Road Tripping Northwestern Montana

Northwestern Montana is a land of many wonders, from scores of lakes to scenic farmland to huge, muscular mountains that beckon with hiking trails and ski runs.

The area is easily drivable, with roads in great condition and non-existent traffic. No matter your route, you’ll hit charming small towns and pass loads of incredible scenery. There’s a lot to see and do here, so here are a few must-hit spots to help narrow it down:

Whitefish, Mont.

With its historic downtown of great restaurants and worthwhile shops, Whitefish is an ideal place to hang out for an afternoon. If you’re here in summer, head to Whitefish Lake, a scenic spot with a swimming beach and stand-up paddleboard rentals.

Glacier Country, Montana © Martin Molcan | Dreamstime

Glacier National Park

Drive the famed Going to the Sun Road, stopping at scenic viewpoints to gaze at glacially sculpted mountains. Keep an eye out for bears, bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

Garnet

An incredibly well-preserved ghost town about 45 minutes from Missoula. It’s now a protected park, with walking maps and a visitor center.

Flathead Lake

The huge lake is surrounded by welcoming towns like Bigfork and Lakeside, plus numerous farms with roadside stands.