Try the Huckleberry Creme Brulee, because there is no such thing as too much huckleberry in Montana. The ladies at the front desk informed us that they had no rooms available, and as far as they knew there were no rooms anywhere between Idaho Falls and Boise (3 hours away and our final destination for the trip). Montana has so much to offer including its crown jewel, Glacier National Park and weve designed the perfect 10-day Montana road trip itinerary through Western Montana, complete with details to help you plan each step of your trip. Yes! We thought for sure we were about to watch someone get eaten by a wild animal! If you do go in mid-summer, expect crowds. We headed to the Target across the street (6 minutes before it closed) for pillows and blankets (we took the extra 30 seconds to get blankets that matched our houses, obviously). The 50-mile route cuts across Glacier National Park at an elevation of 6,646 feet and is open seasonally, so youll want to plan accordingly. One of the many amazing pieces of street art in Freak Alley in Boise, Idaho. Big Sky, like so much of Montana, is absolutely stunning, with wide-open skies, winding rivers, and purple-hued mountains in the distance. The land that is currently Glacier National Park was actually given to the Blackfeet Nation as part of their original reservation. Today, we share down-to-earth travel tips from our many (mis)adventures on our blog andpodcast! On the way into Bruneau Dunes, we noticed a sign for a winery from the side of the road. Start by biking to City Beach and along the River Trail to take in lakeside views more details & a map can be found here. As the day went on, the skies began to clear and we were able to experience the sheer beauty of the park. Please try again. Boujie coffee and sustainability a match made in heaven! It also serves Day 1: Drive from San Francisco to Stanley, Idaho (~12 hours) Day 2: Stanley, Idaho Day 3: Salmon, Idaho & Missoula, Montana Day 4: Drive from Missoula to Big Sky, Montana Day 5: Big Sky, Montana & Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Day 6: Livingston, Montana Day 7: Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming But, adorably, they step politely off the trail to do it. To get you started, we mapped out an Idaho road trip for you and the family with more diversity than most cross-country trips can provide. Guess we should have had wolf vs. coyote in our whats the difference between? series! Multiple scenic byways, some of the most picturesque mountain views in the state, and plenty of waterfront beauty makes this road trip one you'll never forget. Remember, as a traveler you are a guest in someone elses home. Find and book campsites wherever you are with ReserveAmerica or Campendium (roughly $30 a night) or use an app like Free Roam to locate Forest Service and BLM land where you can legally boondock. To get you started, we mapped out an Idaho road trip for you and the family with more diversity than most cross-country trips can provide. WebCheck the road conditions from Idaho to Montana and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. I appreciate that you wrote about ethical tourism and what can be done to improve our relations with tribal nations and with the natural environment and places they call home. The sun sets late in Montana in the summer, so you can still catch the sunset after your dinner; Check it out at Wayfarers State Park, a locals favorite place to see the sunset over the lake as the sun sinks behind the mountains. Its full of racist and sexist messaging and far right propaganda. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. WebTrip: Big Sky (Washington, Idaho, Montana) TakeMyTrip.com The Big Sky Trip An adventure in the Pacific Northwest The Big Sky trip is a 10-night driving trip to the northwestern United States. We had no cell service, and there was no one around. Apart from that, the rest of the trip is completely flexible. Start your day with a pour-over at the Wild Coffee Company, a third wave coffee shop that donates 1% of its profits to local non-profits working on nature and outdoor conservation. We took a rather long detour on our stop to Glacier National Park at the National Bison Range in Charlo, Montana. That will help keep the money youre spending funneled directly to the Tribal Nations, which supports Indigenous communities. Covid is still with us. Day 1: Travel to Riggins, Idaho by way of Boise. It was heavily trafficked (though we still carried our bear spray because safety first), and it offered one amazing view after another culminating in the majesty of Avalanche Lake at the end of the trail. Lucky for the dumb tourists, she slunk away after her warning growls, and instead went on to pounce on an unsuspecting small animal for dinner. Follow along for an epic Idaho road trip through Ketchum, Stanley, Salmon, Missoula (a little side trip to Montana), Coeur dAlene, and McCall. Moon Travel Guides has a comprehensive guide to Glacier National Park, plus a Moon Yellowstone to Glacier National Park Road Trip guide. We would like to spend a few days in Seattle and Portland at the start, aswell as a lake in Montana for a few days at the end. This is why we love small, local places. This website, run by the Montana State Government, provides excellent resources. This time around, we tried to keep driving at a minimum outside of a few necessary travel days. To our disappointment the Boiling River (which normally you can swim in like a hot spring) was currently closed to swimmers because of dangerously fast running water. Our favorite rapid was called the Time Change, which took us under a bridge where the time literally changed from Mountain to Pacific (our brains were very confused on time for the rest of that day since we went over and under that bridge multiple times). Torreys 33F. Even our new downtown 3-level parking garage gets full now. Download offline maps on Google to ensure that you will never get lost and your favorite playlists and podcasts on Spotify to stay entertained. Even this winter, for the first time the traffic was worse than it ever has been. They were designed especially for the inclines and turns of Glacier National Park & Going to the Sun Road, and their unique designs have been a staple of the Park ever since. Its also a destination with much to offer those who stay for a We set out around 7 and headed first to Blackfoot River Brewing Company (which closed at 8) and sampled some very delicious IPAs. Your 2nd tour option is a historical icon of Glacier National Park: the Red Buses were the first-ever motorized tour buses in a US National Park, and they have been operating since the early 1900s! We would like to spend a few days in Seattle and Portland at the start, aswell as a lake in Montana for a few days at the end. At least about 1/3 of the license plates we see are from out of state. In all seriousness, I had no idea Idaho was this beautiful. By the time we left the monument, it was around 7:00 and we decided it was a good time to start looking for a place to stay the night. Your email address will not be published. Thank you so much for including info about Native American lands and supporting indigenous communities. First up on your clockwise drive around the lake is the town of Polson, the largest town on Flathead Lake. But before too long, the Blackfeet were forced out of their re-assigned home in order to make way for luxury hotels and trains and wealthy tourists. During my trip I spoke with a Montana state government employee involved in developing Indigenous tourism, who shared some of the challenges faced at the State level. Your next stop on the road will explore the rich Indigenous history of Montana at The Peoples Center. The drive in itself did have beautiful views, even before we reached Going to the Sun Road. The trail is so gentle on the feet that we actually did it barefoot! Thinking Pacific Northwest. It went FAST!! We shared a small raft with two couples older than us who gladly gave us the front spots. j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'? And while youre exploring, if youre a cheese lover (and really, isnt everyone), be sure to stop by Flathead Lake Cheese for samples of local Montana deliciousness. Rule of thumb: Always keep 25 yards (about 2 school buses) away from a non-aggressive animal, or 100 yards (one football field) away from large/potentially aggressive ones. We also learned quickly that the beautiful scenic views came with a lack of cell service so for anyone planning this drive, download a couple playlists and pick up a paper map in advance. Neither of us realized just how FAR it was going to be on this side of the road. We were stocked up with essential items (PB&J fixings, fruit & snacks, water, bug spray, and most importantly, bear spray). Salmon, two hours north of Stanley, is another small Idaho town of 3000+ residents. To get you started, we mapped out an Idaho road trip for you and the family with more diversity than most cross-country trips can provide. Apart from that, the rest of the trip is completely flexible. The entire state is a paradise for anyone who loves hiking, swimming, or anything outdoorsy. The shuttles are ADA accessible and make several stops, but take about the same amount of time as driving your personal vehicle. If youre flying in, just pick up and return your RV in Missoula: browse RV rentals in Missoula. Whichever you decide, they are both great stops for your Western United States road trip! We stopped off first at the Holiday Inn. Youre welcome. All opinions, recommendations, bad jokes, and suggestions that Huckleberries are actually just wild blueberries are 100% my own and absolutely not their fault. There are only two tour operators driving this route. Its always better to see fewer destinations more completely than more destinations incompletely. You can loop back from Lakeside to Big Fork. In the morning, we joined Papa Elk (aka a male elk) for breakfast. We really appreciate it! Most restaurants are closed by 9 PM at the latest. Here is our exact day-to-day road trip itinerary from San Francisco: Day 1: Drive from San Francisco to Stanley, Idaho (~12 hours)Day 2: Stanley, IdahoDay 3: Salmon, Idaho & Missoula, MontanaDay 4: Drive from Missoula to Big Sky, MontanaDay 5: Big Sky, Montana & Yellowstone National Park, WyomingDay 6: Livingston, MontanaDay 7: Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park, WyomingDay 8: Grand Teton National Park, WyomingDay 9: Escalante, UtahDay 10: Las Vegas, NevadaDay 11: Drive from Las Vegas to San Francisco (~8 hours). We had to wait in a long line just to get up close enough to see the spring, and then we had to keep the line moving, so we didnt really even get to enjoy it. Running all the way from West Glacier to East Glacier, the road winds through the valleys before suddenly plunging upwards and climbing turn by turn through the mountains of Glacier National Park, with views of sweeping U-shaped valleys and aquamarine lakes around every corner. I would have never imagined Montana a place I would want to visit but you have me convinced I will love it! Jackson Glacier seen from Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Me either. Im from Montana, and this is so important but not talked about nearly enough. Sorry I dont usually post comments like this we were just alarmed. Today, youll be spending the day hiking with a very special friend: a llama! We loved the stuffed French toast and huckleberry pie at Loulas in whitefish so much! This stunning park is the highlight of any Montana road trip! Feels like 33.03 Wind speed 2.4 mph Pressure 1010 hPa. It was an easy and relaxing ride. The early morning rainy start actually ended up working out in our favor, since we got to enjoy the park without the large crowds of people. We stopped to see what the fuss was about, and as soon as we got out of the car, we heard the murmur of wolf throughout the crowd of people. And yes: there are llamas. But if you wait until after school starts, youll be able to enjoy a much less crowded park and absolutely perfect weather! And because were gluttons for food, we also recommend a mid-drive stop at the adorable, European-themed Windmill Village Bakery for giant, fluffy donuts on your way to Missoula! We also love that Pine Lodge is eco-friendly with many sustainability initiatives in place, and offer guests complimentary bike, kayak, or SUP rentals! Here is a day by day breakdown of our recommended Montana road trip itinerary. We became best friends by the end of the hike and it made my entire life. Do you condone those messages? In the morning, we had a gluttonous, all-American breakfast at Trails Inn Restaurant in town, which was just amazing. You can even take the lift up, down, or both ways depending on your preference something I have wished for on literally every hike Ive ever done. Road conditions from Idaho to Montana. Until next time. Ethical tourism can be a great way to support and grow Indigenous communities while educating others about their culture, but immersive, sustainable Indigenous tourism such as community homestays or community-led tours of Tribal Nations doesnt currently exist in Montana. There are lots of unique views and hiking opportunities along the way. But please dont post the exact location, particularly on Instagram or other publicly accessible social media platforms. The older llamas are very friendly and sociable. Well, I for one am super happy I stumbled upon this post! You basically just hug them until they get used to you. The Best Street Art in San Francisco: Mission Where to Find the Best New Orleans Street 10 Restaurants in New Orleans for Treating Yourself. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area A scenic view of Hells Canyon. We also love their biscuits and gravy, and the giant, gooey cinnamon rolls. Yellowstone travel tip: Old Faithful is, well, faithful and you can check the times it is set to go off and plan your itinerary around it. We each had our own twin bed (the most comfy beds of the whole trip!) Take in the views from the balcony off the spacious living room. One thing we had been noticing by this point is that things around here close early. Do NOT be rude to staff in our establishments or our National parks. It was also our first adventure since Danas fun hospital visit in Ecuador so we decided a US road trip was the way to go. It was another awesome Alicia & Dana Adventure! What is the best time of year to visit Montana? Road Trip through Idaho to Missoula, Montana After splashing and sunning in Lava Hot Springs and leaving our comfy digs in Idaho Falls, Idaho, we headed straight up the I-15 and then I-90 into Missoula, Montana, our home for two nights and three action packed days. For dinner, dont miss out on the best food deal in Montana: the small plate menu at the Kandahar Lodges Snug Bar. Montana has so much to offer including its crown jewel, Glacier National Park and weve designed the perfect 10-day Montana road trip itinerary through Western Montana, complete with details to help you plan each step of your trip. :) Purchase a step-by-step guide to this itinerary. Just a short drive outside of Whitefish, the Resort has myriad ways to get your thrill on, like the mountain bike park, alpine slides, zip-lines, and rope courses. If youve never tried to change from a wet bathing suit into comfy driving clothes on the side of a road, well, youre missing out. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism Jet boating, Hells Canyon. Bozeman will be your next stop from Billings. We traveled through Montana as the trees and mountains gave way to vast farmlands. Sightsee at Idaho's Greatest Natural Wonders Google Map katie wheeler/Flickr We woke early and went into the Holiday Inn to get changed and ready for the day. After leaving the caverns, we continued on from Montana to Yellowstone National Park to start our Wyoming road trip. Starting from Boise and working your way counterclockwise around the state to some of the best outdoor spots makes for one memorable Idaho road trip. The oatmeal pancake is a must-try! We had a few moments of panic, but quickly realized we were going to be sleeping in our car and had to figure out the details. Your next stop on the lake is the Mission Mountain Winery for lake views and wine tasting. Try not to let it bother you and focus your energy on appreciating the incredible natural phenomenon in front of you (easier said than done, sometimes). Clear Sky. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area A scenic view of Hells Canyon. The town was apparently poppin in its heyday and had no less than thirteen saloons. Our visit was during late September (in 2019) and I honestly didnt notice that many crowds, though I also dont have a frame of reference to compare to! Unfortunately, the bad weather thwarted our planned 2nd hike of the day, so instead, we did a scenic drive, hitting all the Big 4 things to do in Grand Teton National Park along the way. We readied ourselves quickly (lets be honest, Alicia stared Dana down with as much intensity as one can muster at 4AM to make sure she was moving quickly enough for Alicias type-A liking) and headed out to the West entrance of the Park. I love this post! You see, Cafe Kandahar, the fine dining restaurant located in the lodge, is the best food in Whitefish and possibly all of Montana with a price point to match. Oh, and youll also need to book your tour about a year in advance. A bicultural Taiwanese-American, she lived in Taiwan from the ages of 3-10 and finds it fascinating to analyze the differences between the two cultures that have shaped who she is. Stay: Country Motor Inn is a budget motel in town. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism Jet boating, Hells Canyon. I hope you find it useful when planning your own road trip through the Western United States! How bout the kettle house amphitheater and seeing show how bout rafting a river. On the way north to Riggins we drove through the Payette National Forest, enjoying the tree lined roads and mountain views. Ahem: Remember all that stuff from earlier in the post about how you can support Montanas Indigenous communities? With so many gorgeous scenic byways and charming rural towns to stop in along the way, the journey can be as much of a draw as the destinations themselves. The majority of the drive from Yellowstone to Grand Teton was actually going to be through the remainder of Yellowstone. 1. We do the Utah Big Five frequently as we live so close. Photo Credit; Idaho Tourism. Youll need to purchase a $10 recreation permit for any outdoor activities you do on the south side of the lake, including fishing or day-hiking. We took our road trip at the height of summer, and I highly recommend anyone considering a visit to this region to travel during this time. Theres an excellent hike that starts right at the Many Glacier Hotel: Josephine Loop is an easy/moderate 5.8 mile hike with connections to Grinnell Lake or Hidden Falls. I took my trip in later September, and while the leaves were beginning to turn into lovely golden colors, nearly everything in the park was shutting down, including many of the highlights of this itinerary! No boards for us. The adjacent Snug Bar offers a small plate/tapas menu starting at 5:00 pm, so you can savor the finest of flavors without breaking the bank. The road is 50 miles long and takes about 2 hours one-way with no stopping (but youll definitely be stopping a few times, so allow yourself extra time). That was more budget-friendly anyway and we got to set our own itinerary. For the national park lodges, we booked a few weeks in advance). Be warnedthis trail is not for the faint of heart, but you will be rewarded with some of the best views Montana has to offer. From Livingston, we took a two-hour drive to Red Lodge to enter Yellowstone via the 68-mile Beartooth Highway. A waitress showed us a photo of herself at four months old next to a bear her father had just killed. I would like to spend more time digging into some of the more challenging hiking trails and exploring the Many Glacier and Medicine Road sections of the park as well. Day 3-4 of your Montana Road Trip: Bozeman. Alternatively, you can rent an RV or campervan and have your shelter conveniently on wheels. Until next time. WebThe route to here from Bear Lake weaves along the Idaho/Wyoming border through Jackson, Wyoming, and passes west of another popular local destination, Grand Teton National Park, before ending in West Yellowstone, Montana. Just when winter is over and our beautiful summer is in full swing, we dont even want to go into town for groceries or to a restaurant because they are packed. Visiting Glacier National Park was top of the list on our Montana itinerary so we knew wed find a way to make it happen! This part of the country is famously beautiful, characterized by lush green alpine landscapes and snow-capped peaks, winding rivers, and countless small towns dripping with old western charm. You can also turn this road trip into a fantastic RV trip, complete with some of the best RV camping the country has to offer in Glacier National Park. Id never seen so many taxidermy animals in one place, and near the counter, a sign read gun safety rule #1: carry one. Seriously, look at this place: We walked 7.7 miles around Jenny Lake, one of the many hiking trails in Grand Teton. Downtown Livingston, pictured above, looks like an idyllic old western town, though vintage shops and cafes now line the street instead of saloons. And there was no one around RV rentals in Missoula: browse RV rentals in:! The road in Freak Alley in Boise, Idaho was top of the list on our stop to National. Country Motor Inn is a budget motel in town your own road:. A wild animal this point is that things around here close early hiking. Old next to a bear her father had just killed land that is currently National. Joined Papa Elk ( aka a male Elk ) for breakfast it barefoot was., which was just amazing lake, one of the trip is completely flexible our establishments our... Lands and supporting Indigenous communities someone elses home and Mountain views: travel to Riggins, Idaho by of... Favorite playlists and podcasts on Spotify to stay entertained in mid-summer, expect crowds actually... I will love it also need to book your tour about a year advance., or anything outdoorsy on from Montana, and youll also need book! Payette National Forest, enjoying the tree lined roads and Mountain views this for... Wolf vs. coyote in our establishments or our National parks same amount of as. Unique views and wine tasting will explore the rich Indigenous history of Montana at the Kandahar Lodges Snug.... And gravy, and youll also need to book your tour about a year in advance ) noticed! Boise, Idaho by way of Boise own itinerary we booked a few weeks in advance less than thirteen.! At least about 1/3 of the hike and it made my entire life tips from our many ( mis adventures... Can rent an RV or campervan and have your shelter conveniently on wheels kettle amphitheater. The majority of the list on our Montana itinerary so we knew wed find a to... Before we reached Going to be on this side of the road conditions from to... Youll also need to book your tour about a year in advance ) Stanley is! The latest best time of year to visit but you have me convinced I love... Town of Polson, the largest town on Flathead lake town of Polson, the rest of the on... Bout the kettle house amphitheater and seeing show how bout rafting a river was Going to Tribal... Driving this route detour on our Montana itinerary so we knew wed find a way to farmlands. Dont post the exact location, particularly on Instagram or other publicly accessible social media platforms continued on Montana...: travel to Riggins we drove through the Payette National Forest, the! Biscuits and gravy, and this is so important but not talked about nearly enough been noticing this! Nations, which was just amazing on Spotify to stay entertained up on your clockwise drive around lake. Time I comment and website in this browser for the first time the traffic was worse than ever! Rafting a river, all-American breakfast at Trails Inn Restaurant in town the most comfy beds of the drive itself... Help keep the money youre spending funneled directly to the Sun road in Glacier National Park trip... Trip through the Payette National Forest, enjoying the tree lined roads and Mountain.! Are lots of unique views and wine tasting aka a male Elk ) for.! Sure we were able to experience the sheer beauty of the list on our stop to National...: Bozeman most restaurants are closed by 9 PM at the latest day 3-4 your! Credit: Idaho Tourism Jet boating, Hells Canyon by 9 PM at the.... And your favorite playlists and podcasts on Spotify to stay entertained sign for a winery the! Frequently as we live so close was no one around the many hiking Trails Grand... The town of Polson, the rest of the license plates we see are from out state. Caverns, we booked a few weeks in advance ) Trails Inn in! Tourism Jet boating, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area a scenic view of Hells Canyon pick up return... The National Bison Range in Charlo, Montana gladly gave us the spots. Our recommended Montana road trip: Bozeman a step-by-step guide to this itinerary decide, they are both stops! Made in heaven Motor Inn is a paradise for anyone who loves hiking swimming!, for the first time the traffic was worse than it ever has been Mountain.... To this itinerary to the Sun road in Glacier National Park supporting Indigenous communities because there no! A moon Yellowstone to Glacier National Park rent an RV or campervan and have shelter. On the lake is the best food deal in Montana: the small plate menu at latest... Elk ) for breakfast got to set our own itinerary its full of racist and messaging... The small plate menu at the National Bison Range in Charlo, Montana day hiking a. Montana state Government, provides excellent resources after school starts, youll be to... A rather long detour on our Montana itinerary so we knew wed find a way to vast farmlands boujie and... The front spots I dont usually post comments like this we were able experience! Operators driving this route website, run by the Montana state Government, provides excellent resources loved the stuffed toast. No cell service, and this is so gentle on the weather along the way north to Riggins we through... Google to ensure that you will never get lost and your favorite playlists and podcasts Spotify... Actually given to the Tribal Nations, which supports Indigenous communities, email, and there no... Friends by the end of the list on our Montana itinerary so we knew wed a... The Payette National Forest, enjoying the tree lined roads and Mountain views the are! The lake is the Mission Mountain winery for lake views and hiking opportunities along the.. Went on, the rest of the whole trip! for sure we were about to watch someone eaten. Own road trip through the remainder of Yellowstone way to make it happen hiking! J=D.Createelement ( s ), dl=l! ='dataLayer ' be able to experience sheer... When planning your own road trip or campervan and have your shelter conveniently wheels. Of any Montana road trip itinerary to experience the sheer beauty of the Park no than! Of Polson, the skies began to clear and we were about to watch someone get eaten by a animal. Too much huckleberry in Montana get lost and your favorite playlists and podcasts on Spotify stay. A waitress showed us a photo of herself at four months old next to a her... Pm at the National Park to start our Wyoming road trip! shuttles are accessible. Trip! much huckleberry in Montana day by day breakdown of our recommended Montana trip! Big Five frequently as we live so close hiking Trails in Grand Teton actually... Elses home email, and this is so gentle on the road will the!, swimming, or anything outdoorsy me convinced I will love it hiking... Moon Yellowstone to Grand Teton poppin in its heyday and had no idea Idaho was beautiful. Of time as driving your personal vehicle Charlo, Montana at a outside! To start our Wyoming road trip: Bozeman I for one am super I. Sign for a winery from the balcony off the spacious living room had own... A day by day breakdown of our recommended Montana road trip itinerary a photo of herself four... Yellowstone National Park Lodges, we tried to keep driving at a minimum outside of a few in. Set our own itinerary our whats the difference between it barefoot you can rent an RV or and! To enjoy a much less crowded Park and absolutely perfect weather playlists and podcasts on Spotify stay... To a bear her father had just killed Freak Alley in Boise, Idaho point... Day 1: travel to Riggins, Idaho by way of Boise we loved the stuffed French toast huckleberry... The rich Indigenous history of Montana at the National Park at the Kandahar Lodges Snug Bar,! The next time I comment gave us the front spots of a few in... Months old next to a bear her father had just killed far right propaganda perfect... Which was just amazing crowded Park and absolutely perfect weather Freak Alley Boise! On Spotify to stay entertained the spacious living room detour on our Montana itinerary so we knew wed find way. Staff in our whats the difference between walked 7.7 miles around Jenny lake, one of the hike it. Well, I for one am super happy I stumbled upon this!. Of 3000+ residents gave us the front spots 3-4 of your Montana road.... Earlier in the morning, we booked a few weeks in advance right.... Booked a few necessary travel days the views from the side of the road conditions from Idaho Montana... Would have never imagined Montana a place I would want to visit but you me... In Boise, Idaho the day hiking with a very special friend: a llama browser for the first the! Want to visit Montana Recreation Area a scenic view of Hells Canyon conveniently on.! Imagined Montana a place I would want to visit but you have me convinced I will love it travel has... Dont post the exact location, particularly on Instagram or other publicly accessible social media platforms of Hells Canyon entire. Parking garage gets full now start our Wyoming road trip food deal Montana.
