Spring is one of Western Montana’s best-kept secrets. It’s the season to get out and explore the region’s emergence from winter, which includes greening landscapes, baby wildlife and raging waterfalls, not to mention uncrowded adventures and shoulder-season prices. Here are nearly two dozen ways to explore our most underrated season.
1. BIKE IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
The scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road is a bucket-list bike ride, especially in the springtime when you can cycle this beauty before it’s open to vehicular traffic. Rent an e-bike from Glacier Guides and take your biking experience to the next level. If you’ve got small children in tow, check out the park’s Apgar Bike Path. Please note, if you’re biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road from west to east you will need a vehicle reservation to drive to Avalanche after May 24, 2024 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. We suggest entering from the east side, where vehicle reservations are not required.
2. VIEW THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AROUND FLATHEAD LAKE
You’ve likely heard the buzz about our delicious Flathead cherries. Flathead Lake is easy on the eyes any time of year, but when it’s lined with cherry blossoms it’s extra special. The lake is surrounded with orchards, and the cherry trees are in full bloom early to mid-May. You’ll find the most spectacular orchard views along State Highway 35 from Polson to Bigfork, perfect for a scenic spring drive around the lake.
3. HIKE THE M IN MISSOULA
Have you really seen Missoula if you haven’t “hiked the M”? Begin at the base of Mount Sentinel on the University of Montana campus, and work your way up .75 miles via 11 switchbacks to the iconic M on the mountainside, where you’ll be met with an incredible view of the Missoula Valley, the Clark Fork River and the Rattlesnake Wilderness, all emerging into their springtime glory.
4. EXPLORE THE CSKT BISON RANGE
At the base of the Mission Mountains, the CSKT Bison Range offers breathtaking views and wildlife watching. In early spring, visitors can travel along the West Loop, and Red Sleep Drive (the 19-mile-long one-way drive that winds through the range) opens in early May. Be sure to keep an eye out for baby bison!
5. PAN FOR SAPPHIRES & VISIT A CANDY STORE
Philipsburg is one of Montana’s most charming small towns. Home to boutiques, a fun brewery and the famous old-fashioned candy shop, the Sweet Palace, it’s also a great place to pan for sapphires. Make plans to visit Gem Mountain or the Sapphire Gallery to try your luck at finding a few Montana treasures. Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine opens in late May.
6. WHITEWATER RAFT THE ALBERTON GORGE
Many of Montana’s rafting companies begin offering river trips in May and June, and the Alberton Gorge, just outside Missoula, is a popular location. You’ll have a blast running the rapids, which are raging in the springtime. Go with an experienced guide, like Montana River Guides.
7. VISIT SELI’S KSANKA QLISPE’ DAM
Get off the beaten path just 10 miles from Polson and visit the Salish-Kootenai owned Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam, formerly known as the Kerr Dam. Located on the Flathead River, this 204-foot structure has a viewing platform offering amazing Flathead Lake and Mission Mountain views, and is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Don’t miss the chance to watch the powerful water coming through the spillway, which is extra high in the springtime due to snowmelt. Please note, you will need a tribal permit to visit the dam.
8. TAKE A TRAIL RIDE
Saddle up for a guided trail ride, complete with rolling terrain and jaw-dropping vistas. Riding a horse across the Montana landscape is one authentic western experience. Let an experienced guide lead the way, like Dunrovin Ranch in Lolo, Montana Horse Works in Kalispell or Hood’s Western Adventures in Alberton.
9. GOLF
Glacier Country’s golf courses tend to open for the season in April, and spring is a lovely time to get on the green. When you tee up in Western Montana you’ll find renowned courses, epic scenery and affordability. The Flathead Valley has been named a “Top 50 Golf Course Destination” by Golf Digest and with the acclaimed Meadow Lake Golf Course and Wilderness Club—rated No. 1 golf course in the state by Golfweek—it’s safe to say Glacier Country is one incredible place to golf.
10. TOUR ST. MARY’S MISSION IN STEVENSVILLE
Opening for the season in mid-April, the Historic St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville is an important place in Montana history. Be sure to take a guided tour of the complex and view the incredible American Indian photos inside Chief Victor’s cabin.
11. SET OUT ON A SCENIC FLIGHT
Take to the skies in Big Sky Country on an aerial adventure tour for the chance to see Western Montana’s awe-inspiring terrain from a unique and mesmerizing perspective. Witness the expanse of land dotted with high alpine lakes and herds of majestic wildlife, like elk and deer, or spot the occasional bear in a mountain meadow. You’ll find multiple companies in Glacier Country offering scenic flights and aerial tours—including hot air balloon rides.
12. BIKE THE ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA
Opening for the season at the end of May, the Route of the Hiawatha takes bikers through 10 tunnels and across seven high, steel trestle bridges in the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains between Montana and Idaho. This family-friendly pedal is a good way to get out and make memories—and in springtime, you’ll find shorter lines for the shuttle (which begins in late May).
13. SOAK IN A NATURAL HOT SPRING
With comfortable temperatures during the day and cooler nights, spring is ideal for soaking in one of Montana’s many natural hot springs. For a weekend visit, head to Paradise and try the newly renovated pools at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort. Book well in advance, or take advantage of their day-swim passes and overnight elsewhere. You can also soak up some fun at Symes Hot Springs Hotel in the eclectic town of Hot Springs.
14. STAND ON THE SWINGING BRIDGE OVER KOOTENAI FALLS
Tucked up in the northwest corner of Montana, Kootenai Country offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Kootenai Falls and the Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge are a must, and the high-water springtime makes for an even more exhilarating view. This picturesque bridge is suspended over the rushing Kootenai River, presenting the perfect photo op and an unforgettable experience.
15. TAKE A HIKE IN MISSOULA’S URBAN WILDERNESS
Just 4 miles from downtown Missoula, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness is a peaceful place to take a good, old-fashioned hike and enjoy the many scents and sounds of springtime. Look for wildflowers like arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine and hairy cat’s ears. This mixed-use area is also available for mountain biking and horseback riding.
16. GO BIRDING AT LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
A 30-minute drive south of Missoula and a few minutes from Stevensville, the Lee Metcalf is a 2,800-acre refuge that’s home to a variety of wildlife and birds that in the springtime become quite active after months of quietude. The refuge has accessible trails and offers gorgeous views of the Bitterroot Mountains. You can also take a slow drive through the refuge, past a few ponds, which are great for viewing waterfowl during spring migration. Great blue herons can be spotted nesting in the conifers next to the ponds this time of year.
17. VISIT LIBBY DAM
Witness one of the most massive and architecturally sound dams built today. Libby Dam stands at 422 feet tall and 3,055 feet long, and holds back 90 miles of water in Lake Koocanusa. Explore the Libby Dam Visitor Center, which opens on Memorial Day and includes an exhibit area and auditorium, as well as book and gift sales. Recreation in the area includes boating, fishing, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing.
18. FISH ROCK CREEK
Rock Creek is Montana fly-fishing at its finest. This gem of a waterway is a blue-ribbon trout stream where anglers flock to reel in cutthroat, rainbow, bull and brown trout, as well as whitefish. Though it’s famous for its salmon fly hatch at the end of May into June, the second week of March offers phenomenal dry-fly fishing when the stoneflies and mayflies hatch.
19. TOUR THE GARDEN OF ONE THOUSAND BUDDHAS
Find peace in one of Montana’s most tranquil valleys just north of Arlee at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. Stroll through the public park, botanical garden and Buddhist center evoking enlightenment and awakening. The location and architecture of the garden were born out of a prophetic vision that Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche had as a child, and the Montana backdrop only adds to the serenity of the experience. Time your visit for Vesak or “Buddha Day”—the first full moon of May.
20. HIKE MORRELL FALLS NEAR SEELEY LAKE
Spring is the time to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails to watch the landscape emerge from winter’s blanket. Morrell Falls is an easy 5.4-mile round-trip hike through lush forestland, past two mountain lakes, culminating at a picture-perfect waterfall. Bonus: Enjoy views of the Mission Mountains on your drive to the trailhead.
21. TAKE A GLACIERS-TO-GEYSERS MUSEUMS ROAD TRIP
The landscape between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks is prime for a road trip and dotted with captivating museums. A park-to-park Glaciers to Geysers museums adventure not only allows you to explore both of Montana’s national parks, but also experience these tour-worthy regions. Vibrant small towns and museums rich in art and history offer the perfect spring getaway. Bonus: From Glacier Country, head southeast to watch baby wildlife emerge in Yellowstone National Park.
22. EXPLORE LONE PINE STATE PARK
Spring is the perfect time to hit the reset button with refreshing scenery and fresh mountain air. Head to Lone Pine State Park, outside Kalispell, where an overlook features spectacular Flathead Valley vistas. On a clear day, you can see Flathead Lake, Big Mountain, the Jewel Basin and Glacier National Park. It’s especially pretty in the spring when everything is greening up and beginning to bloom.
23. TOAST TO SPRING AT A CRAFT BREWERY
Taste some finely crafted Montana beer at one of the region’s 30+ breweries. Limberlost Brewing Company in Thompson Falls, Cut Bank Creek Brewery and Ronan Coop Brewery all offer local vibes and authentic Montana flavor. Cheers to spring, and finding adventure somewhere extra special like Western Montana.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents Recreate Responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
March 25, 2024
Related: Arlee, Biking, Birding, Bison Range, Cut Bank, Fishing, Flathead Corridor, Glacier National Park, Golfing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hot Springs, Hot Springs (town), Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, Northwest Corridor, Outdoor Fun, Outfitters, Paradise, Parks, Philipsburg, Road Trips, Seeley Lake, Spring Fun, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Stevensville, Water Fun, Whitefish, Wildlife
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