Gateway to Glacier National Park

Kalispell Montana Summer Adventure Plan

Kalispell Montana Summer Adventure hiking Glacier National Park

It’s known as the Soul of Montana: Kalispell is one of the West’s ultimate mountain towns—only a 30-minute scenic drive to the west side of Glacier National Park. But Glacier’s not the only amazing outdoors here. Make the friendly mountain town of Kalispell your home base to these top adventures.

Glacier Glory

Montanans revere their wild and scenic places, and they don’t come more wild and scenic than Glacier National Park: the Crown of the Continent. The park is one million acres of terrain carved by glaciers, flowing with waterfalls, covered in turquoise lakes, and wild with wildlife—from grizzly bears to sure-footed mountain goats. Getting to the west side of Glacier National Park from Kalispell is an easy, scenic 30-minute drive. This side of the park is mostly open, including the trails around Lake McDonald and the Going to the Sun Road all the way up to Logan Pass and Rising Sun. For epic views of Many Glacier Valley, head out on Piegan Pass Trail, just east of Logan Pass. Or tackle the 12-mile Huckleberry Lookout hike for serious bragging rights.

Kalispell & Glacier Trip Ideas

Flathead Lake & State Parks

kayak Kalispell Montana

The largest natural freshwater lake in the West, Flathead Lake is a glacially sculpted oasis. Located at the base of the Swan and Mission mountain ranges, this blue beauty has 185 miles of shoreline featuring six state parks, all with beaches, camping, swimming, and hiking trails. Take a boat to Wild Horse Island, a 160-acre state park where you’ll find … wild horses! Make a big loop around the lake, exploring towns, cafes, breweries, a distillery, and a winery. Summer brings roadside fruit stands well worth a stop (the cherries are delicious!). Out on the water you can do everything from sunset kayaking to exploring Somers Bay or enjoying small group boat tours.

TIP: For an entirely unique vantage of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park, head to Lone Pine State Park, just outside of downtown Kalispell.

Kalispell & Glacier Trip Ideas

Hidden Jewel

The Glacier region is called the Crown of the Continent. And a hidden hiking jewel in the crown? Well, that’s Jewel Basin Wilderness, 15,349 acres of pure nature with 35 miles of trails solely for hiking (no bikes, no horses, no motorized traffic). You know it’s good when locals say it’s the best place to go for a day hike. You’ll feel like you have a lot of wilderness to yourself! The upper trail system is above treeline, so you get dramatic, wide-open views. You may even see some mountain goats … they like trekking in high places, too.

Kalispell & Glacier Trip Ideas

Mountain Town Time Out

Take a deep breath … you’re on mountain time now. Relax and stroll Kalispell’s blend of timeless small-town architecture and modern comforts. Locally owned shops and dining spots including sidewalk cafes and craft breweries make a downtown that’s refreshingly down to earth! Don’t miss Kalispell’s famous staple adventure store, Western Outdoors.

TIP: Pick up a self-guided walking tour map and explore Kalispell.

Know Before You Go

Find out and follow the local health guidelines at your destination.

Plan ahead and be patient as amenities and activities may be limited or could change.

Have a mask, wear a mask and maintain social distance as a courtesy to others and to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Enjoy your trip: a little planning, a little patience, and you're gonna have a lot of fun!

Here's more information on traveling responsibly in Montana.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View