Cover photo courtesy of Discover Kalispell
There is a moment every fall in northwest Montana when the landscape seems to exhale, breathing out the busy days of summer and embracing the cooler mornings this time of year brings. The crowds thin and the mountains take on a softer light as the tamarack trees (also known as western larch) start to turn brilliant shades of gold against Montana’s soon-to-be snow-kissed peaks. This is fall in Kalispell. And it’s one of the best seasons to experience all northwest Montana has to offer.
Set in the heart of the Flathead Valley, Kalispell is an easy jumping-off point for a variety of fall-focused adventures, including llama trekking in the Swan Mountains, hiking in Glacier National Park, boating on Flathead Lake or casting a fishing line on the Swan River. And while Kalispell is surrounded by outdoor adventures, its walkable downtown, museums and food scene give you plenty of reasons to spend time close to town.
Day One: Follow the Fall Colors
Fall is the time of year that you have permission to start slowly. Grab a coffee and breakfast downtown, then wander through Kalispell’s historic Eastside neighborhood, where mature trees line the streets, creating a colorful canopy. Many visitors think they need to head to the mountains to see fall colors, but this area—located just off Main Street—is a good reminder that some of the best scenery is closer than you think.
When you’re ready to stretch your legs, make your way to Lone Pine State Park. A short drive from downtown, the park overlooks the Flathead Valley and has more than 7 miles of trails, as well as an overlook that offers panoramic views of Flathead Lake, the Swan Mountains and the peaks of Glacier National Park.
After a morning hike, spend the afternoon on a scenic drive. Before setting out, stop at Wheat Montana (located downtown) and order to-go sandwiches, made on Montana-raised and -baked bread. Head south along Montana Highway 83 into the Seeley-Swan Valley, where the curving two-lane highway travels between mountain ranges and along lakes. Watch for western larch glowing gold among the evergreen trees and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Another option is U.S. Highway 93, which curves along the west shore of Flathead Lake south of Kalispell. Make a loop tour of it and return via Montana Highway 35 on the east side of the lake.
If you’d rather stay closer to town, the Great Northern Historical Trail offers another way to take in the season. Walk or bike a portion of the trail, with views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Rent a bike at Wheaton’s Cycle, a Kalispell staple since 1918. From their shop, you can access the Parkline Trail before connecting to the Rails to Trails route.
When evening rolls around, head to Kalispell’s restaurants, breweries or cideries. Recommendations include Big Mountain Ciderworks and DeSoto Grill.
Day Two: Explore the Crown of the Continent
Autumn is one of the most underrated times of year in Glacier National Park. From Kalispell, it’s an easy (and scenic) 32 miles to the park’s west entrance. Fall brings a different feeling to the park as snow falls earlier here, wildlife becomes more active and the landscapes can only be described in one word—stunning.
Inside the park, cottonwoods and aspen trees add splashes of yellow to the deep greens of the forest, while you’ll see golden tamarack trees interspersed among the surrounding mountainsides. Depending on the conditions, drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike to Avalanche Lake, head up the North Fork or simply stop and take in the view of Lake McDonald. Additional activities include scenic floats or guided fly-fishing trips on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which flows along the park’s southern boundary.
After a few hours or a full day in the park, head back to Kalispell. Dive into the area’s history by visiting its museum trifecta—the Conrad Mansion Museum, Glacier Art Museum and Northwest Montana History Museum—and learning about how modern-day Kalispell came to be, as well as the art and creativity this place has inspired.
End the evening by sipping on locally made cider, sampling brewed-right-here beer or enjoying a glass of wine. Keep an eye out for seasonal menus that showcase fall ingredients, from apples to squash and cranberries to locally raised meats. Dinner recommendations include Mercantile Steak, KM Bar and Freestone Restaurant.
Time it right and catch a fall sunset. Because you’re in Kalispell, this could be as simple as stepping outside and watching the sun set as it drops behind the mountains.
Day Three: Enjoy Downtown + Flathead Lake
Your last full day in Kalispell should be savored. Start the day at Kalispell’s oldest restaurant, Sykes Diner, where you’ll see regulars enjoying pancakes over coffee and visitors being wowed with the sheer number of choices—and portions—this place offers.
From here, choose your adventure. Head out on a llama trek in the Swan Mountains, paddle the waters of Flathead Lake on a guided trip with Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company (it also offers LED tours at dusk on other nearby lakes) or Sea Me Paddle or step aboard the Far West, the largest tour boat in Montana. Enjoy lunch on the lake at Harbor Grille in Lakeside or The Sitting Duck in Woods Bay (just south of Bigfork).
After lunch, continue around the lake on a scenic drive, walk along the shoreline of Flathead Lake at Somers Beach State Park or head back to Kalispell to explore its downtown shops and galleries. Many of the shops offer made-in-Montana items, from soaps to jewelry and huckleberry treats to lotions and everything in between.
The key takeaway to planning a fall visit to Montana—embrace the season, go with the flow and soak in this quieter time of year and all the magic it brings.
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