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

Glacier National Park is one of Western Montana's natural treasures. Take a sightseeing drive along the park’s iconic 80-kilometer Going-to-the-Sun Road, witnessing snow-capped mountains, alpine forests and majestic 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. Go on a self-guided adventure through the park (keep in mind that vehicle reservations are required during peak season), take a vintage Red Bus Tour, or sign up for a Sun Tour to explore with a guide from the Blackfeet Nation.

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 Pray Lake. Cap off your day of exploration with a relaxing evening at the Glacier Park Lodge, built in 1913. Looking for more must-see spots in the park? Check with the friendly concierge for recommendations before continuing your journey southwest.

After departing Glacier Park Lodge, enjoy the mountain drive on U.S. Route 2 to 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 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 to explore Flathead National Forest and walk with llamas that carry your gear. 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. Browse locally owned shops selling artwork, clothing and artisan goods. 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, 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 the slightly longer route along the western shore, stop along the way to enjoy incredibly scenic views and outdoor activities. On the western edge of Flathead Lake State Park, book a tour to zip across the lake on a powerboat to Wild Horse Island State Park. Go for a refreshing swim along the shore, or hike to explore the island and its beautiful ponderosa pine forest and grasslands. Discover the island's wildlife inhabitants, which include bighorn sheep, deer and birds. A few namesake horses still roam the island – according to local lore, the Kootenai Tribe brought their horses here to pasture to prevent them from being stolen. Once back on the mainland, take a scenic drive through the reservation. At Three Chiefs Cultural Center in Pablo, see historical museum displays, admire a collection of local Indigenous art and browse handcrafted pieces in the gift shop. In the evening, head out for an easy drive on Highway 93 to your next stop.

Check in to your cozy accommodations upon arrival with options that 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 local breweries, wine shops, distilleries or bars to sip a craft beverage.

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” with epic views of the city. If visiting on a Saturday morning, stroll the Missoula Farmers Market to enjoy locally made food, shop for produce and 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 Montana Airport (MSO).