Top 5 Things to Do Outside Glacier
Welcome to Flathead Valley, Montana! Home of ancient glaciers, majestic lakes, and enchanted wilderness. Flathead is the all-around outdoors person’s paradise, but it also offers enough quintessential charm for quaint escapes and romantic moments. Whether you’re an adrenaline junky or a quiet spirit, the valley has a place for you.
To see our hand-picked list for the five most exciting things to do inside Glacier National Park, click HERE. Our Since Flathead Valley is ripe with adventure from one end to the other. Here is our list of the TOP THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE THE PARK. As you plan ahead for this life changing trip, you’ll be able to choose from an assortment of both high and low energy activities, including hikes, river tours, helicopter rides, and restful afternoons by the water.
An important thing to keep in mind is that as of 2021, due to the increase in tourism, Glacier has adopted a scheduled entry system. Along with purchasing an entry ticket from the entrance or the park’s website, you’ll also have to visit www.recreation.gov to schedule your visit. This applies to the entire summer season.
The Top 5 Things to Do Outside Glacier
Trek Mount Aeneas
Though we all love Glacier, it’s not the only place in the valley to experience Montana’s astonishing views. Mount Aeneas is a local favorite with substantially fewer crowds but equal charm and magnificence. It’s the highest peak in the Swan Range, which spans the valley’s eastern border. Mount Aeneas gives you a literal view from the heavens of the entire valley and the expansive range of the northern rockies. The last portion of the trail follows a narrow ridgeline, making you feel like you’ve been thrust up into the sky itself.
The drive to the trailhead follows a rough dirt road up the Jewel Basin. From the parking lot, it’s a 6.2 mile hike to the peak. The trail is rated difficult, with an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet; but if you’re up for the challenge it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Ride the Ski Lift Up Big Mountain
Hiking is delightful, but sometimes you just want to see the top of a mountain without expending any energy. If that’s the vibe for the day then check out the Big Mountain Ski Resort in Whitefish. Obviously skiing the slopes is not an option in the summer, but the resort offers an abundance of fun year-round activities. You can hitch a ride up the lift to the mountaintop or explore the various hiking and biking trails in the area. There are alpine slides and zipline tours which you can book on their website.
Book an Air Tour
Let’s say a summit just isn’t quite high enough. Maybe you want to be the one looking down from above on the mountains themselves. There are several charter planes and helicopter services that provide air tours of the valley and many surrounding areas including Glacier, the Mission Mountain Range, and the elusive Montana Chinese Wall.
Here is a list of the best local air charters, including hot air balloon rides:
Mountain Butterfly (hot air balloon)
2FlyUs (hot air balloon)
Spend a Day on the Water
Montanans love the water. With such an abundance of rivers and one of the largest lakes in the country, there is never any shortage of fun ways to make the best of a sunny day.
Wayfarers State Park is one of the local hotspots in the valley. It’s the easiest lake access point in Bigfork — perfect for a lazy afternoon reading or chilling by the water. Be sure to check out the rock cliffs on the far southern end of the park for a beautiful view.
Base Camp Bigfork is an excellent place to rent kayaks or paddleboards. They provide a pickup and dropoff service at either Flathead or Swan Lake.
Stroll Down Historic Mainstreet
Both Bigfork and Kalispell have quintessential downtown avenues, complete with old brick architecture and eclectic shops. Flowers line the sidewalks and streets radiate with a blossoming liveliness.
Bigfork takes up a small spot on the northern edge of Flathead Lake. In summertime it has a fun, beach town vibe. Folks walk around in shorts and flipflops, hanging out at the lake or walking the Swan River Trail.
Kalispell sits almost at the center of the valley. It’s usually bustling with activity, and on a sunny day you can saunter down main street and stop by Montana Berry Bowls or get ice cream at Sweet Peaks.
To see what chic in Montana looks like, head over to downtown Whitefish. Though still very much a mountain town, it has elegant shop fronts and a clean, crisp atmosphere. Whitefish boasts a lake of its own, with a sandy beach and gorgeous surrounding mountains. Whitefish is also where you’ll find FLEUR, our FAVE bakery & Caffe!
For more brunch and coffee recommendations, check out our Top brunch and coffee list HERE.
