Summer in the Flathead Valley
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GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
With over 700 miles of trails, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and serene lakes, Glacier National Park offers adventures for everyone. The West Entrance to the park is a short 35-minute drive from Haymoon Resort. To learn more about Glacier National Park and to plan your trip, visit the following websites: Glacier National Park and Glacier Park Foundation.
You will need a vehicle reservation in addition to your parks pass in several areas from May 24 – September 8, 2024. Vehicle reservations will be available on Recreation.gov through two types of booking windows; A portion of vehicle reservations will be available 120 days or approximately four months in advance on a daily rolling basis, beginning January 25 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. Next day vehicle reservations will be available at 7 p.m. Mountain Time for next-day entry, starting May 23, 2024 on a daily rolling basis.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
New in 2024, Apgar Village will be accessible to visitors without a reservation. This includes Apgar Visitor Center and the free park shuttle. Lodging, camping (including front country developed campgrounds and wilderness camping permits), transportation, or commercial activity reservations originating in Apgar will no longer provide access beyond the Apgar reservation checkpoint just past the Apgar Campground turn off. A full list of which commercial lodging, and camping reservations providing access beyond Apgar can be found on the park website.
Vehicle reservations are required for east bound traffic on Going-to-the-Sun Road past the reservation checkpoint May 24 through September 8, 2024, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. New in 2024, reservations for Going-to-the-Sun Road are good for one day only.
Visitors without reservations will be detoured at the checkpoint and routed back through Apgar Village. The village is expected to experience heavy traffic and parking will be in high demand.
Also new in 2024, visitors will be able to access Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side beyond Rising Sun without a vehicle reservation. Visitors will also have access to the St. Mary Visitor Center and shuttle stop on the east side of Glacier National Park, as in 2023.
North Fork
Vehicle reservations are required for the North Fork area May 24 through September 8, 2024 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are good for one day.
Many Glacier Valley
Reservations are needed for Many Glacier starting July 1 through September 8, 2024 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advanced reservations for Many Glacier will be available beginning March 3, 2024, at 8 a.m. These will be released 120 days or approximately four months in advance on a daily rolling basis at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. Next day vehicle reservations will be available at 7 p.m. Mountain Time for next-day entry, starting on May 23 on a daily rolling basis. Reservations for Many Glacier are good for one day.
Booking A Reservation
Each of the specified areas of the park will require a separate reservation. Vehicle reservations will be available on https://www.recreation.gov/, or the Recreation.gov mobile app. Visitors will need to set up an account on Recreation.gov to obtain reservations and are encouraged to do so prior to the day reservations open. The cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.
Visitors may also make a reservation through the Recreation.gov call center. Contacting the call center does not provide an advantage towards securing a reservation but provides an alternative for those who don’t have access to the internet or are not as familiar with technology. Call centers are open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mountain Time and the processing fee remains $2. The following lines are available for callers:
- Reservation line (Toll-Free) – (877) 444-6777
- Reservation line (International) – (606) 515-6777
- Reservation line (TDD) – (877) 833-6777
here are some tips for making your reservation as they do sell out fast online:
Set a reminder for when you need to make your reservation.
Create your account in Recreation.gov ahead of time.
Get comfortable with the system. If you hover over your desired date, it will tell you what date the ticket will be released.
Be logged in before 8am or 7pm if reserving the day before. We do recommend trying to make your reservation when your block opens, but if you miss this, you can try again the day before.
Select your date and click request tickets at Exactly 8am. (You only need 1 ticket per vehicle).
If you do not get a ticket, but there are still tickets Available, keep trying!!!
Once the ticket(s) are in your cart, just remember to check out within the time allowed.
If you don’t get at ticket, plan to try again at 7pm the day before, but also take into consideration the other options for visiting the park below!
Don’t worry! Lots of people enjoyed the park last year without a reservation! There are also tons of other very beautiful places to go hiking or for a scenic drive. Here are some options for visiting Glacier National Park without a ticketed entry reservation in 2024:
Enter the park before 6am or after 3pm. (Remember it gets light early and stay light out late here in Summer).
Drive hwy 2 to the east side of the park and drive the going to the sun road from east to west.
Park at Apgar village and take the free shuttle along the going to the sun road. (Apgar village will likely be busy, so plan accordingly).
Book a tour/activity along the GTSR in the park. Verify in the Valid Service Reservations in the Going-to-the-Sun-Road Corridor on the GNP website. You can also book tours with Whitefish Outfitters in the park as well as a few other non-park guide services. Just make sure to confirm with anyone that you book with that you don’t need the ticket.
ALWAYS check the park’s website for updates, weather, trail/road closures, and read through their information carefully before planning your trip! We try to provide helpful resources, but please verify information with the Glacier National Park website.
General: Information Reservation System: Make a Reservation
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GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD
Enjoy the mesmerizing experience of traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile, two lane, paved road that spans the width of Glacier National Park. Cross the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot-high Logan Pass in your own vehicle or take the free shuttle to take in the spectacular views of striking mountains, deep valleys, rushing rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife. The road is typically fully open from late June to mid-October. Check the park website for further information. See information about the reservation system above.
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GOLFING IN THE FLATHEAD VALLEY
Enjoy the mesmerizing experience of traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile, two lane, paved road that spans the width of Glacier National Park. Cross the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot-high Logan Pass in your own vehicle or take the free shuttle to take in the spectacular views of striking mountains, deep valleys, rushing rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife. The road is typically fully open from late June to mid-October. Check the park website for further information. See information about the reservation system above.
HIKING
When you think about hiking in Northwest Montana, you likely think of Glacier National Park! GNP is breathtaking, but there are lots of other places to hike as well with spectacular views, rushing water, peaceful woods, and so much more!
Whitefish Trails: 42 miles of trails through beautiful woods with 12 trailheads around the valley. For bikers, hikers, and horseback riding!
Big Mountain: With tons of hiking trails, gorgeous views of the valley, a restaurant at the top, and the option to take the ski lift up or down, Big Mountain has something for everyone.
Herron Park: A moderate rated hike with 4 well marked trails totaling in a 7.6 mile loop located in Kalispell, MT
Jewel Basin: In the Flathead National Forest, Jewel Basin includes 15,349 acres with 35 miles of trails and 27 lakes. One of the local favorites for hiking, backpacking, and camping!
Swan Mountain Range: The Swan Mountains have so much to offer. Jewel Basin is a favorite, but there are many other hikes in this area!
There are also quite a few other trails in the Flathead National Forest, State Parks, and along highway 2 toward Essex (a number of these are technically in Glacier National Park, but you do not have to go into the park to get to them). You might check out All Trails which is an App you can use to locate hikes, understand difficulty, and look at reviews from other people.
Kuhn’s Wildlife Management Area: Located on Farm to Market Road, this area is great for both hiking and mountain biking.
Kootenai National Forest:West of town, towards Libby, the Kootenai National Forest offers a variety of hiking trails, probably the most popular being Kootenai Falls.
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BIKING
There are so many places to bike in the area! Whether you are a seasoned mountain or road biker or just looking to get some exercise and see some beautiful country, there is a trail for you! Here are some links to help you plan your next excursion.
Mountain Bikers
Big Mountain: Whitefish Bike Park offers 30 miles of trails, including a 10 mile cross country network and 22 downhill trails serviced by 2 chair lifts.
Herron Park: Located in Kalispell off of Foyes lake road.
Whitefish Trails System: Spencer Mountain is a popular part of the Whitefish Trails System for mountain bikers.
Reid Divide: Awesome trail located near Tally Lake.
Scenic Rides
Glacier National Park: The best time to bike the Going to the Sun Road is in Spring before it opens to Vehicles! Bring or rent a bike or e-bike and experience the GTTSR in a whole new way.
Rails to Trails: Check out the link for a map of the rails to trails system.
Whitefish Lake: 22 mile scenic out and back around Whitefish Lake.
*** Check out the rental and guided tour links below for more rides, routes, terrain, and difficulty information.
BIKE RENTALS, LESSONS, and GUIDED TOURS
Glacier Cyclery: Mountain Bikes, Hybrids, Cruisers, Kids Bikes, and Accessories
Whitefish Outfitters: E- Bikes, Guided Cycling Adventures, Clinics, Lessons
Sportsman Skihaus: Basic Bikes, Fatbikes, Kids Bikes
Whitefish Bike Retreat: Guided Tours, Lessons, Clinics, and other Activities
Great Northern Cycle: Bike Rentals
Glacier Outfitters: Bike Rentals for Going to The Sun Road
Montana E-Bikes: E-Bike Rentals for Going to The Sun Road and other areas!
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HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE FLATHEAD VALLEY
Horseback Riding is one of the most fun ways to explore the Flathead Valley, Mountains, and surrounding areas!
Artemis Acres: Offers trials rides in Kalispell with views of Flathead Lake
Swan Mountain Outfitters: Glacier National Park trail rides, both in West Glacier and Many Glacier
Bar W Guest Ranch: Ranch in Whitefish offering trail rides
Snowy Springs Outfitters: Offers day rides and guided pack trips, located in Essex, MT
Want a different experience? Try Llama Trekking! Visit Swan Mountain Outfitters for more information and to reserve your trip.
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RODEO AND OTHER HORSE SPECTATOR ACTIVITIES
Blue Moon: Summer Rodeo Series
Majestic Valley Arena:Rodeo, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, and other events and activities
Rebecca Farm: International 3 Day Event – July
Great Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo: At the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell in August
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FISHING
Northwest Montana has many beautiful lakes for fishing, there’s small and quiet lakes, the largest freshwater lake West of the continental divide, and everything in between! In the Flathead Valley you are sure to find a great fishing spot- with a view!
GUIDED FISHING
Lakestream Fly Shop: Fly shop in Whitefish offering several great fly fishing trip options! If you are looking for an unguided experience, these guys are happy to help steer you in the right direction of good fishing.
Montana Fishing Guides: Guided fly and float fishing tours with experienced fishermen.
Hooked On Montana: Clay offers an awesome fishing experience on Flathead Lake!
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WATERSPORTS
We are surrounded by some awesome lakes and rivers!
Whitefish Lake: About a 10 minute drive. City Beach and State Park both have good swimming.
Flathead Lake: About a 35 minute drive to Somers Boat Launch, huge lake, rentals swimming areas, boat tours, guided fishing and so much more.
Tally Lake: About a 45 minute drive, deep lake, swimming area, usually rentals in summer.
Flathead River: Can be great for floating late July and August. (Always use caution).
WATER SPORT RENTALS IN WHITEFISH:
Whitefish Marine: Motorized Boat Rentals.
Marina at Whitefish Lake Lodge: Sport Boats, Cruising Boats, Jet Skis, SUPS, and Kayaks
Whitefish Lake State Park: Typically Kayaks and Paddleboards for rent.
Whitefish Lake City Beach: Kayaks, SUPs, chairs, river tubes, and more!
Whitefish Outfitters: Kayaks, SUPs, chairs, river tubes, and more!
Sportsman Skihaus: SUPs, Inflatable Kayaks, Packrafts, Demo Canoes
Flathead lake also offers a variety of rentals and swimming areas. The closest is the Somers Boat Launch.
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WHITE WATER RAFTING
The Flathead River is great for White Water Rafting! Here are some guides that would be happy to take you our on the river! All are located up near the West Entrance to Glacier National Park.
Great Northern Whitewater Rafting
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PLANE/HELICOPTER TOURS
See the the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas in a whole different way! Take a plane or helicopter tour!
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ROCK CLIMBING
If you are thinking about going rock climbing during your stay, check out one of these local rock climbing guides. Each have adventures to fit all different levels, abilities, and rock climbing ambitions and offer custom guided rock climbing trips. Some offer clinics and gear rental as well.
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TOWN
Explore the picturesque towns of Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Bigfork which are all in close proximity to Haymoon Resort. Enjoy shopping, dining, live entertainment, and seasonal festivities year-round.
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scenic drives
- Vist the Bison Range
- Drive the loop from Whitefish to Eureka to Libby and back to Kalispell and enjoy the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway.
Take hwy 93 North to hwy 37 to hwy 2 East and back to hwy 93 North
- Enjoy the view of Flathead Lake along Hwy 93 from Kalispell to Polson.
- Take a drive down to Seeley Lake. Driving along the Swan Mountain Range and Swan and Seeley lakes is beautiful. There are a good number of hikes along the way as well. Enjoy lunch in Bigfork or at the Echo lake Cafe on your way down or back!
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OTHER ACTIVITIES
- Bowling – Pin and Cue Bowling
- Axe Throwing – Hanks Hatchets
- Whiskey Tasting – Glacier Distilling Company, Spotted Bear Spirits, Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits
- Brewery Tours – Big Sky Brews Cruise
- Painting Parties – Tipsy Brush
- Aerial Classes and Private Parties – Levitation Nation
- Bingo – Fat Boys, Eagles
- Trivia – Sacred Waters, Bias Brewing
- Events at Majestic Arena
- Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Events
- Enjoy the Arts – Whitefish Theater Company, Alpine Theater Project, Stumptown Art Studio
- Enjoy a Spa Day – Natural Elements Massage and Spa, Glacier Med Spa and Wellness,
- Take a Yoga Class – Yoga in Whitefish
