But here’s the thing…I also LOVE fall. Autumn in Montana is pretty stellar. A crispness in the air, uncrowded roads, cozy sweaters and boots, football (Go Griz!) and of course, the brilliant golds and yellows of the changing foliage.

And because I love it so much, I want to share it with you. Here are a few suggestions for fall travel and activities in Western Montana…

Idea #1: Take a drive. Western Montana has some vibrantly gorgeous scenic loops that are perfect for exploring small towns. Consider taking Highway 200 along the Blackfoot River (keep an eye for moose) and driving through the winding Seeley-Swan Valley.

Idea #2: Explore Glacier National Park. In two words: simply beautiful. The colors of the rivers and lakes, combined with the vibrant leaves, offer a picturesque glimpse at the Crown of the Continent.

Autumn in Glacier National Park. Photo by Donnie Sexton.

Idea #3: Hit the water. Just because it’s September doesn’t mean water season is over. Do some riverboarding on the Alberton Gorge, take a scenic float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding on the Clark Fork.

Idea #4: Catch a Griz game! If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Montana loves football. If you’re in Missoula, be sure to catch a game as the Univeristy of Montana boys take the field.

Go Montana!

This may not seem like a big momentous occasion, but for our family getting everyone together is no small feat. The big sis and her hubbster live in NYC and don’t make it home often, my parents have a few jobs that keep them busy, and this is the first summer the little bro has been home with his own little family without being gone for chunks of the summer.

Long story short: We were so excited to vacation as a family!

And did we ever vacation. And just to spice it up even more, we had two cousins and their families join us for part of the trip. Which for this Montana girl means pure perfection.

Our trip had us playing in Whitefish, zipping down Big Mountain, driving through Glacier National Park (combined with short hikes and numerous photo opportunities), jet skiing on Whitefish Lake and spending time together under Montana’s big blue sky.

Here are some photos from our perfect week of playing…

The crew overlooking Two Medicine

We heart Glacier Park Lodge

Ahhh

Just off the Highline Trail--We could hear them ramming each other

Logan Pass & a sea of red buses

Crusing the zips at Whitefish Mountain Resort

Happy girls after conquering the zip lines

Alpine slide at Whitefish Mountain Resort - Perfect for kiddos (and adults!)

And from our family to yours, if you’re thinking of vacationing in Western Montana, you won’t be disappointed. Heck, we’ll even help you plan your trip!

TT

There’s good reason that Missoula is one of the most popular “play places” in Western Montana. It has the Clark Fork running through the heart of downtown and recreational opportunities are everywere you turn your head. Plus Missoula has that big city vibe to it, with a thriving arts scene, tons of live music and some pretty stellar restaurants.

And since I like to share (my mom made me learn when I was knee-high to a grasshopper), I’m going to share some summer vacation ideas of things to do and see around Missoula. Kind of like a “YOU MUST DO THIS IF YOU’RE IN THE GARDEN CITY” list.

Idea #1: Hit the water. Take a guided rafting or kayaking trip on the Clark Fork River with 10,000 Waves Raft & Kayak Adventure. No matter you’re skill level, you’ll be in good hands with these guys. PS: I speak from experience. A group of ladies (including me) hit the water with their guides in mid-June on a juicy river and it was an absolute blast!

Kayaking the Clark Fork (photo by Suzanne Ahearne)

Idea #2: Explore downtown. Missoula’s downtown is incredibly walkable and was recently designated as a historic district. Peruse the shops, grab a cup of coffee from a local shop or catch live tunes.

Downtown Missoula (photo by Donnie Sexton)

Idea #3: Hike the M. A shork vertical hike up Mt. Sentinel (less than one mile) brings you to the giant white M that watches over the city. Plus, you’ll get a nice view of the valley and your cardio workout for the day. Reward yourself with a scoop of ice cream from Big Dipper.

For more ideas on things to do in Missoula, click here or here. Happy playing!

TT

To celebrate all three of these things, I’m getting out of town. And I’m going to get my Montana groove on. “How?” you may ask.

Easy. By hiking here.

Glacier National Park

Eating here.

Acting like I’m 7 1/2 here. (I plan on being the person behind all the water).

Big Sky Waterslides!

And getting in some bonding time with this girl.

We're excited to play in Western Montana

Summer, I totally heart you.

TT

For the last two weeks, I’ve been perusing the countryside of Western Montana. I’ve put on a lot of miles and enjoyed every minute of it. Mainly because Montana is filled with some of the most incredible beauty that a person could ever by blessed enough to see. And judging by the place I live and the things I get to see, I’m pretty blessed.

The Daly Mansion in Hamilton

National Bison Range

Baby brother on a red bus tour

Sun Point in Glacier National Park

TT

This year, NAID attracted more than 500 dancers and had members from 50 different tribes throughout the United States and Canada in attendance. During the festivities, we attended the dancing, stick games and rodeo. (And trust me, this Montana girl loves a good rodeo).

The parade at North American Indian Days in Browning

North American Indian Days in Browning

We also spent time in East Glacier and were able to head out and “help” (ok, we watched) the cowboys round up bucking horses for Sunday’s main rodeo event in Browning. And boy did we enjoy watching the roundup!

The part that sticks out is my mind the most is the sound of the herd–we could hear them before we could see them–as they stampeded toward us with five cowboys on horseback wooping and hollering bringing them in.

And the icing on the cake?

This cowboy gave me his rope. We may be in love.

TT

And we couldn’t be more tickled. It was such a treat to have something like this in Western Montana. To all the guys and gals that participated, we hope you come back and paddle our waters again soon. And keep bringing those tricks!

A few photos for your viewing pleasure.

Some random tidbits:
-A new wave, The Max, is being built on the Clark Fork River. Which means Missoula will have TWO play areas for kayakers in the heart of downtown.
-Summer is here. Ah, yea.
-If you’re looking for a water based adventure/activity, consider 10,000 Waves Rafting & Kayaking. I did a kayaking trip with their guides a few weeks back. In three words: It was awesome.

Until next week, happy travels!

TT

And we couldn’t be more tickled about it!!

The road opens up much of the interior of the park and gives all that drive it an insider peak at some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Opening day, summer 2009.

A few tidbits about the Going-to-the-Sun Road:

-It is the only American roadway designated both as a National Historic Landmark and a National Civic Engineering Landmark.

-The name of the road is borrowed from nearby Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. Local legend tells the story of the deity, Sour Spirit, who came down from the sun to teach Blackfeet braves the rudiments of the hunt. On his way back to the sun, Sour Spirit had his images reproduced on the top of the mountain for inspiration to the Blackfeet.

-The road crews and park service work very hard to ensure the road is open and safe for travel. A tip of the hat to all of them.

-It’s currently undergoing a multi-year rehabilitation project, so you may experience a few delays when driving the road (no more than 40 minutes from 7 AM – 9 PM).

-There are a few ways to travel the road.
Option #1: Drive it yourself.
Option #2: Take the Sun Road transit system for free (July 1 – Sept. 6).
Option #3: Take the east side hiker shuttle (fee).
Option #4: Hob aboard a jammer (red bus) for an interpretive tour of the park.
Option #5: Take a Sun Tour and learn about the park from the Blackfeet perspective.

Whatever way you choose to explore the Going-to-the-Sun Road, be sure to take your camera. Because the views are going to knock your socks off.

Waterfalls in the mountain valleys below the road.

Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier, MT

Nearly 20 years later, this girl found herself at Glacier Park Lodge again. Sure, a few key differences stood out–like being able to see over the railing without standing on my tippy toes and I brush my hair now–but besides that, it was the same lodge and experience I had fallen in love with all those years ago.

And while I live on the west side of the Rocky Mountains now, I’m quite confident I’ll be going back to Glacier Park Lodge as often as I can. Especially when I’m looking to reconnect with that feeling of childhood wonderment or when I need to remember how life is supposed to be. Beautiful, majestic and completely wonderful.

PS: For your viewing pleasure, a few photos from my visit.

Traditional Blackfeet Dancing

Jammer (red bus) at Glacier Park Lodge

A yearling grizzly

The concept came about as a way to celebrate and highlight the very two different parks, Yellowstone with its geysers and Glacier with its…glaciers. The competition has been heating up in the last few weeks and there is quite the tug of war between Glacier’s red buses and Yellowstone’s yellow buses on the better than website.

Which leads me to this…We want YOU to get in on the fun! Log on to www.better-than.com and cast your vote (with comments if you feel so inclined) for your favorite park. And while you’re there, check out what other people have to say, what we have to see and be sure to watch our video features on both parks.

PS: GO TEAM GLACIER!

TT