Nestled in northwestern Montana, Glacier National Park sits along the spine of the Rocky Mountains, straddling the Continental Divide. Glacier’s peaks and valleys take up over 1,500 square miles of wilderness. Popular activities include hiking, biking, camping, fishing, photography, boating, cross-country skiing, and more. A quintessential part of any Glacier visit, the mountainous Going-To-The-Sun Road cuts through the middle of the park, connecting the east and west sides.
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We hunted down the best
St. Mary Cottage
Directly across from the east entrance of Glacier National Park, Rising Wolf Cottage is one of seven cottages ideally located on Going-to-the-Sun Road in St. Mary. Take in fabulous views of St. Mary Lake and the surrounding mountains from the deck or cozy up by the fire inside. Bear spray is included!
Lone Elk Lodge
Heading around the southern side of the park, Lone Elk Lodge is located along Route 2, which is a close second to Going-to-the-Sun Road as far as scenic drives go. The Rising Wolf is one of four condos on the property. Take in panoramic views of the wildflower field at the base of the Rocky Mountains from the comfort of the great room. Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing by from the back deck. The other patio offers breathtaking views of the sunset over the Eastern Rocky Mountain skyline.
Green Valley Ranch Cabin
Minutes from the west Glacier park entrance, Green Valley Ranch is perched on a pond that reflects its stunning view of Desert Mountain. Nestled on 480 private acres, this four-bedroom cabin features a stone fireplace and wagon wheel chandelier.
Snow Bear Chalet
Named one of The World’s Greatest Places by Time magazine in 2018, Snow Bear Chalets are the first luxury ski-in, ski-out treehouses in the world. Located right on the slope by the Village at Whitefish Mountain Resort, this Cedar Chalet is cute as a button.
Scope the photos to see the starry turret loft ceiling, which was made to look light the night sky with celestial twinkle lights. In the summer, explore hundreds of miles of mountain biking and hiking trails and photo opportunities just steps away. During ski season, a keypad-locked cabinet keeps your skis and boards securely ready to go on the porch. Inside, there are shelves and cubbies to store all your gear. Whenever you visit, the hot tub makes for a great place to wind down after a day on the mountain.
Silo Retreat
Stay in a silo in a beautiful valley at the base of the Swan Mountain Range east of Kalispell. This converted grain bin is next to Blaine Creek, which is a wildlife haven, so you can spot everything from pheasants to deer here. Take in breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from its porches.
All of the area’s major attractions are conveniently located nearby. Bigfork, a small eclectic town on the north end of Flathead Lake, is just minutes away, while Glacier National Park can be reached in half an hour. Shop and dine in Kalispell or Whitefish, which can also be found nearby.
Rocky Mountain Log Cabin
Nestled in the western foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this beautiful Amish log home was custom-built with hand-hewn logs. Over 3,000 square feet offer plenty of room for a group of 10. Enjoy breathtaking views of Smith Valley, Smith Lake, and Blacktail Ski Resort. Keep an eye (and ear) out for birds, deer, wild turkeys, and other critters.
The Rookery At Flathead Lake
About 45 minutes from the West Entrance, on the north shore of Flathead Lake, The Rookery is a gorgeous house with gorgeous views. Its coastal charm is inspired by oceanside estates found in Cape Cod and Nantucket.
In the summer, kayak, swim, and stand-up paddleboard along the shoreline. Boats and wave runners avoid the shallow waters on this side of the lake, affording quiet solitude.
Grill some oysters down at the boathouse while enjoying the magnificent sunset, or walk to one of the restaurants in the charming lakeside village of Bigfork.
Golf Course Townhome
Just a couple miles from Bigfork and about 45 minutes from Glacier, this pet-friendly unit at Clubhouse Townhomes is perfect for those looking to play a few holes. You can see the Eagle Bend Golf Club Clubhouse off the deck with the 18th hole in the background. In the distance is a glimpse of Flathead Lake, while in the winter months you can see Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, which offers a bird’s-eye view of Montana’s beautiful landscape. Just 45 minutes away, Whitefish Ski Resort (also known as Big Mountain) has plenty of summer activities in addition to winter skiing. Explore various hot springs throughout the area, too!
Lakefront Townhome
On the other side of Flathead Lake, this waterfront townhouse comes with its own dock. Enjoy stunning views of the lake, sunrise, sunset, and mountains from the hot tub, the comfort of the living room, or the outdoor entertainment areas on both floors. Roast marshmallows over the firepit down by the water. Don’t tell the other guests about the player piano upstairs; instead, let them think the place is haunted.
Home to charming cafés, restaurants, bars, and the Tamarack Brewing Company, the town of Lakeside is within walking distance. Whitefish Mountain and Blacktail Ski Resorts can be found nearby. Glacier Park is just a 40-minute drive from here.
Whispering Pines Point Lakeview Cabin
Just a few miles from Lakeside, this spacious, modern cabin boasts breathtaking views of Flathead Lake. Highlights include a game room, fireplaces, and a covered patio.
Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort is just a scenic drive or quick shuttle ride away, while Glacier National Park is 52 miles from here.
Flathead Lake House
Also located near Lakeside on Flathead Lake, this six-bedroom house has plenty of windows so you can take in the gorgeous lake and mountain views from inside as well as the deck. Get up early enough to see the sun come up over the lake and you will be rewarded. Relax in the hot tub after a long day and soak up the views.
Flathead Lake is within walking distance of Volunteer Park. There’s a boat launch in Lakeside and in Somers on the north side of the lake. If you prefer a quieter place to drop anchor and explore, the host recommends checking out West Shore State Park. From there, take a quick boat ride to Wild Horse Island. Blacktail Ski Resort, Whitefish Ski Resort, and Glacier National Park can all be found nearby as well. Hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and shops are all just a short drive away, too.
Lakeside Tiny House
One of 10 Stone Creek Cabins, this adorable, modern tiny house lies within walking distance of Lakeside and all it has to offer. Town Center Outdoor Amphitheater hosts concerts and events just down the road. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area lies just up the road, boasting thousands of acres of public forest to hike, bike, and explore.
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