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Top Things To Do In Montana | Exploring The Big Sky Country
The Big Sky Country, with its vast prairies, stunning mountains dominating the landscapes, and wild rivers, is a true vacation wonderland. You will never run out of things to do in Montana. Every attraction here exudes a sense of Western history and exploration.
Let's discover what attractions and activities await you here in Montana!
1. Explore Glacier National Park
Looking for things to do in Montana? Visit Glacier National Park! It's one of the top destinations, with great activities and stunning views that will surely enrich your adventure trip.
Be sure to take the iconic route when you visit! But remember, passes are only good for seven days. You could also get an Annual Pass, which grants you access to more than 2,000 locations nationwide! Prices range from $0 (for those in the military) all the way up to $80—lasting a lifetime for some individuals!
During the summer months, make sure to purchase an entry ticket online before 4 p.m. Some may be available at no cost, but they come with a small reservation charge—this easy task should be part of your travel preparation!
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Experience the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road while exploring Glacier National Park. A trip wouldn't be finished without it! However, keep in mind that securing a ticket could be challenging; make sure to stay updated on online reservations.
You don't need additional vehicle passes if you are camping or staying at lodges in the park. But here's a tip: come before 6 a.m. or after 4 p.m. in the summer to avoid getting the pass completely!
Seeing the sunrise at Logan Pass is truly amazing, and we highly recommend it. Make sure to come early to easily get parking and extra time to explore the popular hiking trails! Follow these steps closely for easy planning, and enjoy every mile of this amazing journey without any trouble.
Enjoy Stunning Views from Logan Pass
Every sight is a delight for your eyes at Logan Pass—the central point of Glacier National Park. Here's the ideal plan: begin by parking at the visitor center, which is easy to do before the day gets busy.
Next, follow the renowned three-mile path to Hidden Lake Overlook—a hike you cannot miss! This route is easy and abundant with beautiful wildflowers and breathtaking views—perfect photo opportunities are in store! Surely, this place feels unique when you're standing on top of the Continental Divide, making you feel like royalty with all the surrounding peaks.
Hike Trails for Every Skill Level
Glacier National Park provides hiking paths suitable for all levels of hikers. You can try easy hikes, such as the trails leading to waterfalls. Or, for an exciting experience, take on Piegan Pass at an elevation of 7,600 feet.
You will discover trails suitable for experienced professionals as well as beginners. You can hike between summer and fall when park roads are accessible, and shuttles operate free from July through Labor Day—or sooner if Going-to-the-Sun Road is open. Don't forget to reserve in advance!
This area's trails can get crowded during peak hours, so starting early is ideal. Whether you're looking for stunning views or easy walks along waterfalls, there are trails here waiting for you.
Watch Wildlife in Many Glacier
Don't forget to have your binoculars handy to avoid missing out on wildlife sightings in Many Glacier—it's the perfect place to spot animals from sunrise to sunset.
Make sure to look upwards when you stroll through this area—you'll find wildlife wandering about! You might find grizzly and black bears in this area as it is where they like to hang out. But if you want to safely watch them, you can join an evening event at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn's lot and spot them on Altyn Peak slopes!
You may also encounter bears during berry season hikes, such as in the Iceberg and Ptarmigan Lake trails. Meanwhile, bighorn sheep are more active during the summer as they ascend to higher altitudes to escape the heat. Catch a glimpse of these agile animals on elevated paths or close to Logan Pass—they also enjoy observing hikers!
Besides bears and sheep, you'll also see mountain goats climbing cliffs near Iceberg Lake trails—a sight worth seeing through binoculars! Looking to observe wildlife from afar? Pack your scopes and get up early in the morning to go around the shores of Josephine Lake if you want to catch a glimpse of the majestic animals during feeding time!
Visit Picture-Taking Hotspots
Looking to take home tons of pictures in Glacier National Park's picturesque backdrop? Take your camera and go to the park's picnic areas! You'll enjoy long, breathtaking vistas of mountains blending with the sky—a dream come true for photographers!
You can include the iconic Red Buses in your photos to add a special touch, as they bring charm to the natural scenery. You can also visit the buses stationed at Lake McDonald or East Glacier Park lodges. Stand along GTTSR and take photos as they go by, or focus on their intricate details up close if you prefer.
Even basic photos look fantastic throughout the day, with the sun shining behind or beside you. You can take leisurely walks by Lunch Creek, but keep an eye out for bighorn sheep that may appear in your view—this location has a relaxed atmosphere perfect for capturing candid moments. Siyeh Bend presents a beautiful trail to discover, filled with abundant wildflowers under clear skies overlooking St. Mary Lake. Not a fan of squinting in the sun? Just head east in the afternoons or west in the mornings!
Don't worry if you're not a fan of hiking. This area is non-hiker-friendly too! Next to Wild Goose Island overlook, there are stairs that you can climb—it's just like climbing four flights of stairs. Some photographers may find it challenging to climb, so make sure not to overlook the breathtaking views!
2. Fly Fish in Montana's Rivers
Montana has clear, cold streams and large, rolling waters. Small brooks cutting through forests are the hidden gems for keen anglers chasing wild trout with skillful flicks of the wrist.
Fly fishing is just as closely associated with the Big Sky County as the White House is with Washington, DC. Many anglers find that the unrestricted rivers of Montana are more than just a pastime; they symbolize a lifestyle. Rivers like the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Madison, and Missouri are plentiful with trout.
Prominent bodies of water, such as the Yellowstone River, are renowned for their abundance of fish, providing a challenging opportunity for anglers. Every body of water has a unique vibe. Some rush fast, while others flow slowly, where there are hidden secrets in deep pools below.
Cold from mountain snows or warmed by prairie sunsets, these diverse conditions shape every fishing adventure into something unique. For those seeking diversity in Montana's vast landscapes, local knowledge is key to what flies work best on which river bends. This knowledge can make the difference between a successful day of fishing and going home empty-handed.
3. Discover Montana's Lakes
The lakes in Montana's Big Sky Country are often overlooked despite their beauty. Many individuals are captivated by the stunning mountain tops, extraordinary wildlife, and meandering rivers. However, Montana's best lakes enhance the state's beauty and provide many enjoyable activities for the whole family.
These unspoiled waters are perfect for adventurers of any age. The state has wide-open spaces and over 3,000 lakes, making it a top spot for lake getaways.
4. Drive along the Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway stretches for 68 miles in southern Montana from Red Lodge to Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. There is so much beautiful scenery along this stretch that might even entice you to make Montana your permanent home!
The towering Beartooth Mountains, the highest in the state, set the stage for the various outdoor activities along this All-American Road.
The seasonal highway reaches a peak elevation of 10,947ft and provides access to national forest trailheads, campgrounds, and points of interest from both sides of the road. The highway also provides convenient entry to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, which is filled with alpine lakes and offers the opportunity to explore nature.
5. Explore The Bitterroot Mountains
The Bitterroot Mountains stretch across the border where Montana meets Idaho. Towering peaks form part of the larger Rocky Mountain range. They rise sharply from Montana's valley floor west of Missoula to form one flank—the western edge—of the expansive and fertile Bitterroot Valley.
On your map, this range is about 300 miles long, southward from Lolo Pass down to Lost Trail Pass. It creates a natural divide, with Idaho's Selway River flowing on its west side while Montana appreciates rivers like East Fork running east. These mountains attract hikers who seek nature's raw beauty.
Here, trails weave through two sections: the northern and Central ranges. Knowing that these parts join five others to form the larger Bitterroot Range is vital. More than just mountains, this region is an adventure haven.
Campgrounds dot this expanse with 1,600 miles for hiking or horseback riding. Wildlife also thrives here, with deer and bears wandering amidst fir and pine trees. Streams teem with fish as eagles soar overhead near cabins that sit by the riverside—not far from your next trek into vast backcountry spaces where nature rules supreme.
Adventure Awaits at The Bitterroot Mile Club!
Looking for a place where nature's unspoiled beauty and grandeur will envelop you? Imagine waking up in a luxurious king bed, with your room offering views of the flowing Bitterroot River below.
At The Bitterroot Mile Club, your experience will be defined by exclusivity. Located in the foothills of Montana, less than 20 miles away, TBMC guarantees solitude for you, your family, or your friends. It's also a top-notch fishing location with private access to the river!
Leisure activities range from relaxing in a hot tub to going on horseback rides along the stunning Rocky Mountain paths. The experience at the Bitterroot Mile Club is more than just exploring; it's about fully embracing the unmatched grace and beauty of the surroundings.
At TBMC, luxury intertwines with nature, creating a getaway harmonizing with Montana's stunning scenery. Come see us and witness nature in a completely new way!