If the Montana of your imagination consists of rugged mountains, iridescent lakes and soul-stirring scenery, then Glacier Country is the place you have been dreaming of.
The most beautiful part of Montana – with only Yellowstone providing serious competition – occupies much of the west of the state. Glacier Country encompasses the Kootenai and Flathead National Forests, Flathead Lake, and, of course, the Glacier National Park. You could travel all the way from the park, through Kalispell and Missoula, all the way down to Hamilton without ever leaving the area known as ‘Glacier Country’.
Montana’s most beautiful mountain ranges can be found in the region. The Rocky Mountains dominate the skyline, with spectacular subsets like the Bitterroot and Cabinet mountain ranges sweeping across huge swathes of land. They help create the dramatic landscapes the region is so famous for, while the towering glaciers, clear lakes and endless forests add an indescribable beauty to the landscape.
The stark image of turquoise lakes backed by lush green forests is a breath-taking contrast that has left countless visitors staring in awe.
You will discover a rich history alongside the natural beauty of the area. The history of the earth itself can be seen in the geological formations. You can also learn about the fascinating history of the Kootenai, Salish, Penn d’Oreille, and Blackfeet tribes. Both the Flathead and Blackfeet Reservations are located in Glacier Country.
Who could resist the allure of stunning scenery, sweeping vistas, and charming towns? Start your adventure in Glacier Country with the help of our guides today.
Glacier Country Stats and Facts
- Glacier Country is a tourism region in Montana that occupies millions of acres of land. The Glacier National Park alone covers an area of 1 million acres.
- The highest point in the Glacier National Park is Mt. Cleveland, the park’s tallest peak, which reaches the dizzying height of 10,466 feet.
- Flathead County, Lake County, Ravalli County, Glacier County, Missoula County, and the Lincoln, Sanders, Mineral counties are all found in Glacier Country.
- The population of Glacier Country was 332,702 in 2015.
- Missoula is the largest city in Glacier Country, and the second-largest in Montana. It is known as the cultural center of the state.
Notable Glacier Country Towns, Cities & Areas
Missoula
Missoula is the largest city in Glacier Country and the second-largest in Montana. It is a popular stopover with tourists, as it roughly marks the halfway point between the Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The city is known as “the hub of five valleys” thanks to its scenic location between five mountain ranges.
The idyllic surroundings of Missoula have led to its rise as an outdoor recreational center, where people can enjoy the art and culture of the city while having the great outdoors right on their doorstep.
It’s particularly famous for trout-fishing, as Missoula is surrounded by some of the best rivers and streams for trout in the United States. The Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot Rivers are the three largest, but there are hundreds of blue-ribbon streams nearby.
We have covered Missoula extensively – you can find out everything you would like to know about the city with our help. Why not start with our guides on Things to Do, Places to Stay, and Best Restaurants as a starting point?
Whitefish
Whitefish is one of the most fun mountain towns in Montana. The town center is small but vibrant; there are plenty of bustling restaurants, breweries, and bars to be found in Whitefish. But the biggest attraction to Whitefish is undeniably the Whitefish Mountain Resort. It is one of the best ski resorts in the whole state, and arguably North America.
Outdoor recreation and epic scenery are the everyday in Whitefish. Jaw-dropping views wrap around the town, with mountain ranges in every direction you look. The iconic Glacier National Park is one of these unmissable viewpoints. The park is only half an hour away from Whitefish.
Its close proximity has led to Whitefish frequently being used as either a base or stopover to explore the Glacier National Park.
Kalispell
Kalispell is a city nestled in one of the most beautiful regions of Montana. It is well-positioned on the edge of Flathead Lake but is also only 45 minutes from the Glacier National Park by car.
It is the biggest town within easy distance to Glacier National Park. With all the amenities and facilities of a city, it makes an excellent base. You can enjoy all the craft breweries, restaurants, and bars in Kalispell while enjoying the nature all around it.
If you want to know the best things to do in Kalispell, make sure you check out our guide.
Bigfork
Veering from the towns and cities to a community wildly smaller; Bigfork is known as Montana’s Christmas Village for its ridiculously picturesque appearance and enchanting festive atmosphere.
While the village reaches its festive peak in December, Bigfork is lovely all year-round. It sits on the northeastern edge of Flathead Lake, curving around Bigfork Bay. The storybook-like town is incredibly charming and mixes recreational outdoor activities with art and culture in its appeal.
The creative output of Bigfork is surprisingly wide-reaching considering its size. The famous Bigfork Summer Playhouse has seen some big names as former performers; J.K. Simmons is the standout of a stellar alumni cast.
While Bigfork is a bit of a misnomer ‐ the village isn’t home to more than a few thousand people – this tiny settlement is worth its weight in gold.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Bigfork or looking for things to do, check out our guides.
Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex
The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex seems an impossibility in the 21st Century: an area completely untouched by technology, and unmarred by roads.
It exists today in part due to the work of pioneering conservationist and forester Bob Marshall. He championed protected wilderness areas; the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex was named as such to honor his work. It gained the name in 1940, a year after Bob Marshall’s death. But it wasn’t until 1964 in the Wilderness Act that the area became an officially protected land.
The space covers an incredible 1.5 million acres, much of which is situated in the Flathead National Forest. The rest is largely found in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. There are many protections in place to preserve the wilderness; even bicycles are forbidden. But hiking, camping, and fishing are all great ways to explore the incredible Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.
It is an important refuge for the wild animals native to the region. The Bob Marshall Wilderness is populated by grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, and a huge ecosystem of predators and prey.