat – elk sausage, bison burgers and huckleberries are among local specialties. Peruse locally owned shops selling artwork, clothing and artisan wares. Plan ahead for where you’ll stay. Cabins, cottages and traditional hotels are all options where you can get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Take your time exploring Flathead Lake as you drive toward the Flathead Reservation Area, home of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes. With 298 kilometers of shoreline, Flathead Lake is the largest natural, freshwater lake in the western USA. Whether you drive the shorter route along the eastern shore or take a slightly longer route along the western shore, stop along the way to enjoy incredibly scenic views and outdoor activities. Near Big Arm/Flathead Lake State Park on the western edge, book a tour to zip across the lake on a power boat to Wild Horse Island State Park. Go for a refreshing swim along the shore. Hike to explore the island and its beautiful Ponderosa pine forest and grasslands. See its wildlife inhabitants, which include bighorn sheep, deer and birds. A few namesake horses still roam the island; local lore says Kootenai Indians took their horses here to pasture to keep them from being stolen. Once back on the mainland, take a scenic drive through the reservation. Watch cultural demonstrations such as drum circles and dances at the Three Chiefs Cultural Center in St. Ignatius. See historical museum displays, admire the collection of local Indigenous American art and peruse handcrafted pieces that are sold in the gift shop. Leave this evening for an easy drive on Highway 93 to your next stop.

Check in to your comfortable accommodations upon arrival. Options include guest ranch resorts, bed-and-breakfasts, hotels and more. Venture out to eat, perhaps opting for a place with a Clark Fork River view. You’ll find everything from food trucks to farm-to-table cafes and fine dining. Visit one of the local breweries, wine shops, distilleries or bars to sip a drink. Start the next day biking, jogging or walking one of the picturesque city trails. The 5.6-kilometer paved Riverfront Trail takes you along both sides of the river, through downtown and neighborhood parks, while the Mount Sentinel M Trail is a short but steep hike to the iconic mountainside “M” and epic views of the city. If visiting on a Saturday morning, peruse the Missoula Farmers Market, where you can enjoy locally made food, shop for handcrafted items and even catch live music. End your day downtown on Main Street at Cranky Sam Public House. Raise a glass of freshly brewed beer and toast to the adventures you had on this western Montana road trip. Tomorrow, you’ll catch a flight out from Missoula County International Airport (MSO).