Glacier country visitor guide 2015 pages 13-25 by Megan Richter

15 Perfect Views:

Find Your Montana Moment.

1. ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT. Located east of Glacier National Park is the sweeping and stunning Rocky Mountain Front. Here wind-swept grasslands and rolling hills give way to beautiful mountains. To top it off—360 degree views of the plains, foothills and jagged peaks can be found from many locations on the Blackfeet Nation. 2. KOOTENAI FALLS. As the largest undammed falls in the state, Kootenai Falls is a spectacular destination. A swinging bridge spanning the river just above the falls offers incredible views of the Kootenai River.

10. ROSS CREEK CEDAR SCENIC AREA. Home to western red cedars growing along Ross Creek, this scenic area offers visitors a chance to explore this old-growth forest, with a walking path taking you past informative signs, bubbling creeks and giant trees. 11. LAKE KOOCANUSA SCENIC BYWAY. Cruise this 67-milelong route between Libby and Eureka for multiple vantage points of Lake Koocanusa, a 90-mile-long lake that extends from Libby Dam into British Columbia.

12. CHIEF MOUNTAIN. Situated along the eastern edge of Glacier National Park and the western edge of the Blackfeet Nation, Chief Mountain is a spectacular site. It is a sacred area and an important cultural landmark for the Blackfoot Confederacy and has been used for millennia by the tribes for Kerr Dam near Polson. © GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM vision quests, rituals and ceremonial purposes. Visitors can see its stunning 4. MISSOULA FROM MOUNT profile from Chief Mountain Highway on the Blackfeet Nation. SENTINEL. The trail to the “M” overlooking Missoula is one As it is sacred ground, please view it from a respectful of the most popular hikes in Montana. After climbing the distance. When recreating on the Blackfeet Nation, be sure to zigzagging path, you’ll be rewarded with views of the lush purchase a conservation permit from the Blackfeet Fish and Missoula Valley and nearby Rattlesnake Wilderness. Wildlife Department. 5. LAKE MCDONALD. Located inside Glacier National Park’s 13. NATIONAL BISON RANGE. Part of the Mission Mountain west entrance, you’ll find Apgar Village sitting at the southern end of Lake McDonald. Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle the Range, the refuge is home to 350 head of bison, as well as elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions and birds. calm waters of the park’s largest lake. Visitors to the National Bison Range can learn about the history and preservation efforts of the bison that call this 6. BLODGETT CANYON. From Hamilton, drive west on Main rolling mountain home with a stop at the visitor center. For Street into the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains and follow spectacular views, take Red Sleep Mountain Drive through the signs to the trailhead. It’s an easy 40-minute hike from the the range. You’ll be rewarded with prime wildlife viewing trailhead to the overlook at Blodgett Canyon. opportunities, as well as vistas into the Mission and Clark Fork River valleys. 7. KERR DAM. Standing at 204 feet high, Kerr Dam sits on the Flathead River southwest of Polson. Be sure to walk down 14. LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Located the boardwalk to the overlook for expansive views of the minutes from Stevensville in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley is the canyon, the dam, Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains. Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. With more than 2 miles of nature trails, the refuge is a great place to view the many 8. HOLLAND FALLS. After a short 1.6-mile hike on the Holland Falls National Recreation Trail, you’ll be rewarded with types of birds that stop here throughout the year. views of Holland Falls, Holland Lake and the snow-capped 15. SUMMIT AT WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT. For Mission Mountains. To get here, turn east on Holland Lake an incredible view of the peaks of Glacier National Park, Road and continue 4 miles to the trailhead. as well as the expansive Flathead Valley, a trek to the 9. LIBBY DAM. After touring the Libby Dam Visitor Center and summit of Big Mountain at Whitefish Mountain Resort is well worth your time. On clear days, you can even see taking a guided tour of the dam and powerhouse, take in the the Canadian Rockies. view of Lake Koocanusa from the top of the dam. 3. MISSION MOUNTAINS FROM NINEPIPES LODGE. For one of the most stunning views of the Mission Mountains, make a stop in Charlo at Ninepipes Lodge. Their dining room and back patio offer incredible vantage points of the soaring mountain peaks.

MONTANA’S NATURAL BEAUTY BECKONS.

AS YOU TRAVEL THROUGH WESTERN MONTANA’S GLACIER COUNTRY, the views you encounter are sure to knock your socks off, tickle your fancy and exceed your expectations. Our spectacular landscape, cool atmosphere and high latitude combine to make for dramatic light any time of day—perfect for capturing your own Montana memory.

From the expansive Bitterroot Valley in the south to the sweeping Rocky Mountain Front in the north, perfect postcard scenes are found around every bend in Glacier Country. No matter which highway or backroad you travel, you’ll soon notice that the landscape takes center stage. It may be the early morning sun casting light into Glacier National Park’s Many Glacier Valley or an afternoon drive along Highway 83 as it winds through the Seeley-Swan Valley. Perhaps it’s the view of the Mission Mountains standing watch over St. Ignatius or the vibrant fall colors in Missoula. Or maybe, it’s the lack of big city lights that let the stars shine after the sun goes down.

The sunset paints a pretty picture over Swan Lake. © GLACIER COUNTRY TOURISM

WE’VE GOT MOUNTAINS. GO AHEAD, LOOK DIRECTLY AT THEM. We’re the first to admit it. Our mountains are pretty spectacular. Even downright dazzling. But we’ve got a secret: there’s more to us than just our looks. We have serene lakes, fresh mountain creeks, untracked lines, blue-ribbon trout streams, majestic wildlife and charming communities, each with their own style, character, personality and charm. When traveling in Glacier Country, chances are you’ll experience something that we like to call a Montana moment. It may be a once in a lifetime event of seeing a grizzly bear foraging for berries on a mountainside or taking in the incredible colors and traditions of an American Indian Pow Wow. Perhaps it’s watching a kayaker navigate the waters of Brennan’s Wave or biting into a mouth-watering bison burger served with a side of fresh mountain air. Whatever your moment may be, share it on instagram or twitter using #MontanaMoment and #GlacierMT.

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CARVING A PATH THROUGH THE LANDSCAPE.

WESTERN MONTANA OFFERS NO SHORTAGE OF WAYS to cool off in the clear waters of the Rocky Mountains. Cast a line on Rock Creek to net a trophy trout. Take a soak in Seeley Lake to cool off after a full day of exploring. Float the Flathead River on a wild and scenic course or run the Alberton Gorge at noon with an expert river guide. Want more? You’re in luck. There are additional options just around the bend.

Summer on Montana’s rivers and lakes is one for the record books. For swimming beaches, head to Holland, Tally or Whitefish lakes. Or if you’re looking for a friendly float where you’re guaranteed to rub elbows with the locals, grab a tube and put in on the Clark Fork River just east of Missoula and drift into town. And if you’re in the mood for a leisurely trip, book a sailing excursion or boat tour on Flathead Lake.

FISHING IN MONTANA. THE STORIES ARE (MOSTLY) TRUE. Casting a line in Western Montana is one of the activities that many people put on their bucket list. And for good reason. Our fishing is so legendary that it has been the subject of movies, songs, dreams, stories and more than likely—a tall tale or two. Glacier Country’s rivers, lakes and streams vary in size and are full of an array of fighter and trophy fish, including rainbow, cutthroat, brown and bull trout. With postcard perfection backdrops that include the brilliant teal color of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, the wide expanses of the Clark Fork and the forested banks of Swan Lake, fishing in Glacier Country is as peaceful and thrilling as you’ve imagined. Probably even more.

RIVERS AND STREAMS. ALL CLASSES FOR ALL ABILITIES. With calm paths, deep runs, gentle riffles and a healthy dose of raging rapids, Glacier Country has the full spectrum of river conditions. And while they are vastly different, they each share a few fine features: cool and clear water, pretty views and easy access. Kayakers appreciate the big rapids on Alberton Gorge. Canoeing families enjoy the calm water and gently winding path of Seeley’s Clearwater Canoe Trail. Groups looking for diversity will find just that on the Class I, II and III waters of the Flathead River. And whether you’re on the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Flathead, Kootenai, Swan or Yaak rivers, plenty of uncrowded stretches can be found for an afternoon of floating.

EXPLORE IT VIRTUALLY. The Glacier Country website has everything you need to plan your vacation, including road trip ideas, maps, listings of hundreds of services, travel deals and more. Visit www.glaciermt.com to begin planning your trip.