Looking for a getaway that feels a little farther from the everyday? Discover 10 small towns in Western Montana where scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, local history and welcoming communities create memorable Montana stops. Explore Flathead Lake, the Bitterroot Valley, the remote northwest corner of Glacier Country, and everywhere in between. These lesser-known towns offer plenty of ways to explore Western Montana at a slower pace.
BIG ARM
On the “big arm” of Flathead Lake, Big Arm offers easy access to lake recreation and Wild Horse Island. At Big Arm State Park, spend the day hiking, biking or swimming, then settle in beneath a ponderosa pine and juniper canopy at the campground. The campground also has three yurts.
Big Arm Bay is a popular base for sailing, scuba diving, water skiing and lake-trout fishing. Stay at the tribally owned Big Arm Resort for a relaxing home base. If you plan to fish in Big Arm Bay, you’ll need a tribal fishing license since the southern half of Flathead Lake is located within the Flathead Indian Reservation.
BONNER
Just east of Missoula, Bonner sits along the Blackfoot River and still shows remnants of its timber industry roots. Visit Bonner Milltown History Center and Museum to learn more about the community and its logging heritage.
Bonner is best known for being the home of KettleHouse Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue along the river, and KettleHouse Brewing Company, known for beers including Cold Smoke® Scotch Ale. Stop by Posh Chocolat for handcrafted chocolates and café fare, or explore Milltown State Park, where trails and riverfront access meet at the confluence of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers. With access to the Blackfoot, Seeley and Swan valleys, Bonner is a convenient starting point for outdoor adventures.
CORAM
Just minutes from Glacier National Park, Coram is a convenient base for exploring the park and surrounding Flathead Valley. Families can find plenty of fun at the Amazing Fun Center, with mazes, mini-golf, bumper cars, go-karts and bankshot basketball.
For an overnight stay, choose from western-inspired lodging options, including the glamping tents and treehouses at Under Canvas Glacier. Visit Glacier Distilling Company to sample Montana-made spirits and small-batch whiskeys at The Whiskey Barn, then settle in for a meal at Josephine’s Speakeasy, located in a historic bootlegger and homesteader cabin.
CORVALLIS
In the Bitterroot Valley, Corvallis offers access to Bitterroot River recreation and nearby trails, including the Mill Creek Trailhead.
In autumn, visit Swanson’s Mountain View Apple Orchards, a century-old, family-run Bitterroot Valley favorite. Year-round, the Teller Wildlife Refuge provides wildlife viewing and a 1.5-mile hike between the Bitterroot Mountains and Sapphire Range. Corvallis is also along the Bitterroot Trail, a paved, 50-mile route connecting Missoula and Hamilton.
CUT BANK
Along the East Glacier Corridor and eastern edge of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Cut Bank combines Rocky Mountain scenery with a rich history and plenty of outdoor recreation.
Visit the Glacier County Historical Museum to explore a 1917 schoolhouse, an oil worker’s house and derrick, an old caboose, Lewis and Clark exhibits and a replica homestead house and farm. The community also hosts events including the annual Lewis and Clark Days Festival and Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
Stroll Main Street downtown to see Cut Bank’s colorful murals depicting the area’s history and heritage.
FERNDALE
Between the Mission Mountains and Swan Range, Ferndale offers access to some of Western Montana’s most scenic outdoor destinations. It’s a gateway to the Jewel Basin Hiking Area, where hikers can explore mountain trails and lakes, and to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
Known as “The Bob,” the 1.5-million-acre complex includes the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Scapegoat Wilderness and Great Bear Wilderness. Ferndale is also well positioned for water recreation on Flathead Lake, Swan Lake and the Swan River.
HUSON
Follow the Clark Fork River east of Missoula to Huson, a gateway to the scenic Nine Mile area. Visit the Nine Mile Remount Depot and Historic Ranger Station to learn about the area’s history and its role in supporting packers, wildland firefighters and backcountry work.
Nearby trails include Grand Menard Picnic Area and Discovery Trail and Ch-paa-qn Peak Trailhead. For camping and mountain biking, explore Kreis Pond Campground. In summer and fall, look for locally grown produce and flowers at County Rail Farm and Field Five Flowers.
MARION
Near the Northwest Corridor and Kalispell, Marion is surrounded by lakes, forests and wildlife habitat. Little Bitterroot Lake and Little McGregor Lake are popular for boating, water recreation and trout fishing.
Nearby Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, black bear, lynx and wolverines. Stay at Dream Haven Guest Ranch or The Lodge at McGregor Lake for an overnight escape.
TROUT CREEK
Along Montana’s scenic Highway 200, Trout Creek is known as the huckleberry capital of Montana. Visit during the annual Trout Creek Huckleberry Festival in August for a taste of the community’s favorite fruit.
The surrounding area offers plenty of ways to get outside, from fishing and boating on Noxon Reservoir to hiking to Vermillion and Graves Creek falls. The Trout Creek Farmers Market is another local favorite. For a memorable overnight, stay at The Shire of Montana, a cozy Hobbit-style retreat inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s books.
YAAK
Deep in Western Montana’s remote northwest corner, Yaak offers a quiet setting surrounded by forests, rivers and abundant wildlife. The area was made famous by author Rick Bass in “The Book of Yaak,” but the community remains one of Montana’s quieter destinations.
Explore the Yaak River, hike and bike nearby trails, or spend time fishing and camping in the surrounding country. Yaak Falls is another highlight, with a beautiful cascade framed by exposed rock dating to some of the oldest geological formations in the world. End your visit at Yaak River Tavern for a taste of local character.
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
October 12, 2020
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