Your Guide to
Glacier National Park & Big Sky Country
Food scene
Ted used to work for Tim Seward, the owner, a few years back. The place truly is a local gem and they have nothing bust the best staff, chef and guests! They are known for their Flat Iron Steak, Bison Burger and if they happen to have their Tiramisu it is a MUST!
It is more on the casual side, but with wonderfully prepared options with lots of local produce, meat and drinks.
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Three Forks Grille
729 Nucleus AveTed used to work for Tim Seward, the owner, a few years back. The place truly is a local gem and they have nothing bust the best staff, chef and guests! They are known for their Flat Iron Steak, Bison Burger and if they happen to have their Tiramisu it is a MUST!
It is more on the casual side, but with wonderfully prepared options with lots of local produce, meat and drinks.
If you make your way up to Polebridge this is an obvious must stop. A historic outpost that has been serving the NW corner of Glacier NP and Polebridge for over 100 years. Buy some pastries, souvenirs, coffee or just take in the view.
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Polebridge Mercantile & Bakery
265 Polebridge LoopIf you make your way up to Polebridge this is an obvious must stop. A historic outpost that has been serving the NW corner of Glacier NP and Polebridge for over 100 years. Buy some pastries, souvenirs, coffee or just take in the view.
If you're looking for a great spot to eat nearby, this is it. We love the outdoor seating they have, and the building inside is also great on a cloudy day. The food is unique, well prepared and super good.
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Josephine's Bar & Kitchen
10245 US-2If you're looking for a great spot to eat nearby, this is it. We love the outdoor seating they have, and the building inside is also great on a cloudy day. The food is unique, well prepared and super good.
You might not expect to find a James Beard nominated chef hidden on the slopes of Whitefish Mountain, but you would be wrong. This is a fantastic place to eat if you enjoy a true dining experience. Wonderful wines, exquisite food, warm atmosphere and an extremely talented chef. I’d suggest a Chef’s tasting with wine pairing to enjoy the entire experience.
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Cafe Kandahar
3824 Big Mountain RdYou might not expect to find a James Beard nominated chef hidden on the slopes of Whitefish Mountain, but you would be wrong. This is a fantastic place to eat if you enjoy a true dining experience. Wonderful wines, exquisite food, warm atmosphere and an extremely talented chef. I’d suggest a Chef’s tasting with wine pairing to enjoy the entire experience.
Second Street Pizza
306 E Second StA Whitefish classic with great Pizza.
Get yourself a cool one, two, three... scoops at the favorite Ice cream shop.
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Sweet Peaks Ice Cream - Whitefish
419 E 3rd StGet yourself a cool one, two, three... scoops at the favorite Ice cream shop.
One of Dominique's favorite spots and great for the whole family. While they do have some good pizza pie's, they've got a whole menu worth checking out too. Get the Thai pie or the Grinder, a must if you're eating with Dominique.
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MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub
45 Treeline RdOne of Dominique's favorite spots and great for the whole family. While they do have some good pizza pie's, they've got a whole menu worth checking out too. Get the Thai pie or the Grinder, a must if you're eating with Dominique.
City/town information
Whitefish is a place not to be missed on a trip to the Flathead Valley. The downtown strip, Central Ave., is the perfect place for a stroll. Lots of fun shops to explore, great restaurants and local bars.
In the summer, usually from mid-June through late September, there is a great farmers market held on Tuesdays in Depot Park from 5pm - 7pm.
Don't forget to get a scoop, or two, of local ice cream from Sweet Peaks while you make your way around.
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Whitefish
Whitefish is a place not to be missed on a trip to the Flathead Valley. The downtown strip, Central Ave., is the perfect place for a stroll. Lots of fun shops to explore, great restaurants and local bars.
In the summer, usually from mid-June through late September, there is a great farmers market held on Tuesdays in Depot Park from 5pm - 7pm.
Don't forget to get a scoop, or two, of local ice cream from Sweet Peaks while you make your way around.
If you're looking for anything Huckleberry, this is the place. They've got the Huckleberry patch and the Huckleberry Factory. Stop in at Bob's General Store / Cafe / Sinclair Station to keep the local business thriving.
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Hungry Horse
If you're looking for anything Huckleberry, this is the place. They've got the Huckleberry patch and the Huckleberry Factory. Stop in at Bob's General Store / Cafe / Sinclair Station to keep the local business thriving.
Sightseeing
Another hidden gem is Hungry Horse Reservoir. Just a short drive away and lots of space to enjoy the outdoors. Take a look at the 564’ dam that was built in 1953 with a 490’ glory hole, the highest in the World! Then head along the reservoir to find a spot to take in the view, drop a boat, take a hike, go four wheeling, huckleberry picking or any other outdoor activity you can imagine. Stop at the Hungry Horse Ranger Station to find some maps, advise and information on the area.
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Hungry Horse Reservoir
Another hidden gem is Hungry Horse Reservoir. Just a short drive away and lots of space to enjoy the outdoors. Take a look at the 564’ dam that was built in 1953 with a 490’ glory hole, the highest in the World! Then head along the reservoir to find a spot to take in the view, drop a boat, take a hike, go four wheeling, huckleberry picking or any other outdoor activity you can imagine. Stop at the Hungry Horse Ranger Station to find some maps, advise and information on the area.
If the well goes out on property, just kidding, you can fill up your jugs here. Fresh, crisp, sparkling water right out of a mountain. People have been filling and drinking here for decades, and still do! There is also a fun little beach right across the road, be CAREFUL!
Shepard Memorial Fountain
If the well goes out on property, just kidding, you can fill up your jugs here. Fresh, crisp, sparkling water right out of a mountain. People have been filling and drinking here for decades, and still do! There is also a fun little beach right across the road, be CAREFUL!
City beach is a great place to get a view of Whitefish Lake. From July through September the swimming is great. They also have water toys to rent like paddle boards, kayaks and such. If you are around for the 4th of July this is THE spot to watch fireworks. If you want a spot plan to get there early as it does get crowded.
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Whitefish Montana
70 Lakeside BoulevardCity beach is a great place to get a view of Whitefish Lake. From July through September the swimming is great. They also have water toys to rent like paddle boards, kayaks and such. If you are around for the 4th of July this is THE spot to watch fireworks. If you want a spot plan to get there early as it does get crowded.
Visit the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi river. Plenty of room for boating, fishing, swimming and sightseeing. Be sure to check out the town of Big Fork on the North East corner of the lake.
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Flathead-See
Visit the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi river. Plenty of room for boating, fishing, swimming and sightseeing. Be sure to check out the town of Big Fork on the North East corner of the lake.
Hikes
Another iconic hike in Glacier NP. Sitting at over 6,300’ you are in true alpine country hear with views that will make the effort all worthwhile. A little under 3 miles to the overlook and a bit more than 500’ in elevation this is another easily accessible stop. You can head all the way to the lake if you want a close-up view, it’ll add about 2.7 miles and more than 750’ in elevation, but always worth the extra effort.
Hidden Lake Trail
Another iconic hike in Glacier NP. Sitting at over 6,300’ you are in true alpine country hear with views that will make the effort all worthwhile. A little under 3 miles to the overlook and a bit more than 500’ in elevation this is another easily accessible stop. You can head all the way to the lake if you want a close-up view, it’ll add about 2.7 miles and more than 750’ in elevation, but always worth the extra effort.
Perfect day hike to get your legs moving. A short, less than 3 miles each way, hike that leads to an amazing view with towering waterfalls. Great for beginners as the elevation gain is basically nothing and is an easy hike for most. Again, it does tend to get a bit busy, so plan to arrive early or late in the day to enjoy the views.
Avalanche Trail
Perfect day hike to get your legs moving. A short, less than 3 miles each way, hike that leads to an amazing view with towering waterfalls. Great for beginners as the elevation gain is basically nothing and is an easy hike for most. Again, it does tend to get a bit busy, so plan to arrive early or late in the day to enjoy the views.
For the most unobstructed, jaw dropping, worth every step hike around the Highline is the place to be. Walking along the Continental divide give you the real perspective of where you are, glaciers, alpine lakes, rocky outcrops, wild life…all part of another day in Glacier NP. This day hike can be made to around 11.8 miles and can be a challenge at times, 1900’ elevation gain. But it really is the hike you will remember when you are back home.
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Highline Trail
Highline TrailFor the most unobstructed, jaw dropping, worth every step hike around the Highline is the place to be. Walking along the Continental divide give you the real perspective of where you are, glaciers, alpine lakes, rocky outcrops, wild life…all part of another day in Glacier NP. This day hike can be made to around 11.8 miles and can be a challenge at times, 1900’ elevation gain. But it really is the hike you will remember when you are back home.
Looking for some great hikes that are outside of Glacier NP. During the peak of summer some trails can see a bit of traffic, but nothing like the National Park. There is a great loop that goes from the trailhead to twin lakes to picnic lakes to Mt Aeneas back to the trailhead. Plan on about 8.2 miles and around 2000' of elevation. Please do be prepared as this is a more remote area and some basic hiking / trail finding is good knowledge. Always a good idea to bring a map.
For more information:
https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7086518/jewel-basin-loop
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Jewel Basin
Looking for some great hikes that are outside of Glacier NP. During the peak of summer some trails can see a bit of traffic, but nothing like the National Park. There is a great loop that goes from the trailhead to twin lakes to picnic lakes to Mt Aeneas back to the trailhead. Plan on about 8.2 miles and around 2000' of elevation. Please do be prepared as this is a more remote area and some basic hiking / trail finding is good knowledge. Always a good idea to bring a map.
For more information:
https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7086518/jewel-basin-loop
Things To Do
This is Dominique’s and my favorite thing to do in the summer. Float, canoe, raft the rivers of Montana. The Flathead river has so many sections and great views it’s tough to list them all. Truly a local favorite pastime. Hook-up with a local guide for half, full or overnight outings.
Glacier Guides Montana Raft – Rafting / fishing / hiking – (406)-387-5555
Glacier Raft Company – Rafting / Fishing – (406)-888-5454
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Flathead River
This is Dominique’s and my favorite thing to do in the summer. Float, canoe, raft the rivers of Montana. The Flathead river has so many sections and great views it’s tough to list them all. Truly a local favorite pastime. Hook-up with a local guide for half, full or overnight outings.
Glacier Guides Montana Raft – Rafting / fishing / hiking – (406)-387-5555
Glacier Raft Company – Rafting / Fishing – (406)-888-5454
A true gem of the Great Northern Railway and still the busiest passenger depot between Seattle and Minneapolis. Fun to take a stroll and look at this nearly 100 yr old depot that was constructed in the likes of great Swiss alpine lodges and chalets. Don’t forget to check out the Museum, Stumptown Historical Society, for some great stories, memorabilia and conversation.
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Whitefish Depot station
500 Depot StA true gem of the Great Northern Railway and still the busiest passenger depot between Seattle and Minneapolis. Fun to take a stroll and look at this nearly 100 yr old depot that was constructed in the likes of great Swiss alpine lodges and chalets. Don’t forget to check out the Museum, Stumptown Historical Society, for some great stories, memorabilia and conversation.
Tipps für Reisende
Verkehrsmittel
Glacier National Park Shuttle
This really is a great way to get around and see the National Park as well as Going to the Sun Road. Glacier is a beautiful place and many people come visit in the summer time. Parking lots have a tendency to fill up quickly and there is no better way to avoid the stress of finding a spot. This is also a GREAT way to do a point to point hike and be able to get a ride back to your car. Park at Apgar and then you can take the shuttle all the way to St. Mary with many stops in between.
More information can be found here: https://home.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttlestops.htm
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Take One of the Most Scenic & Local Drives Around
A trip along the North Fork river up to Polebridge, MT & Glacier NP. There are some great views into the Park and along the Flathead river. Make a stop at the Polebridge Mercantile & then into the park to Bowman Lake for some great views, a hike or a picnic. You can turn around & head back the way you came or make a full day & finish a loop over the Whitefish Range. Make another stop at Red Meadow Lake, an alpine lake at 5,500 ft. Continue on & head to Upper Whitefish Lake & finish the day in Whitefish for dinner & drinks.
maps & directions - https://goo.gl/maps/au121YpBuBVAvcLEA
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Huckleberry Picking
No better way to feel like a local than to get out and pick the favorite treat of all the locals, including the bears! No doubt you will hear about huckleberries when you are around. Pies, scones, cookies, jams, sauces, ice cream and everything in between. From about Mid July through late August is the prime time. Just head to any mountain, hill, lake shore and you’ll find cars parked along the road out pickin’. Bring some bear spray, a bucket or bag and get ready for purple fingers. ENJOY!