Flathead Valley Area Guide
Flathead Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Montana. Here are our favorite places to eat, hike, play, and explore between stays.
Flathead Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Montana. Here are our favorite places to eat, hike, play, and explore between stays.
Flathead Valley is surrounded by incredible hiking opportunities, from family-friendly nature walks to alpine adventures with stunning mountain views. Here are a few local favorites near Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Glacier National Park:
One of the most popular hikes in Glacier National Park, Avalanche Lake offers a scenic trail through cedar forests that leads to a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by waterfalls and towering peaks.
The Whitefish Trail system offers over 40 miles of trails just minutes from downtown Whitefish. It's perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying incredible views of Whitefish Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Located near Bigfork, Jewel Basin features dozens of alpine lakes and spectacular views of the Swan Mountain Range. It's a favorite for locals looking for quieter hiking experiences.
A must-do for adventurous visitors, this trail climbs to the summit of Whitefish Mountain for panoramic views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.
Glacier National Park is just a short drive from many of our vacation homes and is widely considered one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
Visitors travel from around the globe to experience: Going-to-the-Sun Road, scenic boat tours, wildlife viewing, photography and sightseeing, and Glacier hiking trails.
If Glacier National Park is on your itinerary, we recommend arriving early and planning your day in advance during peak summer months.
About 16 miles east of Columbia Falls on US-2, and roughly 45 to 60 minutes from Kalispell. It's the gateway to Apgar, Lake McDonald and the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The full drive over Logan Pass opens once the snow is cleared, usually in early summer. Reservation rules change year to year, so check the park's website before you go, and arrive early for Logan Pass parking.
Polebridge and the North Fork are about 35 miles from Columbia Falls on a partly gravel road. St. Mary and Many Glacier on the east side are about 2 to 2.5 hours from West Glacier.
Flathead Valley transforms into a winter wonderland each year, offering some of the best skiing and winter recreation in the region.
One of the top ski destinations in the Northern Rockies, Whitefish Mountain Resort features over 3,000 acres of ski terrain and incredible views of Glacier National Park. Winter visitors also enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and plenty more.
Throughout the year, Flathead Valley hosts exciting festivals and events that bring together locals and visitors alike.
A beloved winter celebration featuring parades, snow sculptures, and the legendary Yetis.
A summer favorite featuring local art, crafts, food vendors, and family activities.
A nationally recognized country music festival attracting top artists and thousands of visitors.
One of the largest annual events in the region, featuring rodeos, concerts, and agricultural exhibitions.
Experience Clydesdales the Montana way at this Whitefish guest ranch, complete with timber-frame cabins and big mountain views. Voted #1 Lodging in Whitefish and featured in Sunset Magazine and Good Morning America, Clydesdale Outpost offers hands-on Clydesdale experiences plus seasonal favorites like their Haunted Hayrides.
Area Guides
Curated local favorites for exploring, dining, and adventuring near our short term rentals.
Where to eat between adventures.
Montana Coffee Traders, Whitefish
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
Flathead Lake Brewing Co., Bigfork
Trails, lakes, and the places to get outside.
Lone Pine State Park, Kalispell
Wild Horse Island State Park
Whitefish Lake State Park
Foys Lake
Local shops and makers worth a stop.
Central Avenue, downtown Whitefish
Electric Avenue, Bigfork
Main Street, downtown Kalispell
Kalispell Farmers Market
The spots our locals keep to themselves.
Polebridge Mercantile
Hockaday Museum of Art
Conrad Mansion Museum
Bigfork Summer Playhouse
Roadside huckleberry stands in summer
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and it's one of the most popular destinations for visitors staying in Flathead Valley.
During the summer months, guests enjoy boating and sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking, lakeside dining and beach days, fishing for lake trout and whitefish, and exploring charming lake towns like Bigfork, Lakeside, and Somers. Flathead Lake offers endless opportunities to relax, explore, and take in Montana's incredible scenery.
Need kayaks, paddleboards or a boat? Ask our team for our favorite local rental outfitters →Flathead Valley offers an incredible food scene, ranging from cozy breakfast spots to lakeside brewpubs and BBQ. Here are some guest favorites in Whitefish, Kalispell, Bigfork, Lakeside, and Somers:
A local favorite serving creative Southern-inspired cuisine with Montana ingredients. Perfect for dinner after a day exploring Glacier National Park.
A stylish downtown restaurant known for craft cocktails, locally sourced food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Authentic Italian cuisine with house-made pasta and an impressive wine list.
Famous for homemade pies and hearty breakfasts, a must-stop before heading into Glacier National Park.
A beloved local breakfast and brunch spot serving classic Montana comfort food.
A Bigfork landmark since 1960, known for big breakfasts and lunch served all day.
A downtown Kalispell bakery and cafe with fresh croissants, pastries, baguettes, and great coffee.
A lakeside brewpub pouring Tamarack Brewing beer alongside burgers, pizza, and pub favorites. Perfect after a day on Flathead Lake.
Southern-style comfort food and BBQ, from house-rubbed ribs to chicken fried steak and homemade cornbread.
A local favorite for homestyle breakfast, burgers, and steaks. Don't skip the biscuits and gravy.
Montana-style BBQ in downtown Kalispell, with smoked brisket, pulled pork, and elk sausage.
Summer smoke and fire restrictions can change quickly. Check current conditions before you plan a hike or a campfire.
Current fire information →
Keep a safe distance, store food and trash securely, and carry bear spray on trails. Our team can share the local details.
Glacier National Park bear safety →Drop your name in the hat. You will also get our local guide and first dibs on new homes and direct booking specials.
