Montana's parks are gems waiting for you to explore. Imagine walking in places with big skies above and nature all around. One spot not to miss is near St.
Mary, where mountains touch the sky in Glacier National Park. Here, you can eat well at Johnson’s Cafe and shop in cute stores like Rising Sun. Also, getting around is easy with buses and tours ready to take you on adventures, hiking deep into nature toward glaciers still standing tall among Many Glacier Mountains' peaks.
This place has everything for an unforgettable day out!
At Glacier National Park, start your journey on the east side. This area is unlike any other part of Montana's famous park. The eastern land is dry, cool, and windy – different from its west counterpart.
It sits higher up too. Here lies a rich mix of nature and culture along the border shared with Canada's Waterton Park and the Blackfeet Nation lands. Explore places like Two Medicine by East Glacier for fewer crowds but deep beauty in lakes that shine with deeper blue hues because glaciers no longer shape them here.
Perfect for day hikes or learning at Ranger Stations about local history tied to names like Bad Marriage Mountain or Cattle Queen Creek. Lodging might be scarce right in Two Medicine, so many stay 20 minutes away at glorious old-world styled lodges such as Glacier Park Lodge on reservation grounds – a treat especially if traveling by rail directly across it! No trip here would be complete without acknowledging this region honors traditional territories of Amskapi Piikuni among others.
This is an important reminder given through social media lately when showcasing stunning park photos Best Parks In Montana. For those seeking tranquility plus adventure Cut Bank offers secluded trails perfect for backpackers desiring solitude amidst rugged terrain where camping goes back to basics under vast skies unmarred by light pollution making every star night unforgettable
Yellowstone's Montana side shows nature like nowhere else. Near West Yellowstone, forests stretch wide. This place is different from busy towns.
Here, big skies and open land meet you. The park has animals roaming free with no fences to stop them. Think about volcanoes in Siberia?
Yellowstone beats that with its unique ground bursting with life underfoot. Our nights were simple but nice. Finding food was a trip too - pizza became our go-to meal every night after biking around breathless from the high air.
Funny enough, we met locals who came for dreams as quirky as being "dental floss tycoons," thanks to a song! Every morning started the same: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made at breakfast for lunch later in the vastness of Yellowstone where good food inside was scarce. The motel catered more to winter tourists than summer visitors like us which explained its odd setup including an indoor garage helping during snow times yet handy now too.
One chat revealed how much support these parks need – it’s not always there making each visit special knowing you're one of few exploring this untouched expanse on earth. Montana itself is huge but empty, adding mystery while driving across scrubland on dirt roads off highways marked by signs stating “No Services.” It stretches your imagination before hitting North Dakota. This brings another quiet adventure near the wild beauty of Yellowstone.
Flathead Lake shines as a top spot in Montana. Imagine paddleboarding with only the wind for company, heading to Cedar Island from Finely Point. The lake can get wild, with waves big enough to surf on some days!
But when calm, it's perfect for sailing and hearing gulls that sound like they're at sea. It's huge and super clean too—thanks to Glacier Park nearby feeding into it. There’s this cool place called Somers Beach.
It was given by the Sliter family so everyone could enjoy its sandy shores without tons of people around. Even though we have lots of visitors every year, there are plans to make going outdoors here even better while keeping nature pretty and not too crowded. Looking out over Flathead Lake or paddling towards sunset paints the picture clear: balance is key—not just on your board but in sharing these beautiful spots right.
In Montana, caring for wildlife means more than just watching over the ones we often hunt or fish. Back in 1973, laws told us to look after every creature big and small. Yet, money's tight; nearly no state taxes help out.
We've got federal dollars but not enough for all our needs—like keeping an eye on species that might vanish or teaching people how to live side by side with animals like grizzly bears without trouble. But there's hope with a new plan asking Congress for funds meant to save at-risk critters before it’s too late and costly. This could mean better parks where you can watch birds or snap photos of nature—making sure places we love stay wild yet safe for everyone.
People from all walks are pushing this idea because they know it matters—not only hunters or anglers but people who simply enjoy being outdoors have shown massive support. Even as visits surge at Montana’s outdoor spots, cash and helpers haven’t kept up making supporting these efforts vital. So when families hit those low-key fishing sites dotting rivers across Montana—they’re stepping into worlds rich with life necessary beyond measure—a fact this grand push recognizes well.
Unwind at Whitefish Lake State Park. This spot is perfect for anyone looking to relax by clear waters or enjoy fun water sports. You can rent a boat and explore the lake on your own terms, adding an adventure twist to your day off.
Plus, if you love cycling, the nearby 42-mile long Whitefish Trail awaits you with open arms, offering paths that suit every level of biker out there. Not just about nature's calmness but also craving some town vibe? Walk through downtown Whitefish then!
It's home to cute shops and local food spots where friendly faces greet everyone walking by. And for those who seek thrills beyond peaceful lakeside days or leisurely strolls in town – there’s whitewater rafting close by! Join a tour down Flathead River's rapids for breathtaking scenes mixed with heart-pumping action.
Remember this park isn't isolated; it stands among Montana's finest natural jewels as part of our top parks guide. So when planning trips around Montana make sure not only does Glacier National Park get ticked off your list but give yourself time at Whitefish Lake too—you won’t regret it.
At the National Bison Range, you start with a prairie loop. Here, antelope sprint across fields. They're quick, once escaping big toothy cats long ago.
The path hugs a creek lined with singing birds and brushes where deer peek out from distant hillsides. Maps at the visitor center mark animal spots for the day—expect to see bison right beside your road! A bear's been sighted further along near Bitterroot Trailhead, stirring excitement among visitors armed with cameras.
If daring enough to trek deeper despite warnings of grizzly bears nearby—a marvel awaits: blooming arrowleaf balsamroots underfoot against spectacular views of the Bitterroot Mountains stretching beyond. Dotted along are unique plants like yellow salsify standing tall amongst fading blooms; they invite close-up photos while keeping an eye open for roaming bears in solitude. Returning brings vistas anew.
Caution reminds of possible bear encounters up ahead until all clear—revealing instead a lone cinnamon black bear searching for food down slope.
At Logan Pass, the view takes your breath away. You're high up, where the air is fresh and cool. Fields of wildflowers spread in every color you can think of - reds, yellows, whites, purples.
It's like a painted scene right out of a storybook. Keep an eye out for wildlife too; bighorn sheep might graze nearby while mountain goats scale steep cliffs with ease. And if you're lucky?
You might spot a grizzly bear or hear the soft calls of little pikas among the rocks. Walking from the visitor center to Hidden Lake overlook feels adventurous as you bundle up against chilly winds from snowy peaks above. It's quite refreshing after warming under the early morning sun rays.
Remember though: this park isn’t just about sights but experiences shared with loved ones like family members re-discovering these wonders together during memorable trips.
Lewis and Clark Caverns call for your adventure from May 24 to September 2. Inside, it stays cool at 48 degrees, a break from the heat outside. You'll find deer and lots of birds in the park above ground.
During summer, watch for bats, especially baby ones flying around July through September. Try the Classic Tour; it's two hours long with climbs and stairs but shows you much more than just caves! Or choose Paradise Tour if you prefer less walking - golf carts are there to help cover distances easier on this one-mile journey.
For those who like staying top side visit our center or explore ten miles of trails by foot or bike. Find us at Lewis and Clark Caverns Road in Whitehall.
Caras Park in Missoula is set for big changes. New paths, better lights, and spots to sit will make the park nicer and safer for everyone in town. This work also helps keep our river clean by stopping dirty stormwater from getting in.
It's a team effort with local groups working together to cut both time spent building and costs by about $100,000. The update adds a system that cleans stormwater before it reaches the Clark Fork River, protecting places we love like Brennan’s Wave from pollution. With over $2 million gathered for this project from various sources – city funds, state grants, and private donations – it shows what we can do when we join forces.
Come next year; Caras Park will be ready with its new look for all our events! This winter won't see much disruption but expect some closed trails come spring as they finish up. More fun spaces under Bear Tracks Bridge are planned plus more improvements along the riverside make downtown an even cooler place year-round.
Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell invites you with easy trails and great views. Locals like Janaslampi love it for being low-key and not too wild compared to other parks. He says the park is perfect on foggy days, as it's clear above while the town below stays covered in mist.
You can see far from its lookout spots, just bring a quarter for the viewer tool they have set up there. It’s close by if you take Highway 93 Bypass, making access simple for anyone wanting to hike or enjoy nature without going too far out into Montana's more rugged areas.
In the Beartooth Wilderness, you'll find a hiker's paradise. Our journey took us along The Beaten Path. It starts at East Rosebud and ends at Clarks Fork Picnic Area.
We covered about 26 miles, with our steps adding up to nearly 30 over five days thanks to GPS tracking. The trail goes up and down, totaling an elevation gain of 8,200 feet but drops by 6,500 feet. Starting northeast meant we tackled more uphill early on—tough but rewarding.
The high point was near Fossil Lake at almost 9,958 feet above sea level. It takes some planning for shuttles or cars since it’s far from quick stops or towns once you finish your hike through this splendid isolation—worth every penny for transport though! While bears roam these parts, we didn't meet any grizzlies or black bears directly on our path this time around—a streak we're pleased continues!
Still vigilant; bear spray is a must-have here alongside smart food storage practices in such treeless expanses. Besides hiking hard trails each day, I squeezed in some awe-inspiring day hikes too when possible—the landscapes are unforgettable here.
Montana's parks are like no other, offering endless sky views and wild nature. Glacier National Park stands out with its stunning peaks and clear waters. You'll find adventure in every corner, from hiking trails to quiet spots for reflection.
Yellowstone brings geysers and hot springs that amaze all visitors. For those who love the outdoors, Montana is a true gem worth exploring time again. Latitudes Outfitting Co knows these places well; let us guide you through Montana's best-kept secrets for an unforgettable journey into the wild.
Robert Gary, Owner/Outfitter #7970
PO Box 1281
Hamilton, MT 59840
Operating on United States Forest Service - Special Use Permits
