7-Day Adventure Itinerary


Day 1: Arrival & Explore Whitefish

  • Arrival: Arrive at North Forty Resort in Columbia Falls (link: North Forty Resort), your base for the week. Check in and settle into your cozy cabin or lodge room. Enjoy the stunning mountain views and relax after your journey.
    • Gear: Comfortable travel clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, and a daypack for any light day trips or exploration around the resort.
  • Lunch: Head into Whitefish for lunch at the Buffalo Cafe (link: Buffalo Cafe).
    • Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily
    • Menu: Buffalo Cafe Menu
    • Gear: Casual clothing suitable for lunch in a cozy cafe.
  • Afternoon: Take a short stroll around downtown Whitefish, exploring its charming shops and vibrant streets. If you’re in the mood, grab a coffee at one of the cafes or take a scenic walk around Whitefish Lake.
  • Evening: For dinner, enjoy a memorable meal at The Boat Club, located at Whitefish Lake Lodge.
    • Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily
    • Menu: The Boat Club Menu
    • Gear: Smart-casual attire for a lakeside fine dining experience.

Day 2: Glacier National Park – Hidden Lake & Avalanche Lake Hikes

  • Morning: Head to Glacier National Park for a full day of hiking. Start with the Hidden Lake Overlook trail (3 miles, moderate), which begins at Logan Pass and offers stunning views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding peaks.
  • Lunch: Stop by The Huckleberry Patch in Hungry Horse for a delicious, locally-inspired lunch.
    • Hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily
    • Menu: Huckleberry Patch Menu
    • Gear: Light, comfortable layers for lunch break.
  • Afternoon: After Hidden Lake, take on the Avalanche Lake Trail (4.5 miles, moderate), a classic Glacier hike that leads you to a beautiful lake surrounded by waterfalls.
    • Gear: Continue using your hiking gear from the morning, including trekking poles for stability on uneven ground.
  • Evening: Dinner at The Belton Chalet in West Glacier.
    • Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily
    • Menu: Belton Chalet Menu
    • Gear: Comfortable, casual dinner attire.

Day 3: Glacier National Park – Highline Trail

  • Morning: Head to Glacier National Park for one of the most iconic hikes in the park: the Highline Trail (11.8 miles, strenuous). Start at Logan Pass and enjoy breathtaking views along the ridge, with opportunities to see wildlife like mountain goats and bighorn sheep.
  • Lunch: Pack lunch for the trail or bring a light snack to enjoy on the hike.
    • Gear: Pack a small cooler or insulated lunch container for food and plenty of snacks.
  • Afternoon: Continue your trek on the Highline Trail, which will take you through diverse terrain and offer stunning vistas.
    • Gear: Keep your hiking gear ready, including trekking poles and your hydration pack.
  • Evening: Dinner at The Whitefish Restaurant in downtown Whitefish.

Day 4: Flathead Lake Cruise & Kalispell

  • Morning: Enjoy a relaxing morning at North Forty Resort. Take a nature walk on the resort grounds or simply relax by the fire pit.
    • Gear: Comfortable lounge clothing, sunglasses, and a light jacket.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at The Boatworks (link: The Boatworks) in Lakeside.
    • Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
    • Menu: The Boatworks Menu
    • Gear: Casual, comfortable clothing for a lakeside meal.
  • Afternoon: Take a Flathead Lake Cruise with Swan Mountain Outfitters (link: Swan Mountain Outfitters).
    • Gear: Light jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the scenic views.
  • Evening: Head back to Kalispell for dinner at The Montana Club (link: Montana Club).
    • Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
    • Menu: Montana Club Menu
    • Gear: Smart-casual attire for a relaxed dinner.

Day 5: Whitefish Resort Adventures & Big Mountain Drive

  • Morning: Start your day by heading to Whitefish Mountain Resort for an exciting morning of adventure. Whether skiing in winter or taking a scenic gondola ride in summer, prepare for spectacular views.
    • Gear: Ski gear (if in winter), or comfortable hiking shoes and a jacket for a gondola ride. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen!
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at The Summit House (link: The Summit House) at the top of Big Mountain.
    • Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (winter)
    • Menu: The Summit House Menu
    • Gear: Lightweight jacket, sunglasses, and casual layers.
  • Afternoon: After lunch, explore the resort further or hike some of the local trails.
  • Evening: Dinner at The Raven (link: The Raven) in Bigfork.
    • Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily
    • Menu: The Raven Menu
    • Gear: Casual dining attire.

Day 6: Hiking & Scenic Views

  • Morning: Visit Herron Park (link: Herron Park) for a scenic hike with views of the Flathead Valley.
  • Lunch: After your hike, stop by The Blue Cow in Whitefish (link: The Blue Cow) for a casual meal.
    • Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
    • Menu: The Blue Cow Menu
    • Gear: Comfortable, casual clothing.
  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Bigfork or drive to Flathead National Forest.
    • Gear: Comfortable hiking shoes and outdoor clothing.
  • Evening: Dinner at The Desoto Grill (link: Desoto Grill) in Kalispell.

Day 7: Hot Springs Relaxation

  • Morning: Head to The Hot Springs at Symes Hot Springs (link: Symes Hot Springs) in Hot Springs, Montana.
    • Gear: Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, and a light robe.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Hot Springs Hotel.
    • Gear: Comfortable, casual clothes.
  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters and relaxing your muscles.
    • Gear: Bring a change of clothes and a book or journal for a peaceful afternoon.
  • Evening: Dinner at Café Kandahar (link: Café Kandahar) in Whitefish.
    • Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM daily
    • Menu: Café Kandahar Menu
    • Gear: Smart-casual attire for a fine dining experience.

Leave a Reply


Discover more from Gear Up!

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply