The Hidden Gem of Northwest Montana
Whitefish, MT rests near the northwest corner of a wide, fertile valley known as the Flathead Valley. Several other noteworthy communities are scattered across the valley including: Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Lakeside/Somers, and Kalispell.
Kalispell
Kalispell is the largest city in Northwest Montana, with a population of over 20,000 people. The city was founded in 1891 by Charles Edward Conrad, a businessman and banker from Fort Benton, Montana. It got it’s name from the Kalispell Indians, a tribe of Native Americans who have lived in the area for centuries.
Kalispell is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors, including a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Kalispell is often referred to as "The Gateway to Glacier Country," and it is indeed a gateway to the park, which is just 31 miles away.
Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls is located about 15 miles from Glacier National Park and 17 miles from Kalispell. The city is home to a number of businesses, including a brewery, a golf course, and a number of shops and restaurants. Columbia Falls is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing.
Bigfork
Bigfork is located on the eastern shore of Flathead Lake, about 25 miles southeast of Kalispell. There are several shops in the area, including art galleries, boutiques, and souvenir shops. The Swan River flows right through town, and Bigfork hosts the Wild Mile whitewater festival every year in late spring. Other attractions central to Bigfork include Echo Lake, the Jewell Basin Hiking area and Wayfarers State Park along Flathead Lake.
Lakeside/Somers
Located almost straight across the waters of Flathead Lake from the town of Bigfork, you will find the sibling communities of Lakesike and Somers. This area is a recreational hot spot through summer and winter offering ready access to Flathead Lake, and many waterfront recreational opportunities during the warmer months. Lakesike is also the home to Blacktail Ski area which is a popular ski area among the locals and visitors, albeit smaller in scale and diveristy than its norther neighbor Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort.