Autumn in Glacier Country is truly one of a kind—snow-dusted peaks in the distance, golden tamarack trees lighting up the landscape, and vibrant leaves gently falling all around. With comfortable daytime temperatures and quieter trails, it’s the ideal season for outdoor adventures. There are so many things to experience during fall in Western Montana, and here are seven of our favorites.
Take a Scenic Drive
Glacier Country is full of stunning views, making it a great place for scenic drives. With the fall colors on full display, these routes become even more spectacular, offering a perfect way to experience the beauty of the season. Western Montana features nine scenic travel corridors, each featuring a unique blend of vibrant autumn colors, snowcapped peaks, abundant wildlife and charming small towns. For a memorable drive, visit the CSKT Bison Range on the Flathead Reservation. Explore one of the two loops and stop by the visitor center to learn about the history of the bison and their cultural significance to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The range is home to over 350 bison, along with antelope, deer and elk, whose bugling echoes through the fall air.
Hike in Glacier National Park
Fall might be the best time of year to hike in Glacier National Park. With no vehicle reservations required, fewer crowds, and ideal hiking temperatures, it’s the perfect season to experience the park’s beauty. Glacier offers over 734 miles of trails that wind through stunning landscapes, from dense forests to alpine meadows, giving hikers of all levels plenty to explore. Whether you’re seeking a short, easy walk or a challenging backcountry trek, ask a ranger for recommendations to find the ideal trail suited to your skill level. Don’t forget to bring layers and be prepared for weather changes—fall can be unpredictable in the mountains, but the crisp air and golden foliage make every hike unforgettable.
Go Fly-Fishing
Autumn offers an incredible angling experience—we may as well call it “trophy trout season.” If casting a line in a river or stream, meandering peacefully through fall’s golden landscape and breathing in the cool mountain air sounds like paradise to you, then grab your waders and come on over to fish Western Montana. If you’re unfamiliar with our rivers, find the perfect spot on a guided fishing trip with an outfitter like Kootenai Anglers in Libby. Autumn’s shorter days and cooler nights produce day-long dry-fly conditions, and the fish feed voraciously this time of year.
Visit a Mansion
There’s something especially festive about visiting a historic mansion in the fall. The Daly Mansion in Hamilton, once the home of copper king Marcus Daly, features over 50 varieties of trees in its arboretum, making it a must-see during autumn. Over in Kalispell, take a docent-guided tour of the Conrad Mansion, the former residence of Kalispell’s founder, and explore its beautifully maintained grounds. For an extra thrill, plan your visit during the ghost tours on October 18, 19, 25, or 26.
Visit the Blackfeet Nation
Located on the east side of Glacier National Park, fall on the Rocky Mountain Front is pretty incredible. Just off State Highway 89, less than 2 miles south of St. Mary, walk the teepees—a piece of public art—at St. Mary’s Overlook. Take a Cultural Workshop Hike with Iron Shield Creative; contact them for private tours. Then head into Browning and visit The Museum of the Plains Indian, before shopping at Western Curious and Faught’s Blackfeet Trading Post. Need a ride? Backpacker’s Ferry can assist with transportation or guided sightseeing tours on the east side of Glacier National Park.
Mountain Bike in the Crisp Mountain Air
With fewer people on the trails, fall is an ideal time to mountain bike in Western Montana. Overnight at the Whitefish Bike Retreat for trail-side lodging and on-site bike rentals. Warm up for the day by taking the loop around the 19-acre property, navigating berms on the pump track, or weaving through obstacles in the skills park. When you’re ready to venture farther, the Whitefish Bike Retreat connects directly to The Whitefish Trail, featuring more than 42 miles of single-track trails. For the more experienced rider who’s ready for a challenge, Legacy Bike Park in Lakeside offers shuttle-accessed trails where you can camp, listen to music and enjoy the outdoors while refining your mountain biking skills. For family biking fun, check out Missoula’s paved riverfront trails.
Paddle the Clearwater Canoe Trail
There are several reasons to paddle this peaceful canoe trail (located a few miles north of Seeley Lake) in autumn, most notably that the Seeley Swan Valley is painted in golden hues from changing tamarack trees lining the mountainside, and wildlife is in abundance. You don’t even need to bring your own canoe—Tamaracks Resort in Seeley Lake rents canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Discover Montana’s golden season and find more things to do in the fall in Glacier Country.
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.
September 23, 2024
Related: American Indian, Arts and Culture, Bison Range, Bitterroot Valley, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Blackfeet Nation, Boating, Fall Fun, Family Fun, Fishing, Hiking, Lakeside, Libby, Missoula, Montana, Museums, Outdoor Fun, Road Trips, Seeley Lake, Vacation
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