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 and spot 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 with a guide from the Blackfeet Nation to learn about the park’s history, wildlife and plants from an Indigenous perspective.

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 four 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 opt to hike a 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. 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 like the Wayfarers area of Flathead Lake State Park is a big draw, 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. 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, you can enjoy incredibly scenic views and outdoor activities along the way. On the western edge of Flathead Lake, 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 – the Kootenai tribe brought their horses here to pasture to prevent them from being stolen – and according to an account published by the tribe in 1982, Kootenai tribal citizens Frank Phillips, Mary Louise Starr and Dave Mahseela were instrumental in bringing bighorn sheep to the island from British Columbia in the 1930s. Once back on the mainland, take a scenic drive through the reservation. At Three Chiefs Culture Center in Pablo, see historical museum displays, admire a collection of local Indigenous art, browse handcrafted pieces in the gift shop and even take part in a class on traditional beading or sewing. In the evening, head out for an easy drive on Highway 93 to Missoula, your next stop.

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

The next day, head south into the Bitterroot Valley, defined by the namesake Bitterroot Mountains to the west and the Sapphire Mountains to the east. Follow U.S. Highway 93 and stop to visit the small towns dotted along the way, from Florence and Stevensville to Hamilton and Darby. Stroll through historic downtowns and check out local shops and restaurants. See St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville, the first permanent settlement in what came to be Montana, or tour the Daly Mansion in Hamilton – the opulent early 20th-century home of copper baron Marcus Daly. You’ll also find an abundance of trails if you’d prefer to spend your day exploring outdoors instead. Make your way back north to end your day with dinner in downtown Missoula. Raise a glass of local 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).