With fresh mountain air, wide-open spaces and a deep connection to nature, Glacier Country is the perfect place to refresh your mind, body and spirit. Wellness is woven into Western Montana’s landscape, from sunrise hiking and hot springs soaking to forest bathing and cold plunging. Plan a getaway focused on health and wellness—like a spa retreat or wilderness immersion experience—or incorporate some of these activities—like sauna, yoga and sound healing—into any trip.
THERMAL AND WATER-BASED WELLNESS
Water has long been used for healing, and in Western Montana, it flows naturally from the earth, filling hot springs pools and pristine alpine lakes. Whether soaking in mineral-rich waters or taking a bracing cold plunge, water-based wellness is abundant here.
+ Sauna, Cold Plunge and Contrast Therapy: Saunas and cold plunges are said to offer powerful benefits, from improved circulation and detoxification to stress relief and reduced inflammation. In Western Montana, recharge at Whole Body Wellness Collective, Renu Wellness Spa, The Drip Room at HypeHouse and Float Wellness Spa in Missoula, Sauna Plunge Montana in Kalispell or Blue Star Resort in Columbia Falls. For a mobile sauna experience, Glacier Country Sauna delivers a wood-fired Finnish sauna to your cabin, vacation rental or special event. Prefer a refreshing plunge? Take a dip in Flathead Lake with The Frozen Chosen, which hosts weekend cold plunge events.
For a getaway, The Cabins at Blacktail in Lakeside offers a Finnish cedar sauna and an invigorating spring-fed cold plunge. At The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, relax in a lakefront sauna with mountain views.
+ Hot Springs: Let your worries fade away as you soak in geothermally heated, mineral-rich waters that melt stress and soothe tired muscles. Western Montana is known for its rejuvenating hot springs, including Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort (with a cold plunge for contrast therapy), Symes Hot Springs, Lost Trail Hot Springs and Lolo Hot Springs.
+ Float Therapy: Weightless and free from distraction, float therapy invites deep relaxation and mental clarity. Drift away at Float Missoula, where you’ll also find an infrared sauna, massage, an apothecary and on-tap kombucha for a full-body reset.
OUTDOOR AND NATURE-BASED WELLNESS
Spending time in nature isn’t just refreshing—it’s proven to lower stress, boost mood and improve overall well-being. Western Montana’s vast landscapes offer countless ways to connect with Mother Nature.
+ Forest Bathing: Slow down and absorb the sights, sounds and scents of the forest. Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, invites you to unplug from distractions, breathe deeply and reconnect with nature. Book a guided session with Montana Forest Bathing, or wander Western Montana’s state parks for a self-led reset in the trees.
+ Slow Walking: Move with intention. Slow walking is a mindful way to explore nature, focusing on each step and breath. Stroll through the Teller Wildlife Refuge in Corvallis, slow walk the Red Sun Labyrinth in Victor, or soak in the tranquil energy of the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in Arlee. While walking, consider the practice of earthing/grounding. Take your shoes off and feel the earth beneath your feet, which is said to lower stress.
+ Wilderness Immersion: Time in the wild restores the mind and body. Embark on a guided backcountry adventure with Glacier Adventure Guides in Glacier National Park, Swan Mountain Outfitters in the Bob Marshall Wilderness or Bitterroot Backpacking in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. Or book an experiential wilderness immersion with Blue Star Resort.
+ Wild Swimming: Okay, it’s really just swimming. But swimming in Western Montana’s pristine, glacial-fed waters is invigorating and refreshing. Favorite spots include Holland Lake, Flathead Lake, Whitefish Lake and Lake McDonald, as well as hidden alpine lakes found along mountain trails. Keep in mind, even in summer, Western Montana’s waters can stay cold. Learn about water safety before you take a dip.
+ Outdoor Yoga: Nature and movement go hand in hand. Practice SUP yoga (stand-up paddleboard yoga) with Hot House Yoga in Missoula or Yoga Hive Montana in Whitefish. For a full yoga retreat experience, unwind at Dancing Spirit Ranch in Whitefish, Rising Wolf Yoga + Adventure Retreat in Polebridge or Samaa Living in Bigfork.
+ Herbal Foraging: Discover Montana’s edible and medicinal plants through immersive foraging experiences. Indigikitchen in Babb, led by Mariah Gladstone, offers hands-on workshops in plant identification and traditional indigenous food preparation. A cultural workshop hike with Iron Shield Creative incorporates traditional plant identification and plant medicines. For a fragrant experience, visit Longview Lavender Farm in Somers or Big Sky Lavender Farms in Florence.
MINDFULNESS PRACTICES
Intentional stillness and mindful breathing can reduce stress and promote well-being. In Western Montana, where quiet landscapes and open spaces abound, finding that sense of calm comes naturally.
+ Meditation: Quiet the mind, center the spirit and find balance. Meditate at Open Way Sanghas Mindfulness Center in Missoula, retreat to Namchak Retreat Ranch in Hot Springs or relax at Samaa Retreat Center in Bigfork.
+ Breathwork: Harness the power of breath to calm the nervous system and restore balance. Try TranceFormational Breathwork at Ritual Yoga Missoula or explore guided sessions at Big Sky Breathwork, also in Missoula. For a personalized experience, book a session with Exhale Montana.
SOUND AND VIBRATIONAL HEALING
Sound therapy uses vibrations, frequencies and music to promote relaxation and healing. Rooted in ancient traditions, this practice uses singing bowls, gongs and tuning forks to reduce stress, balance energy and encourage deep relaxation. Explore sound healing with Missoula Sound Meditations at Ritual Yoga or Sacred Ally (also in Missoula), The Nook in Bigfork or Glacier Sound Healing Center in Columbia Falls.
IV INFUSION THERAPY
Need to replenish, refuel and restore post-adventure? Busybee IV Hydration & Wellness brings the wellness to you in Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Kalispell with their mobile health and wellness services, like vitamin shots and IV therapy. Or, visit Renu Wellness Spa in Missoula, LIVE Hydration Spa in Kalispell, plus Glacier Drip and The IV Element, both in Whitefish, for a wellness boost.
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 17, 2025
Related: American Indian, Babb, Bigfork, Bitterroot Valley, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Columbia Falls, Flathead Lake, Florence, Glacier National Park, Hiking, Hot Springs, Hot Springs (town), Kalispell, Lakeside, Lolo, Missoula, Montana, Outdoor Fun, Paradise, Polebridge, Seeley-Swan Corridor, Somers, Sula, Vacation, Water Fun, Whitefish
Comments