Vacation summer 09 (Kalispell, Whitefish, Dillon: home, buy, school)

[nrs2b]

Hi there! My family and I are planning on spending our vacation in Montana this year. I thought I would see if I could get some recommendations on places to visit while in Montana. We will probably spend about 2 weeks and camp most of the time. My husband is an avid outdoorsman. He loves to hunt, fish, etc. really anything outdoors. We have 3 daughters (10, 8, 4). I love to hike but it can't be too strenous. The kids will have to keep up!!While we want to see and do as much as possible, we will have a budget to stick to. I am in nursing school and I am not sure of my exact dates between semesters b/c I do have to go to school during part of the summer. It should be early June or late July. We have never been to Montana so I hope it will be a good trip. We are eagerly anticipating our vacation this next year.

Thanks!!

[bigtrees]

I'd recommend the Flathead Valley (Kalispell and Whitefish) area. It's the prettiest part of the state and there are tons of things to do there, from hiking, fishing, lakes, etc. Go there and you won't regret it as long as you go in July, August, or September. June is rainy.

[brstamper]

Seeing Yellow Stone would be worth your time for sure & like the poster above stated, Flathead Valley would be great. There's the Buffalo Range, flathead lake (beautiful) and lots of fishing & camping area's and Glazier Park is an amazing site. Why don't you go to the Montana website & request some brouchers (ms) to help you plan your trip. Official State of Montana Vacation, Recreation, Accommodations and Travel Information Website
Hope this helps.

[AQHA]

You better check out Lewis and Clark Caverns. Its near Three Forks. Very cool!

[nrs2b]

Thanks for the posts! I have ordered the Montana vacation guide. I can't wait until it arrives!! Thanks bigtrees for letting me know about the rain in June! I will try to arrange it so that we can go in July! I just hope I can drag my husband home back home after our trip!

[jimj]

Originally Posted by nrs2b

Thanks for the posts! I have ordered the Montana vacation guide. I can't wait until it arrives!! Thanks bigtrees for letting me know about the rain in June! I will try to arrange it so that we can go in July! I just hope I can drag my husband home back home after our trip!

If you come to the Flathead around July 4th you can almost bet it'll be warm and you're kids will see huge fireworks displays both public and private (you can buy almost anything that explodes/shoots in the air here) and there is lots to do.
I'd suggest a full or half day raft trip through Glacier Park, you don't have to row if you don't want and it's a real hoot!
There's now free shuttles from almost the entrance to Glacier Park all the way to the top of Going to the Sun road and over to the east side. You could take a shuttle up and walk the high line trail and get a killer view of some of the best scenery in the U.S..

[rangerider]

Originally Posted by AQHA

You better check out Lewis and Clark Caverns. Its near Three Forks. Very cool!

And if you're down there and headed Yellowstone way, take in our historic Virginia City and Nevada City. If you enjoy history there's a bunch there and walking amongst the old buildings is a real treat.

[jimj]

Originally Posted by rangerider

And if you're down there and headed Yellowstone way, take in our historic Virginia City and Nevada City. If you enjoy history there's a bunch there and walking amongst the old buildings is a real treat.

Ya know, I've GOT to get down that way! Lived here all these years and we've yet to get to yellowstone or anywhere in the area I think it's the lack of places to stay that has stopped us up to now.

[Joe Doer]

I would plan a trip that starts with Yellowstone Park and finishes with Glacier Park. There are numerous options in between. If fishing is a priority, July and August can be very hot with low, warm water. The past few years warm waters have resulted in fishing closures. If you fish during those months plan on tailwater fishing such as the Missouri River below Holter Dam or the Beaverhead by Dillon. Even during the hottest weather you can still fish tailwaters. If the temps are moderate you have 1000s of miles of streams and rivers along with high elevation lakes to fish. Some recommendations would be: The Big Hole River, The Madison River, The Yellowstone River, Rock Creek, The Clark Fork River, The Big Blackfoot River, The Bitterroot River, and many more. If you feel a bit adventurous, hiking or horsebacking into the Bob Marshall Wilderness for cutthroat trout on the South Fork of the Flathead River is awesome. Good luck!!!

[bigtrees]

Originally Posted by jimj

If you come to the Flathead around July 4th you can almost bet it'll be warm and you're kids will see huge fireworks displays both public and private (you can buy almost anything that explodes/shoots in the air here) and there is lots to do.

Are there any firework displays near your house, jimj???