Montana road trip | hidden gem in glacier
Have YOU ever been to Montana?? If not, here are some of the things my friends and I enjoyed, planned, and experienced on a whim on our 5 day, 4 night stay at or in the surrounding areas of Glacier National Park .
🏔️Day 1: We flew into Kalispell, MO and stayed in Whitefish which is approximately 45 minutes from Glacier National Park. It was time to get some grub when we landed, so we ate at Great Bear Cafe. Some of the best food I’ve ever had! (Their pasta salad is a must). Right across the street is a huge Huckleberry shop and next door to the restaurant is the World Museum Of Wildlife - Gifts. This is where we purchased a can of bear spray. PLEASE KEEP BEAR SPRAY ON YOU AT ALL TIMES IN THE PARK!!! The rest of the night we soaked in the views from our Airbnb and made use of the hot tub!
🏔️Day2: Downtown Whitefish was calling our name!! We spent the morning getting breakfast and drinks at a cafe called Montana Coffee Traders. After that, we did some much needed shopping therapy in all the little shops of the town. Not too far from this was Rainbow Lake. It is UNREAL to see the beautiful colored rocks in person. We spent the rest of our night playing a couple rounds of putt putt at Mini Mountain Mini Golf, grabbing dinner at Blackstar BrewPub, and getting the BIGGEST cup of ice cream ever from Clydesdale Creamery Saloon.
🏔️Day 3: Hiking day!!! That morning, on the way to Glacier National, we stopped at Lake McDonald to take my friend’s graduation pictures. Such a beauty! Something that we learned very quickly is the importance of getting there early. There are a ton of people that plan on doing the same things you’re doing, so be sure to get to the park as early as possible to avoid not being able to find parking. Just before the gates of going to the sun road, there are parking areas. The time of year we went, going to the sun Road was closed, so we decided to hike trails before the entrance. This led us to Trail of the Cedars Nature Trailhead. Which, unintentionally, also led to Avalanche Lake. That was the best thing that ever happened to us!! It was only a little over one mile hike to see some of the most incredible Mountain views I’ve ever seen as pictured.
🏔️Day 4: Horseback riding 🏇! We did a 3 hour trail at Lake McDonald. I will say, while it was fun and we got some cute pictures, majority of the ride was through the woods. Still suggest this activity for my horse lovers!! Afterwards we drove up to Polebridge which is a very small “town” off the grid in Montana. It’s miles of roads and pretty views, but again we went when majority of the park was closed, so we only got to go so far. We did get to visit the Polebridge Mercantile! There aren’t many food options out that way, but we came across a small local restaurant that made it all worthwhile called Home Ranch Bottoms!! Later in the day, we made our way back to Whitefish where we rented clear kayaks and went out on the lake. The water is so clear everywhere in Montana!!
🏔️Day 5: Travel day :( Throughout our trip we created a shared album of photos as well as a Snapchat group chat that we had not opened. We spent our time exchanging pictures, stories, and overall feelings towards the trip. What an experience! We all would go back again in a heartbeat 🩵.
If you would like more photos, I’d be happy to share! <3
⭐️Overall rating: 10/10
Montana offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and natural beauty that make it a prime destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. Glacier National Park, often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent," is renowned for its rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes like Lake McDonald, and well-maintained hiking trails such as the Trail of the Cedars and the popular Avalanche Lake hike. To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive early to secure parking at key points, especially during peak seasons. Nearby, the town of Whitefish provides a charming base with excellent dining options like Great Bear Cafe and Montana Coffee Traders, known for local flavors including the must-try pasta salad and rich coffee brews. Whitefish is also fantastic for shopping and entertainment, featuring spots like Mini Mountain Mini Golf and creamy indulgences at Clydesdale Creamery Saloon. For nature lovers, horseback riding around Lake McDonald offers a peaceful way to experience Montana's forests, while renting clear kayaks lets visitors admire the pristine waters from a unique perspective. Don’t miss Polebridge, a small off-the-grid community famous for its rustic charm and the Polebridge Mercantile bakery. With attention to safety, always carry bear spray when trekking through the park to ensure a secure experience. Montana's clean air, breathtaking views, and outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and discover hidden gems away from crowded city life. Whether you’re interested in hiking, horseback riding, or simply soaking in scenic vistas, a Montana road trip is a top-notch choice for your next vacation.
