Spring is one of the best times to hit the road in Glacier Country. Snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers, blooming wildflowers and emerging wildlife make every drive memorable. With sparkling lakes and quiet mountain valleys, these scenic routes invite you to slow down, explore charming communities and enjoy the changing season along the way.
CLEARWATER JUNCTION TO BIGFORK
Approximately 90 miles, one way
Travel north through the Seeley Swan Corridor on a drive that showcases some of Western Montana’s most beautiful lakes. Along the way, enjoy views of Salmon Lake, Seeley Lake, Lake Inez, Lake Alva and Swan Lake before arriving in the village of Bigfork on the shores of Flathead Lake.
Pack a picnic, stop for a photo with Stoney the Cow at Clearwater Junction and take your time exploring the lakes, recreation areas and small communities along the route.
MISSOULA TO SULA
Approximately 94 miles, one way
Follow U.S. Highway 93 south through the Bitterroot Valley, including the communities of Lolo, Florence, Stevensville, Victor, Hamilton, Darby and Sula, surrounded by views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains.
A stop at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities to spot migrating waterfowl, great blue herons and other wildlife. Past Darby, enjoy the scenery around Lake Como before continuing south through historic Darby and toward Chief Joseph Pass, where mountain views stretch across the Continental Divide.
HIGHWAY 12 SCENIC DRIVE
Approximately 33 miles, one way
Follow U.S. Highway 12 west from Lolo toward the Idaho border as the road winds through Lolo National Forest alongside the West Fork of Lolo Creek.
Along the route, stop at Travelers’ Rest State Park to learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, stretch your legs at Fort Fizzle Historic Site Picnic Area or Lee Creek Campground, and in late June, admire the colorful camas blooms that blanket Packer’s Meadow near Lolo Pass.
LAKE KOOCANUSA SCENIC LOOP
Approximately 110 miles, round trip
Beginning in Libby, follow the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway along the eastern shoreline of Lake Koocanusa before crossing the lake near Rexford and returning on the quieter western side.
This scenic drive offers lake, river and mountain views, with opportunities to picnic, fish, camp and watch for wildlife along the way. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep on the surrounding hillsides, and bring a fly rod if you’d like to spend time on the blue-ribbon waters of the Kootenai River.
FLATHEAD LAKE LOOP
Approximately 90 miles, round trip
Circle Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, on one of Glacier Country’s signature scenic drives.
Beginning in Polson, travel along the western shore through Big Arm, Elmo, Dayton, Rollins, Lakeside and Somers before crossing to the eastern shore through Bigfork and continuing south.
In spring, cherry orchards bloom along the eastern shoreline, creating one of the region’s most picturesque drives.
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.
Updated August 28, 2026
May 11, 2020
Related: Big Arm, Bigfork, Bitterroot Valley, Darby, Dayton, Elmo, Flathead Corridor, Flathead Lake, Florence, Hamilton, Lakeside, Libby, Lolo, Missoula, Northwest Corridor, Polson, Road Trips, Rollins, Seeley Lake, Seeley-Swan Corridor, Somers, Stevensville, Wildlife
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