Over the past decade, visitor numbers to Montana have increased year after year. Western Montana, in particular, overflows with visitors during the summer, thanks to its proximity to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
Even though June through August might be the most popular months to visit, that doesn’t mean it’s the best time for a trip. Here’s my case for an off-season adventure to the region.
But first, summer woes
Peak season problems don’t end with endless elbow rubbing on the trails and inside restaurants. Temperatures are at their highest, making outdoor activities a little less enjoyable. Not to mention, the mosquitoes and black flies can be relentless.
Wildfire season overlaps with this busy time of the year, bringing added risk to your trip. And wildfire smoke—the risk of which peaks in late summer and can blanket the West for a large portion (or the entirety) of a trip (and have adverse health effects)—isn’t fun to deal with, especially on vacation.
One of the best parts of going to a new place is connecting with those who live there. I can name endless trips where a random conversation or even just small talk with a barista has resulted in amazing recommendations and provided important additional context on a place.
However, these experiences have always occurred outside of a destination’s busy season. On my February trip to Whitefish and the surrounding area, friendly chats occurred everywhere I went. Don’t expect these conversations to occur as casually in summer, when businesses are so busy that locals simply don’t have the time or bandwidth to engage in friendly chatter.
Why you should visit in the fall
Montanans will tell you that fall is the state’s most underrated season. Many of the outdoor activities popular in summer are still possible, but with fewer people. That means less crowding on trails and at attractions, and better availability of accommodations.
New England might receive all the national leaf-peeping attention, but the rainbow-hued landscapes of larches, maples and aspens across Western Montana create a brilliant backdrop for autumn adventures. For travelers who really want to embrace the seasonal spirit, numerous towns host harvest markets and pumpkin patches.
What to do:
- Hike off-peak season in Glacier National Park, Seeley-Swan Valley or Blodgett Canyon.
- Bike the Great Northern Historical Trail from Kila to Kalispell and Somers.
- Go riding and admire Montana’s fall colors from horseback.
- Check out fall festivals such as the Kalispell Harvest & Holiday Farmers Market, Troy Apple Fest or the Montana Brewers Fall Rendezvous in Missoula.
- Go for a paddle on Flathead Lake and catch the last of the colors from the water—the best vantage point.
Winter is worthwhile too
Winter gets a bad rap, but it’s actually one of the most picturesque times to visit Western Montana. Sure, temps can be frigid, but that’s part of the appeal. Visitors during the frozen months are self-selecting, but for those who embrace it, a magical trip awaits.
That said, if you’re not used to Mountain West winters, it’s worth considering a few points when planning a cold-weather trip. Main roads and highways in Montana are well-maintained and plowed year-round. Chains and/or winter tires aren’t required in most places, but should a severe weather event take place, the Department of Transportation may require tire traction on certain routes. Additionally, some accommodations within the national parks will be closed, but otherwise, winter is a happening time in the state!
What to do:
- Ski or snowboard at independent resorts such as Whitefish Mountain Resort, Snowbowl, and family-owned Discovery Ski Area.
- Go ice fishing. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake offers guided excursions, no experience needed.
- Go snowshoeing in Glacier National Park or Yellowstone.
- Take a sleigh ride at the Bar W Ranch.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road is only open between West Glacier and Lake MacDonald. You can park and walk or cross-country ski the rest of the route.
Making the case for spring
This is when Western Montana comes out of hibernation. The snow melts, feeding springs, waterfalls and rivers to roaring results. Warmer weather invites spring blooms to the landscape. Visitors can marvel at cherry blossoms dotting the numerous lakes and spot young wildlife, as this is when many species give birth.
What to do:
- Go for a spring bike ride. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a great option, often filled with wildflowers and temporarily free of car traffic. Enter from the east, where you won’t need a reservation. Route of the Hiawatha is another, less intense option.
- Try white river rafting on the Middle Fork of Flathead River or the Alberton Gorge.
- Go surfing… on a river, a new phenomenon visitors can try in Montana.
- Try your hand at fly-fishing for rainbow trout.
- Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly adorable wolf cubs and elk calves (keep your distance and brush up on safety protocol).
I was invited on a hosted press trip with Explore Whitefish and Western Montana’s Glacier Country, but all opinions in the above story are my own. Also note that, at the time of publication, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks are open, but the government shutdown may impact some services within the parks.