- Visit: Flathead State Park/ West Shore
Flathead Lake State Park has 185 miles of shoreline and there are thirteen access points to the lake. I recommend West Shore because it offers hiking trails, camping, and boat access. This location also offers SUP and kayak rental right by the boat ramp. Entry cost me $8 as an out of state vehicle for a day pass. I parked close to the boat ramp and then accessed the trails from there. One trail follows the lakeshore and has picnic tables and lots of access to the lake. Max was too afraid of the rolling current to jump in, but he did lap up some sips of the clear water. After our hike, we meandered along the little rock beach, located in front of a grassy area with picnic tables and a bathroom. We loved the trails and there were a few other dogs we met along the way.
2. Eat: Harbor Grill in Lakeside
You cannot beat the views at Harbor Grill. Only a few miles from Flathead State Park/West Shore, this restaurant has a plethora of outdoor seating with a view of the harbor. There is even boat parking if you were boating on the lake and wanted to stop by for lunch. The parking lot is small, but there is extra parking across the street down a little dirt road. The patio consists of a large bar, high and low top seating, and an outdoor patio sectional. There are beautiful flower displays everywhere you look. I loved the playlist at the bar. It took me back to high school with bands like Yellowcard, Paramore, All American Rejects, and Hinder. Max was brought a water bowl when we sat down and I ordered him a plain cheeseburger. The food was phenomenal. There were other dogs on the patio as well and everyone was very well behaved. The tables all have umbrellas, so Max was shaded from the sun and the short rain shower that surprised us.
3. Eat: Norm’s Soda Fountain
For dessert, head downtown to Norm’s Soda Fountain. Originally, I planned to go to Sweet Peaks but they had a line out the door and were out of huckleberry ice cream, Max’s favorite. Thankfully, Norm’s was only a few blocks down. Unlike Sweet Peaks, dogs are allowed inside Norm’s while you order. I got Max a cup of huckleberry ice cream and a sundae for myself. The service and ice cream was great.
4. Shop: The Huckleberry Patch
The Huckleberry Patch in Hungry Horse is a must stop. First of all, behind the store they have a dog park! How cool is that? The store sells souvenirs, huckleberry flavored just about anything, and sweets. My favorite purchase here was peanut butter and huckleberry fudge! Attached is also a cafe called Patch’s Grill with both indoor and outdoor seating. I got a huckleberry milkshake to go and split it with Max.
5. Hike: Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park doesn’t have a whole lot you can do with a dog since all the trails do not allow them, but there is enough to make a day out of. First, you can park at Apgar Village and watch the sun rise over Lake MacDonald. Then, you can walk the paved bike path for 2.5 miles to West Glacier, and then back. Next, you can grab breakfast or lunch in Apgar Village. Eddie’s Cafe does not allow dogs inside or on the patio, but they did allow me to order something to go and then we found a picnic table close by to eat at. There are windows for ice cream and coffee in Apgar Village so those are other options as well. Next, bring your dog with you to do some shopping in Apgar Village. Max loved exploring The Cedar Tree and the staff there was very good to him. Last but not least, hop back in your car and take a scenic drive down Going to the Sun Road. This is a stretch of about 50 miles of Glacier National Park where you can stop and let your dog out to stretch and take in the view on the many scenic overlooks. The first 20 miles is a beautiful drive through forest that follows the MacDonald Creek. The last 30 miles climbs up, over, and around mountains with breathtaking scenic views. There is no shortage of places to stop along the road.
6. Stay: Lucky Dog Ranch
Lucky Dog Ranch is an AirBnB located in Kalispell. The top of the barn is converted into a small apartment that overlooks two horse pastures. This place was incredible. Every night we sat out on the deck and looked up at the stars, then slept with the windows open and the cool breeze blowing through. There is backyard complete with a picnic table and hammock. Max would lay out there all day and watch the horse in the pasture. We had an incredibly peaceful week at Lucky Dog Ranch. We saw lots of deer and heard coyotes in the distance at night. It is private and serene, yet close enough to town if you need anything.
