Page 45 - Flathead Beacon // 1.22.13

FLATHEADBEACON.COM
JANUARY 22, 2014 | 45

COMMUNITY COLUMBIA FALLS

Glacier Park and Gateway Communities -

Open for Business All Winter Long!

on. Rent snowmobiles and sled to the
By STACEY SCHNEBEL
top of Desert Mountain for a breathtak-
ing view without having to sweat for it. It’s a common misconception that
Pack a lunch in a backpack, strap your our beloved backyard park is closed dur-
cross country skis to the roof of your car
ing the winter months. Not true! Glacier
National Park is open seven days
a week, year-round (barring any
unforeseen budget crises). The

small businesses lanking the
park and the Flathead National
Forest are open for business and
eager to serve the Flathead’s res-
idents and visitors. This is the
time of year when we enjoy get-
ting to know our local custom-
ers and share our experiences

and knowledge. Entertaining
guests this winter? Pack up the
BEACON FILE PHOTO
car and head through Bad Rock
Canyon to show of our spectac-
ular sights!
and head to Essex for some challenging
Those who live in and around Gla- groomed skiing, or stop and trek up one
cier take advantage of these crowd-free, of the many forest service roads along

snow-illed days and strike out on Gla- the way.
20% off
cier’s trails on skis and snowshoes for With thousands upon thousands of
fresh air and exercise, looking for winter easily accessible acres of public lands
animal signs, or just to gaze at the stun- embracing the Flathead Valley, it is easy
ning snow covered peaks across Lake to ind new places for weekend day trips.
McDonald. There’s something for ev- If you aren’t the solo adventurer type,
eryone here, from peaceful winter sol- we have professionals to help you. From
ace taken in through the car window to guided snowmobile rides and cross

adrenaline-infused adventure. Poking country ski adventures to ranger-led FILTERS &
around the park in winter reveals much snowshoe walks, you can feel safe and
more than deep untouched snow, like get the most out of winter in northwest
giant moose tracks heading of through Montana. On your way home, be sure to
the woods and the swoosh of eagles glid- stop in to one of the restaurants or wa-
ing about as if they owned the place. No tering holes to brag about your day. You
matter how you see yourself exploring are sure to ind some friendly folks who SPA & POOL
the Gateway to Glacier area this winter, are happy to swap their best Montana

one thing is certain; there are winter winter stories.
memories waiting to be made!
All too often we hear of people in
There’s so much more than Gla- the Flathead Valley who haven’t ever set
cier National Park to explore when you foot in Glacier or it’s friendly gateway CHEMICALS
follow the Flathead River upstream. communities in winter. Don’t let this be
Head towards the Hungry Horse Dam you! You can ind more information and
for more accessible winter wilderness contact the winter adventure experts by

and see if you can spot the elusive lynx. checking out the Columbia Falls Area
Strike out on the ice of one of our solid Chamber of Commerce member direc-
frozen lakes to try your hand at ice ish- tory on our website: www.columbia-
ing, and throw those old ice skates in the fallschamber.org. Get out and enjoy this *In stock supplies only. Not to be combined with any other discount offers.
trunk in case you ind glassy ice to skate
beautiful winter while you can.
ONE WEEK ONLY! JAN. 22 - JAN 29

THANKS FOR LISTENING!!!

#1 STATION MORNINGS

Right across the
257-7317 • street from the
170 7th Ave WN
KOFIRADIO.COM
Fairgrounds!

*EASTLAN FALL 2013 M-F 6AM-10AM ADULTS 18+ CUME
Mon-Fri 8am - 5:30pm • Sat 8:30am - 5pm • Closed Sunday