Summer Activities in Northwest Montana: Your Local Adventure Guide
Image Credit: Visit MT
Summer Activities in Northwest Montana: Your Local Adventure Guide
When summer arrives in Northwest Montana, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your weekends. Whether you’re a Flathead Valley local looking for your next adventure or visiting the area for the first time, you’ll find incredible scenery, outdoor recreation, charming small towns, and unforgettable road trips just minutes from Kalispell.
At Kalispell Auto Group, we know that some of the best memories begin behind the wheel. Here are some of the top summer activities in Northwest Montana that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Explore Glacier National Park
No list of summer activities in Northwest Montana would be complete without mentioning Glacier National Park. Home to more than 700 miles of hiking trails, crystal-clear alpine lakes, waterfalls, and incredible wildlife, it’s one of the country’s premier national parks.
Popular attractions include:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Logan Pass
- Hidden Lake Overlook
- Lake McDonald
- Avalanche Lake Trail
Glacier National Park is less than an hour from Kalispell, making it an easy day trip for locals and visitors alike.
Spend the Day at Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is one of Montana’s greatest summer destinations and the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.
Favorite activities include:
- Boating
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Lakeside dining
If you don’t own a boat, consider renting from Bigfork Outdoor Rentals, Flathead Boat Rental, or Paddle Board Outfitters for a relaxing day on the water.
Visit Whitefish for Summer Fun
Just 20 minutes north of Kalispell, Whitefish offers plenty to do long after ski season ends.
Don’t miss:
- Scenic lift rides
- Mountain biking
- Ziplining
- Downtown shopping
- Local breweries
- Whitefish City Beach
The nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort transforms into a summer playground featuring lift-served biking, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, and zipline adventures.
Go Rafting on the Flathead River
Looking for something a little more adventurous?
Whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River offers incredible scenery with plenty of excitement. Guided trips are available for beginners, families, and experienced rafters alike.
Consider booking with:
- Glacier Guides and Montana Raft
- Glacier Raft Company
- Great Northern Whitewater Rafting
Many outfitters also offer scenic float trips if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience.
Discover Downtown Kalispell
Sometimes the best adventures happen close to home.
Downtown Kalispell is filled with locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, boutiques, and museums that make for the perfect afternoon.
Nearby attractions include:
- Lone Pine State Park
- Woodland Park
- Conrad Mansion Museum
- Northwest Montana History Museum
Whether you’re grabbing lunch, shopping local, or taking in the views from Lone Pine, Kalispell offers plenty to explore beyond the mountains.
Bike the Flathead Valley
Cycling has become one of the fastest-growing summer activities in Northwest Montana, thanks to scenic roads and beautiful trails throughout the Flathead Valley.
Need equipment?
Check out:
- Kalispell e-Bike Rentals
- Wheaton’s Cycle
An e-bike is a fantastic way to explore downtown Kalispell or enjoy sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road when cycling access is available before full vehicle traffic resumes.
Explore Bigfork
Bigfork is one of Montana’s most charming small towns and makes an excellent day trip from Kalispell.
Popular activities include:
- Shopping downtown
- Swan River walks
- Art galleries
- Flathead Lake access
- Summer theater
- Waterfront dining
Its relaxed atmosphere makes Bigfork one of the Flathead Valley’s hidden gems.
Plan a Scenic Road Trip
One of the best ways to experience Northwest Montana is simply by driving it.
Favorite scenic drives include:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Flathead Lake Loop
- Whitefish to Polebridge
- Swan Highway
- Highway 2 through Essex
Pack a cooler, bring your camera, and enjoy some of the most scenic highways in the country.
Adventure Starts at Kalispell Auto Group
From camping trips and boating weekends to hiking Glacier National Park and exploring Flathead Lake, there are countless summer activities in Northwest Montana waiting just outside your driveway.
Whether you’re looking for a capable SUV, a spacious family vehicle, or a dependable truck to haul your gear, Kalispell Auto Group has a vehicle ready for every Montana adventure. Stop by our dealership or browse our inventory online and get ready to make the most of summer in the Flathead Valley.
0 comment(s) so far on Summer Activities in Northwest Montana: Your Local Adventure Guide