- Alpine Lake Views
The hiking opportunities in Montana are endless. We hiked in Billings, Lolo National Forest, Flathead National Forest, Kootenai National Forest, and Glacier National Park. There is no better feeling after a long, strenuous hike than to arrive at a crystal-clear alpine lake. Max swam in every single lake to cool off after the hike and I was also tempted to jump in a few of them myself. The best part is we often had these mountain lakes all to ourselves!
2. Waterfalls
Many Montana hikes are home to rushing waterfalls and their accompanying rivers. We visited Kootenai Falls, the largest un-dammed waterfall in the state, where Max walked the longest (and scariest) swinging bridge he has transversed thus far. we also visited Yaak Falls, with some of the clearest river water I have ever seen.
3. Farm Stays
One thing we will miss dearly about Montana is all of the available farms stays. Max got to spend time with cows, horses, farm dogs, and (from a distance) chickens. There was always deer frolicking through these properties as well. Max really loves cows and horses, and it was so special to see him interact with the horses on our farm stays. We even got to stay above a horse barn in Kalispell. A farm stay is a perfect place to find peace, quiet, and a mental reset. Being surrounded by beautiful pastures and the healing energy of animals feels healing and restorative. This was one of our favorite parts about Montana.
4. Swimming
Between state parks, national forests, and recreational lakes there are no shortages of swimming in Montana. There are at least 3,223 named lakes in Montana. Max and I visited the largest one, Flathead Lake. My favorite lakes were the ones we hiked too, though. Surrounded by silence and mountain views, these were the most beautiful to me.
5. Sunsets and Sunrises
Every morning, Max and I would catch the sunrise on our morning walk. It was the most beautiful way to start each day. The sunsets were equally as beautiful, especially on the farms.
6. Huckleberry Ice Cream
Montana is the destination for Huckleberry everything! Max and I tried to take advantage of huckleberry ice cream and milkshakes almost every day that we were there, knowing that we wouldn’t have access to such a thing when we left. But it doesn’t stop at ice cream! I also tried huckleberry lemonade, cheesecake, fudge, and margaritas. I’m convinced there isn’t anything they can’t put huckleberry in! We also came across huckleberry vinaigrette, chocolate, candy, jam, liquor, pie and more! Sampling all the huckleberry is a must on a Montana vacation!
7. Peace and Quiet
The best part of Montana is all the SPACE. It just feels like you can breathe between the wide-open fields, the expansive lakes, and the lush forests. I found myself laying down next to Max everywhere: on large rocks by alpine lakes, on the shorelines of recreational lakes, in the fields of farm stays, and in a hammock overlooking a horse pasture. If serenity is what you’re looking for, you will find it in Montana.
8. Mountain Views
There is no shortage of mountain views in Montana. You simply can’t avoid it. Everywhere we went, there was a mountain in the distance: on a farm, shopping downtown, and on the trails of course. It also made for some of the most scenic driving.
9. Wildflowers
The best part of Montana summers? wildflowers everywhere! Most of our hiking trails were lined with beautiful mountain wildflowers. We came across them along highways and back roads and spread across farm stays. It was so cute when Max would actually stop mid-walk to smell them!
10. Stars (They Don’t Call it Big Sky for Nothing)
Montana is nicknamed “Big Sky Country” because of it’s vast landscapes and beautiful skylines. My favorite part was the star gazing. The sun set late in the summer (almost 11 o’clock) but if we could stay up, Max and I would sneak outside for a view of the vast night sky, full of stars for as far as the eye can see. The stargazing in Montana is just incredible and has a way of making you feel so small and insignificant.
