As we enter peak travel season here in Montana, it can be challenging to get a reservation for Glacier National Park, but luckily, there are many incredible adventures nearby that make for the perfect “detour destination.”
- Float the Flathead River and fly fish for native cutthroat trout
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- Lary’s Fly & Supply is located down the road from Glacier in Columbia Falls and offers guided fishing trips
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- Owner Hilary Hutcheson is an award-winning filmmaker, journalist, and contributing editor at Fly Fisherman Magazine and would make a great feature if you are interested in hearing her story.
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- Cool off in a high-alpine lake in the nearby Mission Mountains
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- Try Turquoise Lake or Heart Lake
- If you’re less interested in a trek to a lake, Holland Lake offers wonderful camping and water access from the road
- Cruise around Flathead Lake
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- Serving as the largest natural freshwater lake by surface area in the western U.S., this crystal-clear body of water provides boaters, kayakers and water lovers with a perfect retreat in the heat of summer.
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- Bigfork and Lakeside are charming small towns to make home base, with access to word-class art museums, a summer theater and fine dining.
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- The region is also known for its famous Flathead Cherries that grow from the lake-effect rain and climate. Every July, the community celebrates cherries at the Flathead Cherry Festival.
- Rip downhill descents
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- Northwest Montana is home to world-class mountain biking at downhill, lift/shuttle access mountains like Whitefish Mountain and Legacy Bike Park.
- If you’re looking for a more laid-back ride, the Flathead National Forest near Whitefish offers mellow riding.
- Eureka (yes it’s the name of a town)
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- Located just a few miles from Canada, Eureka is a small town nestled by Lake Koocanusa that offers access to the Kootenai National Forest and scenic Tobacco River (excellent fly fishing).
