Up to date August 4, 2026 12:59PM
Northwest Montana is a kind of locations that also embodies the spirit of America’s wild west. There are grizzly bears and misty peaks, miles of uninhabited wilderness, and a lake so huge it has its personal microclimate.
It’s additionally true that, like lots of our nation’s stunning locations, some components of this area are affected by overtourism. Each summer season, roughly 3 million vacationers flood Glacier Nationwide Park in search of the serene mountain scenes and wildlife they see on social media. What they discover, as a substitute, are trails crowded with individuals, lengthy, irritating waits, and overcrowding that threatens the very surroundings they went there to see.
Right here’s the excellent news: The Northwest Montana area is huge. Actually huge, and 1000% value visiting. It’s straightforward to search out superb out of doors entry and keep away from the annoying crowds—so long as the place to look.
1. Hit an Previous Rail Path
Somers, Montana, is residence to the Nice Northern Historic Path, a 22-mile former railroad route that’s since been remodeled right into a biking, operating, and mountaineering path. It’s a part of Montana’s “rail to path” program that converts previous rail corridors to multi-purpose trails for public use.
For one more accessible exercise possibility that’s additionally kid-friendly, contemplate a stroll by Longview Lavender Farm — a five-acre farm open to the general public that grows, harvests, and distills its personal lavender on-site (value it for the smells alone).
2. Go to Flathead Lake and Discover Wild Horse Island
Flathead Lake is the biggest freshwater lake within the Western half of the contiguous United States, however you possibly can solely see a lot from the shores. Lease a kayak to succeed in Wild Horse Island, a state park with two quiet mountaineering trails. The primary is a 2.2-mile loop that winds by grasslands, providing the most effective likelihood to see bighorn sheep, birds of prey, and sure, the wild horses for which the landmass is called. The second path is a 3.1-mile loop that takes you into the forest, alongside the picturesque lakeshore, and previous the island’s unique homesteading web site.
3. Kayak Underneath The Stars in Bigfork
Kayaking is an absolute should on this lake-rich area. However have you ever ever imagined kayaking at night time? In case you’re actually craving solitude in Northwest Montana, that is the way in which to search out it. With Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Firm, you’ll set your LED-equipped kayak into Peterson Lake at sundown, then paddle by the crystal-clear waters as night time descends.
After I set out on this tour with a small group, I didn’t see a soul. What I did see had been sweeping views of the Swan Mountains, glimpses of fish darting beneath me, and an unlimited panorama lit solely by the moon. Afterwards, simply quarter-hour away is Clark Farm Silos, which gives a novel lodging possibility that’s very Montana. It’s made up of 5 personal grain bins transformed into lodging with king beds and mountain views. Get pleasure from a late-night fireplace with a comfortable blanket whilst you plan the subsequent day’s journey.
5. Discover the Jewel Basin Mountain climbing Space
Montana locals are likely to keep away from Glacier Nationwide Park altogether in the summertime months as a result of they know there are many different locations to hike with out the hordes of individuals. Jewel Basin is a favourite. Positioned within the Swan Mountains about an hour’s drive from the city of Kalispell, Jewel Basin has a plethora of alpine lakes and 35 miles of mountaineering trails. Strive the difficult 6-mile Aeneas Path for 360-degree views of Glacier Nationwide Park, or take the Strawberry Lake Path, which rewards you with serene lake views after a tricky burst of switchbacks.
Tenting is allowed right here, too, and also you don’t want a allow—simply make sure you comply with the principles. Afterwards, seize a chunk and a pint at Large Mountain Ciderworks, a family-owned orchard and taproom.
6. Hike Round Kalispell
Kalispell is typically seen as only a jumping-off level to journey in Glacier, however there are many hikes near city. Take Lone Pine State Park, a 270-acre, family-friendly recreation space that gives mountain biking, mountaineering, and horseback driving, and prices $8 per automobile for out-of-state residents. One other native favourite trek is Herron Park Loop, a 7.5-mile path with beautiful mountain and lake views and devoted picnic areas. Herron Park is free to enter, however hold a watch out for horses which may be sharing the path.
After working up an urge for food, step into historic downtown Kalispel to spend a while in Previous West buildings, like The Desoto Grill, a full of life native favourite BBQ joint recognized for its smoked meats and peanut butter pie.
7. Hike The Pacific Northwest Path (Bonus)
Via-hikers and section-hikers have all heard of the Appalachian Path (AT), the Colorado Path (CT), and the Pacific Crest Path (PCT). However there’s one other, lesser-known lengthy path that cuts east to west by Montana, often called the Pacific Northwest Path (PNT). It begins in Glacier Nationwide Park, which is why we’re calling this a “Bonus” possibility. After these first 55 miles within the park, although, the PNT continues by spectacular mountain areas of northern Montana, passing by Flathead Nationwide Forest and Kootenai Nationwide Forest. You may restock provides within the cities of Polebridge, Eureka, and Yaak earlier than the path passes into Idaho.
If you wish to deal with your complete 1,200-mile PNT, its western terminus is on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Washington’s Olympic Nationwide Park. You’ll find extra info on the PNT right here.
