It’s that time of year again, when the forests are full of explorers, the roadways full of travelers, and the Beacon is full of ideas and tips for getting the most out of your Northwest Montana summer.
Don’t just stand there! Read this then go make your summer one for the books.
Fly Shop Roundup
A guide to the Flathead Valley’s fly shops
By Myers Reece
The Flathead Valley has a roster of fly shops that all offer expertise and their own niches, whether you’re a newbie needing to be set up with gear and guided down the river or you’re a serious local angler seeking a little advice and a few new flies. There are also a number of other outfitters without brick-and-mortar fly shops not mentioned here.
Flathead Al Fresco
Take advantage of long days and warm temps at these outdoor dining and drinking spots
By Andy Viano
When summer finally arrives in the Flathead Valley, there’s a familiar urge to get out into the crisp, clean air and take advantage of the sunny skies, warm temperatures and breathtaking views that residents wait for and tourists plan their summer around.
Summer On Stage
The stages heat up with budding talent and Broadway stars in Whitefish and Bigfork
By Molly Priddy
It’s theater season in the Flathead, when the stages heat up with talent but the theaters stay cool with air conditioning.
Stage performances are a great way to round out your summer experience in the valley, and the local companies have decades of history and plenty of singing, dancing, and acting, from amateur to Broadway-level skill.
Remember to check in with www.FlatheadEvents.net to get more events and activities, updated daily.
Keep Calm and Camp
Summertime in the Flathead Valley is synonymous with camping al fresco, but it also means vying for spots with swarms of other campers. Here are a few out-of-the-way destinations worth escaping to, with back-up plans and pit stops to boot.
By Tristan Scott
Finger Lake. This remote mountain lake is in the LeBeau Research Natural Area, which spans more than 5,000 acres of sylvan landscape at the north end of the Tally Lake Ranger District.
Outside Adventures
A guide to unique destinations outside the borders of Glacier National Park
By Tristan Scott
As Northwest Montana’s signature destination, Glacier National Park annually draws millions of visitors who converge inside the sprawling park’s boundaries to explore its wild places.
Still, visiting Glacier requires driving or riding a train to the park along routes that track past other top-notch attractions. To ensure you get the most of your Glacier visit — both in and out of the park — here is a guide to some of the area’s unique attractions outside of the borders.
Can’t-Miss Events
Mark your calendars with some of the valley’s most-popular festivals and events
By Molly Priddy
It’s one of the busiest times of year in the Flathead Valley, and the next four months are packed with events, festivals, and hopefully plenty of sunshine.
There’s a ton to do, so be sure to mark your calendars with some of the biggest events coming up this summer, and be sure to check in with www.FlatheadEvents.net for day-to-day updates, additions, and changes.
And finally, welcome to summer. You made it. Now enjoy it.
Flathead Lake Marinas Readying for Summer Under New Management
Lakeside Marina becomes Flathead Harbor; Marina Cay in Bigfork gets new operator
By Justin Franz
Change is in the air at two popular marinas on Flathead Lake as the new managers at Flathead Harbor in Lakeside and Marina Cay in Bigfork are busy preparing for summer.