Every summer, residents of the Flathead Valley plan out their weekends with military-like precision. After all, there are only so many days to pack in the activities we love, from hiking and biking to boating and running. Drive through town early on a Saturday morning and you’ll see dozens of people loading up their cars at the crack of dawn. They have places to go and people see.
But sometimes it’s good to remember the old adage that “the journey is the destination.” Sometimes it’s good to hit the road just for the sake of hitting the road; no schedules, no time constraints, just you and whatever the road brings. Sometimes, the best way to spend a sunny summer weekend is to partake in that beloved American pastime, the road trip. To help you hit the road this summer, the Beacon lists some of our favorite trips.
We’ll see you on the road.
A Loop Through Glacier
Route: West Glacier to St. Mary and back via Essex / 130 miles
Be sure to get up early for this 130-mile trek through Glacier National Park to make sure you’re driving up the Going-to-the-Sun Road at dawn for so me of the most breathtaking views around. Stop for a quick morning hike to Hidden Lake or St. Mary Falls before continuing on to the east side for a late breakfast or early lunch. Two Sisters Café near Babb is always a popular hangout or you can pull up a seat at the counter at the Two Medicine Grill in East Glacier Park.
If you stop by the Two Medicine Grill, after lunch cross the street and check out the impressive Glacier Park Lodge built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway. Then head back west along U.S. Highway 2 and Marias Pass. Stop at the summit to see the memorial obelisk dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt before continuing on to Essex and West Glacier, where you can end your day with dinner and a drink at one of the area’s many fine saloons and eateries.
A Run Around the Lake
Route: Somers to Polson via Highway 93 and back via Bigfork / 85 miles
Starting in Somers, head south on U.S. Highway 93 and enjoy the morning views of Flathead Lake. In Lakeside, stop at Farmhouse for brunch before continuing south. Along the way, stop at either the West Shore or Lake Elmo state parks for a pleasant walk along the water. In Polson, check out some of the shops downtown, or one of the local attractions, including the Miracle of America, the Polson-Flathead Historical Museum and the Sandpiper Art Gallery. If you’re a fan of beer, stick around until 3 p.m. when Glacier Brewing Company opens and have a pint before heading back north on the east shore.
Enjoy the sights along Montana Highway 35 before stopping for dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in Woods Bay or Bigfork.
Kootenai to Koocanusa
Route: Troy to Ten Lakes, via Libby and Eureka / 130 miles
Start your day in Troy and head east along U.S. Highway 2 to enjoy the sunrise on the Kootenai River Valley. Be sure to stop at Kootenai Falls and the suspension bridge halfway between Troy and Libby. When you get to Libby, stop for a late breakfast or early lunch at the Libby Café or the Last Straw Café. After Libby, head north on Montana Highway 37, also known as the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway, to Eureka, making a stop at the Libby Dam. There’s a small visitor center and on occasion they even offer tours of the massive structure.
At Eureka, head south on U.S. Highway 93 and drive 10 miles before turning north on Grave Creek Road. Stop in at HA Brewing for a quick pint before continuing on to the Ten Lakes Scenic Area. There you can go for a walk and enjoy the scenery before turning around and heading home or pitching a tent and staying the night.
A Swing Through the Swan
Route: Somers to Seeley Lake / 80 miles
This one-way 80-mile trip takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in all of western Montana, the Swan Valley. Start in Somers by dipping your toes in the water of Flathead Lake before heading east toward Bigfork. In Bigfork, grab a hearty breakfast at one of the local eateries, such as the Echo Lake Cafe, before heading south on Montana Highway 83. Soon you’ll be driving along Swan Lake, where you can stop and enjoy the sights of the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge. Further south near Seeley Lake, get off the blacktop and explore the 2.7-mile Morrell Falls Recreations Trail in the Swan Mountains. After you take in the spectacular 90-foot waterfall, head back north, making a stop at the Laughing Horse Lodge or Terrace Supper Club before calling it a day.