Fall in Western Montana is a season of color and adventure. Crisp air and golden tamaracks set the stage for days spent fishing scenic rivers, teeing off with mountain views or taking a drive through landscapes painted in autumn hues. Add in harvest festivals, local flavors and backcountry exploration, and you’ve got plenty of reasons to plan a getaway. Here are five ways to make the most of fall in Glacier Country.

FLY FISHING

Fall is one of the best times to cast a line in Montana. Mayflies hatch, fish rise and river conditions are ideal for wading or floating. The banks are lined with golden cottonwoods and western larch, creating a scenic backdrop for a day on the water. Near Missoula, head to the Blackfoot River—made famous by A River Runs Through It—or try the Clark Fork and Bitterroot rivers. Farther north, the Kootenai and Flathead rivers offer excellent fall fishing. Book a guided fishing trip with an experienced outfitter to make the most of your time on the water.

Go with a guide to make the most of your time. Photo: Journal of Lost Time

GOLFING

Fall is an excellent time to golf in Western Montana. Most courses stay open into October (weather permitting), and offer a mix of scenic views, well-designed layouts and affordable play. From public and semi-private courses to relaxed rounds and challenging fairways, there’s something for every golfer.

 + Tee up at King Ranch Golf Course in Frenchtown, where you’ll find a challenging 18 holes, a relaxed vibe and Clark Fork River views.

 + In Stevensville, Whitetail Golf Course offers a 9-hole course with open fairways and a peaceful setting on the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge, where wildlife sightings are common.

 + Meadow Lake Golf Resort in Columbia Falls was rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest and listed among Montana’s top public courses.

 + At the Cut Bank Golf and Country Club, a mile west of Cut Bank, enjoy a true small-town golf experience with friendly locals and a laid-back vibe.

+ Take on a challenging course framed by stunning Mission Mountain views at the Mission Mountain Golf Club in Ronan.

Take in the view at King Ranch Golf Course in Frenchtown.

SCENIC DRIVES

If you’re looking for a classic fall experience, take a scenic drive through Western Montana. From golden tamaracks to mountain views, these routes showcase the season at its best.

+ Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop (112 miles) – This gravel route circles the reservoir and offers views of Hungry Horse Dam, golden larch on snow-dusted hillsides, scenic overlooks and plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings.

+ Drive from Eureka to Troy (87 miles) –  Take in the sights along the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway. Highlights include Libby Dam, the Kootenai River and Tobacco Valley scenery, including mountain and lake vistas.

+ Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Swan Lake (56 miles) – Known for its many lakes, fall hikes and water recreation, this drive is especially scenic in mid-October through early November, when tamarack trees turn a brilliant gold. Don’t miss a stop just outside the town of Seeley Lake to visit Gus, a 1,000-year-old larch tree—one of the largest in the world.

Go leaf peeping along the Hungry Horse Reservoir Loop. Drive the Photo: Aaron Hagen

FALL FESTIVALS

Autumn in Western Montana brings more than beautiful scenery—it comes with a lineup of seasonal celebrations. From Oktoberfest traditions to harvest gatherings and Halloween tours, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Plan your trip around one of these fall favorites.

+ Fall Harvest Festival at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, Sept. 28

+ The Great Northwest Oktoberfest in Whitefish, Oct. 2 – 4 and 9 – 11.

 + The Fall Gathering at the Moon Randolph Homestead in Missoula, Oct. 4

+ Conrad Mansion Ghost Tours in Kalispell, Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25

Fall brings some of our favorite events, including the Fall Fathering at Moon Randolph Homestead. Photo: Rio Chantel Photography

OHV RIDES

Exploring Western Montana often means leaving the pavement behind. Off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails offer a fun way to experience the region’s rugged backcountry and scenic high country. Options include ATVs, four-wheelers and side-by-side UTVs, which can be rented locally for a day of adventure. For an off-road adventure rental, check out Flathead Off-Road Rentals and Seeley Adventures.

An OHV ride is a fun way to explore the backroads of Western Montana. Photo: Lyman Gillen

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.

August 11, 2025

Related: Blackfoot Corridor, Clark Fork Corridor, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Eureka, Events, Fall Fun, Family Fun, Fishing, Flathead Corridor, Frenchtown, Golfing, Hungry Horse, Kalispell, Missoula, Montana, Northwest Corridor, Off Roading, Outdoor Fun, Outfitters, Ronan, Seeley Lake, Seeley-Swan Corridor, Stevensville, Swan Lake, Vacation, Whitefish

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