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.
- Gear: Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a light jacket depending on the weather.
- 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.
- Gear: Hiking boots, a moisture-wicking base layer, a breathable jacket, trekking poles, sunscreen, a hat, and a hydration pack.
- 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.
- Gear: High-performance hiking boots, waterproof jacket, trekking poles, lightweight and moisture-wicking clothing, a daypack with snacks and water, and sunglasses.
- 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.
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Menu: Whitefish Restaurant Menu
- Gear: Casual dining attire.
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.
- Gear: Hiking boots and trekking poles.
- 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.
- Gear: Hiking boots, trekking poles, and a daypack.
- 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.
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily
- Menu: The Desoto Grill Menu
- Gear: Casual dining attire.
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.
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