Photo: Noah Couser

Hike Glacier National Park

Whitefish is only 30 minutes from Glacier National Park. Though portions of the road are open year-round, the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open to cars from July until mid-October, weather dependent. Hillsides are covered in the golden changing needles of the Western Larch tree contrasted by the white of the first snowfall on the mountain peaks. Fall is a great time for wildlife watching, as mountain goats and bighorn sheep frequent the higher elevations and bears and elk roam through the lower valleys.

Don’t Miss: Hike along the impressive Highline Trail from Logan Pass to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook for a spectacular panoramic view.

Thirty-six miles of Fun, Flowy Singletrack

Pure bliss for mountain bikers, the Whitefish Trail starts only two miles from downtown Whitefish and offers 36 miles of flowy intermediate singletrack perfect for all ages and skill abilities. The changing larch trees provide the backdrop and strategically placed benches give well-deserved rest stops with unbeatable views.

Don’t Miss: Ride Dollar Lake Loop, the new section of the trail with a fun downhill and amazing views of Whitefish Lake.  

Drink the Scenery

Often referred to as “Montana Gold,” huckleberries are a prized local wild berry, and can be found in everything from ice cream and pie, to elaborate sauces, gourmet meals, and even beer and cocktails. Whitefish is home to two micro-breweries and two micro-distilleries that all use locally-sourced ingredients, especially the huckleberry.

Photo: Brian Schott

Don’t Miss: Unwind at Great Northern Brewing Company featuring their signature favorite brew Huckleberry Wheat, and Montana Handcrafted Spirits offers a huckleberry liqueur. Spotted Bear Spirits makes use of seasonal organic produce to compliment its house-made syrups and vodka, and Bonsai Brewing Project uses Montana-grown barley and even gathers spruce tips for the Spruce Tip Porter.  

Sunset Paddle on Whitefish Lake

Launch a paddleboard at City Beach (local rentals available from Sportsman & Ski Haus) and paddle into the sunset along the calm shoreline of the clear blue Whitefish Lake, surrounded by ribbons of gold, blue, and purple mountains.

 

Photo: ChuckHaney.com

Don’t Miss: Paddle along the eastern shore with a stop at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Enjoy cocktails on the deck of the Boat Club, a well-deserved dinner, or a rest by the large open fireplace. 

Take in the Culture and Nightlife

Get a dose of culture with live music, theatre, and signature events. The Whitefish Theatre Company kicks off its top-notch season in September, and the Glacier Symphony and Chorale has regular performances year-round. From acoustic guitar at a wine bar to a national touring DJ to dance the night away, live music can be found most nights of the week to finish off your perfect day in Whitefish.

Photo: Whitefish CVB

Don’t Miss: Pull up your lederhosen at the Great Northwest Oktoberfest the last weekend of September and first weekend of October.

Click here to explore more about Whitefish, Montana!