Glacier National Park – Called the “Crown of the Continent”. Home to the Going to the Sun Road, it boasts more than 700 miles of maintained trails, sparkling lakes, alpine glaciers, deep forests and wildlife large and small. www.nps.gov/glac
Polebridge – At the heart of the Flathead’s “North Fork” just a mile from Glacier Park’s northwest entrance, the unique community of Polebridge offers no traffic lights, no crowds, no electricity, no hassles. There is the Polebridge Mercantile, Northern Lights Saloon, a variety of rental cabins, and a host of great characters and events to enjoy throughout the year. 406-888-5105, polebridgemerc@gmail.com
Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex – This wilderness complex – joining the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness areas — totals a million-plus acres of rugged peaks, cascading waterfalls, shimmering streams, towering coniferous forest, lush meadows, and big river valleys. (406) 758-5200; www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/wilderness/Wilderness.htm
Flathead Lake – At nearly 200 square miles and surrounded by six state parks, Flathead is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Perfect for boating, fishing, and waterskiing. (406) 752-5501; www.fwp.mt.gov/parks
Flathead National Wild and Scenic River – One of America’s longest wild and scenic river systems, encompassing more than 215 miles across breathtaking backcountry. Rafting, kayaking, and fishing are all available. (406) 758-5200; www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead
Ten Lakes Scenic Area – East of Eureka in the Whitefish Mountain Range just below Canada and above the Tobacco Valley, the Ten Lakes Basin was carved by glaciers leaving alpine mountain lakes sheltered by high, rim-rocked basins connected today by 89 miles of hiking trails. www.fs.fed.us/r1/kootenai/
Museum of the Plains Indian – In Browning, the heart of the Blackfeet Nation on Glacier Park’s east side, you’ll find displays of the richly varied arts of Northern Plains Tribal people — including the Blackfeet, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Sioux, Assiniboine, Arapaho, Shoshone, Nez Perce, Flathead, Chippewa, and Cree. Their historic clothing, horse gear, weapons, household implements, baby carriers, and toys highlight the exhibits. www.iacb.doi.gov/museums/museum_plains.html
Izaak Walton Inn – A historic railroad hotel reputed as one of the best cross country ski resorts in the Rockies. An excellent all-season base camp for visiting Glacier Park and other northwest Montana attractions. http://www.izaakwaltoninn.com
Belton Chalet & Lodge – Historic railroad hotel at the West Glacier entrance of Glacier Park. www.beltonchalet.com
Two Medicine Dinosaur Center (Bynum) – Home to North America’s first fossilized dinosaur embryos, along with the world’s longest skeletal model display of the largest dinosaur – a Seismosaurus. A wide variety of field dig opportunities offered. www.tmdinosaur.org
Seeley-Swan Valley – Seeley Lake, Condon, and Swan Lake are the gateway communities to this 90-mile valley’s lakes, streams, mountain trails. Nestled between the Swan and Mission Mountain Ranges. www.montanascenicloop.com/communities/index.php
Yellowstone National Park – The World’s first national park. Hike or backpack amid steaming hot springs, shooting geysers, roaring waterfalls and abundant wildlife. www.visitmt.com/national_parks/yellowstone/
West Yellowstone – West entrance to Yellowstone National Park offers many attractions of its own to complete your Yellowstone experience. www.westyellowstonechamber.com/
Beartooth All-American Road – Witness the rare transition of lush forest ecosystem to alpine tundra in just a few miles on the highest elevation road in the Northern Rockies, and access the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
