Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 62 and Wild Horse Island. Travel along the west side or the east side to Polson for views of this splendid lake. DON'T MISS: Catch a show at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, or time your visit around the annual Bigfork Whitewater Festival. Take a ride out to Wild Horse Island, a 2,100-plus acre unique island. is state park home to wild horses, hiking trails, and raptor viewing throughout the summer season. WHITEFISH WHITEFISH LAKE e entire re- gion surround- ing Glacier National Park is a landmark destination. is gateway town to Glacier National Park is bordered by majestic peaks and situated right on Whitefish Lake. Whitefish Lake is seven miles long, with swimming, boating, a beach area, and a boat dock. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound, from boating on the lake to mountain biking at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Heading to Whitefish just to experience the lake will more than fill up your day—Whitefish City Beach has a designated swimming spot, a dock, and boat rentals. Families can easily spend all day just in this one place. Whitefish hits the sweet spot between a resort town hosting thousands of tourists each season, and remaining a classic Montana town situated in one of the most awe- inspiring parts of the state. DON'T MISS: While Glacier National Park is less than 30 minutes from Whitefish, there's plenty to do in town to keep you occupied. Take a walk on the Whitefish Trail, with over 40 miles of established trails and 12 different trailheads. Grab a seafood dinner at Whitefish Lake Restaurant, or a more casual burger and pint of local beer at the Great Northern Brewing Company. MISSOULA BITTERROOT RIVER e Bitterroot River begins in Ravalli County, flow- ing just over 80 miles to where it meets the Clark Fork River right near town. ere is something for everyone in Missoula. e recreation of this town centers around the river literally running right through the middle of town, but even for the non-river- rats out there, there are opportunities for recreation and indoor activi- ties for the whole family. With just over 75,000 residents, Missoula is the second-biggest city in Montana. Home to University of Montana, the students bring a vivaciousness to the town infused throughout the local businesses, recreation opportunities, and overall vibe of the town. DON'T MISS: Kayaking, mountain biking, hiking the local trails… there is no shortage of Missoula activities for the active visitor. For folks looking for a more relaxed day trip, time your visit with the Mis- soula Farmers Market, happening Saturdays and Tuesdays throughout the summer. Take the family to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and learn more about this iconic animal that helps shape Montana's ecosystems. Local shopping, specialty coffee, and dining of all sorts round out a day here. 5 6 MISSOULA WHITEFISH Enjoying a paddle around Ennis Lake MAGGIE SLEPIAN Beaverhead Rock State Park Enjoy fishing, boating, paddle boarding, swimming, shopping and pretty much any outdoor activity you can come up with. Snorkeling on Flathead Lake www.distinctlymontana.com/flathead193 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL Beaverhead Rock, Twin idges Ennis

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