Kalispell & Glacier National Park

Since my parents moved to Montana in 2017 I have truly fallen in love with the state, but this trip to Kalispell, Whitefish, and Glacier National Park took it to a whole other level.

We rented a little Airbnb private loft called The Lone Moose Lodge. If you're ever in the area don't be afraid to spend a few nights there. The view of Foys Lake out the window after a fresh dusting of snow was simply the perfect way to start our day. Not to mention Cherie, the hostess, cooks up some of the best coffee cake imaginable for breakfast. 

Our first stop was a cute little resort town just north called Whitefish. We wandered through the shops and found a few Christmas presents. I, also, grabbed a Moose ornament to remember our stay at the Lone Moose Lodge.

Next up was a snowy hike through Glacier National Park. I had actually never been to the park and despite the fact that some areas were closed due to snow I could not have been more excited. The views even as you approach of towering mountains, frozen waterfalls, and snow covered trees are breathtaking. We went as far up Going-To-The-Sun Road as we were allowed and hiked Avalanche Trail. It was a moderate trail full of even more beautiful views. The best of which came courtesy of recent avalanches. At one point you actually walk through the path of one where you find hundreds of downed trees both snapped and completely uprooted. It was just past this that we tested out our ice skating skills (video below) and decided to turn back.

Our final stop of the evening was the Nex-Gen Bull Riding competition in Kalispell. Full of younger riders with hopes of one day making the PBR, the rides and bulls did not disappoint all night long (video below). The champion of the weekend Hawk Whitt may also hold the distinction as my favorite rodeo name ever. He had stiff competition too from a fellow rider in Grady Jasperson. The best part of the evening though had to be the two boys from Idaho that sat directly behind us. All night they were rowdy and fun and ended up taking home the "Fan of The Night Award" which included a dance with the rodeo clown Danger Dave (pictured above).

All in all it was an amazing, quick vacation that won't be soon forgotten. If you get a free weekend I cannot recommend Kalispell and Glacier National Park enough.