Montana Summer Road Trip

[JRS3]

We are flying into Kalispell during the 2nd week of June to stay in Glacier NP for five days (2 days in East and 3 days in West). We have two additional days to add on what we want before we fly out of Spokane. I have a 14 and 10 yr old who both like all things outdoors.

What do you suggest we see or do with those extra days and locations? We will have a rental car and don’t mind driving.

The wife mentioned staying at a resort in Coeur d’Alene but is open to other ideas such as WW Rafting or Thompson Falls. I mentioned Whitefish, fishing on Flathead, and similar. What say you to do something fun in the area with kids for 48 hours?

 

[137buck]

Watch the weather, cause going to the sun road probably will not be open at that time, and a few other spots probably will not be open yet. But Kootenai falls west of Kalispel is a good spots to explore, especially in the spring time with the spring run off, and there is a swinging bridge there too going over the river.

 

[JRS3]

Thanks! I have heard about the weather and will heed. We are locked into that week for multiple reasons and generally book our travel very far out so we want to make do with what is best at that time of year. Looking for experiences from those that have been to that area in that time of year.

I have hunted NW MT a few times but obviously in the fall, without kids. I had a blast in Whitefish but again, different time and circumstances.

 

[Gseith]

I did an alpine float with my 10 and 12 year olds this summer. It was out of Missoula. We rented gear from bitterroot backpacking.

Bitterroot Backpacking

Personalized backpacking adventures on trails less traveled.

bitterrootbackpacking.com

We had a blast. Picked a short hike for the youngest but the float at the top was awesome.

 

[Milestone522]

The National Bison Range is worth a visit south of Flathead Lake and north of Missoula. You drive through it. Nice visitor center there too.

There is an Alpine roller coaster on the west side of Flathead Lake that would kill a few hours.

There is an actual amusement park between CDA and Sand Point ID. I've never been to it, but friends with kids enjoy it. Silverwood Theme Park.

The Hiawatha Trail is another good activity. You rent a bike and headlamp and ride/coast a now paved railroad all the way from the 4th of July Mountain Pass on I90 down to the lake in CDA. Lots of tunnels and bridges along the way.

Like previously noted, Going to the Sun road will probably still be closed. And stay out of Browning if at all possible.

 

[AndrewMT34]

Silverwood Amusement Park is worth going to if you make it over to North Idaho. I wouldn't pay the money to stay at the resort in CDA.

Highly recommend Hiawatha Trail, spend an afternoon in Wallace looking at the random shops and do one of the mine tours if that interests you.

 

[Robster]

RMEF headquarters in Missoula
Charles Russel Museum in Great Falls
Flathead Lake fishing charter
You can take the ski lift to the top of Big Mountain and take in the views
There is a museum in Polson that's pretty cool

Miracle of America Museum

The Miracle of America Museum is a year-round, public, educational museum preserving artifacts of American history, enhancing the community, and promoting responsible citizenship. We teach using historical artifacts. We build better citizens by creating feelings of self-worth in every visitor...

miracleofamericamuseum.org

 

[Mt Al]

Silverwood Amusement Park is worth going to if you make it over to North Idaho. I wouldn't pay the money to stay at the resort in CDA.

Highly recommend Hiawatha Trail, spend an afternoon in Wallace looking at the random shops and do one of the mine tours if that interests you.

2nd Silverwood. Our kids had a great time there several times.

 

[JRS3]

National Bison and Hiawatha look awesome plus the wife likes them.

Still contemplating the amusement park.

Noted on the resort in CDA so that idea is being killed.

I would enjoy working in a fishing trip if the right trip for action can be had so the kids have fun. Fly fishing for them is out but I’m still looking.

 

[neil.hansford]

Kayak out to Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake if the weather permits. Lots of hiking and home to a great population of Bighorn Sheep.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[MulemanMT]

Float the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.