Recreation opportunities exist throughout Western Montana; no matter the season, we’re chock-full of amazing activities. To give you a sampling of the unique adventures you’ll find here, we’ve created an A to Z list of activities for your next Glacier Country getaway. 

Take a once-in-a-lifetime overnight horseback adventure in Western Montana. Photo: MTFJ

A – Air adventures offer a bird’s-eye view of our spectacular scenery. From hot air balloon rides to airplane tours and skydiving, we’ve got you covered.

B – Bird watch at our wildlife refuges, national parks and pretty much anywhere else, too. Our skies are graced with soaring raptors, our waterways flush with waterfowl and shorebirds, and our woodlands visited by songbirds.

C – Cattle drives are one way to experience life in the West. A few of our working dude ranches provide this unique adventure.

D – Dog sledding is an intimate way to travel through our winter wonderland behind a team of well-trained, snow-loving dogs.

Mushing your own team of dogs is wildly fun. Photo: Jason Savage

E – Explore our blue-ribbon trout streams, rivers and lakes for world-class fly-fishing. Western Montana has some of the most pristine, undisturbed waters and the friendliest fishing guides around.

F – Fat bikes are equipped with extra-wide tires, perfect for snowy roads and trails—making Glacier Country a prime biking destination year-round.

G – Golfing here is a rare combination of stunning scenery, renowned courses and affordability.      

Golfing in Glacier Country is a leisurely way to spend the day.

H – Hunting is a way of life, for some, in Western Montana. From elk, deer and antelope to waterfowl and upland birds, our diverse landscapes house an abundance of wildlife.

I – Ice climb Glacier Country’s frozen waterfalls and ice-covered rock slabs. Our experienced guides are ready to take beginners and experts alike on a guided trip.

J – Jet ski on Flathead Lake—the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. You can find boat rentals throughout our region.  

K – Kayak Brennan’s Wave in Missoula is a man-made rapid you can surf, spin and cartwheel—over and over again.

L – Llama trek the Bob Marshall Wilderness with Swan Mountain Llama Trekking. Your personal, spunky llama will carry your gear and provide you with some laughs along the way.

Meet your new favorite hiking partner in Western Montana. Photo: Ami Vitale

M – Motorboat on Lake Como, a stunning mountain lake surrounded by alpine forests. Cruise back to the waterfall in your boat or hike the 7-mile trail around the lake, passing the waterfall.

N – Native American cultural tours are a unique way to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the region.

O – Overnight on a guided multiday horseback trail ride. Saddling up in Montana is an essential part of the western experience.

P – Paddleboarding has become a popular water activity here, which is no surprise as it’s a fun and serene way to explore our lakes and rivers.

You can’t beat our crystal clear waters. Photo: Noah Couser

Q – Quilting remains a cherished tradition in Western Montana, perfect for those looking to unwind with a cozy, creative activity. Attend an annual quilt show in one of small towns where a local quilter is sure to teach you tips and tricks.

R – Rock climbing in Western Montana includes dramatic rock faces, rugged crags, crack climbing and bouldering playgrounds, plus terrain for both beginners and seasoned climbers.

S – S is for snowshoeing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides, which are all not-to-be-missed winter activities in Western Montana.

Snowmobile our flat trails or steep climbs—Glacier Country is a sledder’s paradise. Photo: Noah Couser

T – Tube the Blackfoot River or Swan River, the ideal, lazy pastime on a hot summer day.

U – U-Pick orchards are a fun activity for the whole family and a great way to taste some sweet Montana flavors.

V – View the Milky Way at Glacier National Park, an internationally recognized Dark Sky Park.

W – Whitewater raft the Alberton Gorge and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Go with a guide or take a self-guided trip.

Rafters take in the views on a calm stretch of the Alberton Gorge. Photo: Andy Austin

X – X-Country ski to Garnet Ghost Town and stay overnight in a primitive cabin, only available during the winter. 

Y – Yaak Mountain Lookout can be rented overnight, and is a prime location for stellar scenery, incredible wildlife watching, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and dark-skies gazing.

Z – Zip line through the treetops at Whitefish Mountain Resort. You can fly more than a mile on six separate lines that provide unrivaled views of the Flathead Valley, Glacier National Park and Whitefish Lake.

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.

July 22, 2024

Related: Aerial Tours, Alberton, American Indian, Birding, Boating, Dog Sledding, Fall Fun, Family Fun, Fat Biking, Fishing, Flathead Lake, Garnet Ghost Town, Golfing, Guest Ranch, Guided Tours, Horseback Riding, Hot Springs, Hunting, Ice Climbing, Kayaking, Missoula, Montana, Nordic Skiing, Outdoor Fun, Rock Climbing, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Spring Fun, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Summer Fun, Vacation, Winter Fun, Yaak

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