Cover photo courtesy of Whitefish Riverfront Hotel
Many have lost their heart to the peacefulness and beauty of autumn in Montana. Dark greens and rustic browns transform into a rich palette of gold, orange, and red. The air becomes crisper, and sounds become richer. Experience fall in Whitefish, Mont., and be swept off your feet.
Glacier National Park
During fall, Glacier National Park offers visitors the opportunity to drive, hike, or bike amid majestic peaks, pristine waters, and magnificent wildlife without the hurried flow of summer tourists. Additionally, while you still need a park pass to enter, vehicle reservations are no longer required after Sept. 28, 2025.
The Whitefish Trail
Over 47 miles of natural-surface trail and 15 trailheads offer a variety of easy-to-locate and easy-to-navigate recreation opportunities on public and private lands. The trail is perfect for surrounding yourself in color while you bike, hike, or explore by horseback.
Photo courtesy of Whitefish Riverfront Hotel
Fish Trails
Hop on a cruiser bike and explore Whitefish on two wheels. Paved bike and pedestrian trails meander throughout town. A segment of the trail runs along the river between various parks and to City Beach, making it an ideal route to enjoy the fall foliage.
Paddle
There’s no better way to take in the brilliant fall colors than from the water. Glide across the calm surface of Whitefish Lake in a canoe, where golden aspens reflect in the glassy surface, or paddleboard with the gentle flow of the Whitefish River surrounded by vibrant foliage.
Fishing
Autumn fly fishing yields some of the best action of the year. Sparse fishing pressure, cooler temps, and a slew of fall hatches make for happy fish and happier anglers! Guides are available on Whitefish Lake as well as surrounding lakes and rivers.
Photo courtesy of Whitefish Riverfront Hotel
Sky Tours
Take to the skies with Backcountry Flying Experience. An autumn floatplane tour over Northwest Montana offers once-in-a-lifetime views! Tours run through mid-October and depart from the docks at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Downtown Whitefish
Fall’s cooler temps mean fewer crowds—the perfect time to enjoy Whitefish’s mountain town scene. Downtown offers boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and more.
Fall Events
Fall events enhance the season with fun and festivities. Check out the Whitefish Songwriter Festival, Sept. 19-21, two weekends of the Great Northwest Oktoberfest, Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11, or Halloween and the return of the Whitefish costume contest, Oct. 31.
There’s no shortage of ways to savor autumn’s beauty—whether from the trails, the water, or the sky. After a day of exploration, retreat to the comfort of the Whitefish Riverfront Hotel, where cozy riverside accommodations place you amid the colors and charm of fall. Here, relaxation meets Montana’s natural beauty, making it the perfect place to fall in love with the season all over again.
Sponsored
The post Fall in Love with Montana appeared first on Out There Outdoors.
Many have lost their heart to the peacefulness and beauty of autumn in Montana. Dark greens and rustic browns transform into a rich palette of gold, orange, and red. The air becomes crisper, and sounds become richer. Experience fall in Whitefish, Mont., and be swept off your feet.
Glacier National Park
During fall, Glacier National Park offers visitors the opportunity to drive, hike, or bike amid majestic peaks, pristine waters, and magnificent wildlife without the hurried flow of summer tourists. Additionally, while you still need a park pass to enter, vehicle reservations are no longer required after Sept. 28, 2025.
The Whitefish Trail
Over 47 miles of natural-surface trail and 15 trailheads offer a variety of easy-to-locate and easy-to-navigate recreation opportunities on public and private lands. The trail is perfect for surrounding yourself in color while you bike, hike, or explore by horseback.
Photo courtesy of Whitefish Riverfront Hotel
Fish Trails
Hop on a cruiser bike and explore Whitefish on two wheels. Paved bike and pedestrian trails meander throughout town. A segment of the trail runs along the river between various parks and to City Beach, making it an ideal route to enjoy the fall foliage.
Paddle
There’s no better way to take in the brilliant fall colors than from the water. Glide across the calm surface of Whitefish Lake in a canoe, where golden aspens reflect in the glassy surface, or paddleboard with the gentle flow of the Whitefish River surrounded by vibrant foliage.
Fishing
Autumn fly fishing yields some of the best action of the year. Sparse fishing pressure, cooler temps, and a slew of fall hatches make for happy fish and happier anglers! Guides are available on Whitefish Lake as well as surrounding lakes and rivers.
Photo courtesy of Whitefish Riverfront Hotel
Sky Tours
Take to the skies with Backcountry Flying Experience. An autumn floatplane tour over Northwest Montana offers once-in-a-lifetime views! Tours run through mid-October and depart from the docks at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Downtown Whitefish
Fall’s cooler temps mean fewer crowds—the perfect time to enjoy Whitefish’s mountain town scene. Downtown offers boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and more.
Fall Events
Fall events enhance the season with fun and festivities. Check out the Whitefish Songwriter Festival, Sept. 19-21, two weekends of the Great Northwest Oktoberfest, Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11, or Halloween and the return of the Whitefish costume contest, Oct. 31.
There’s no shortage of ways to savor autumn’s beauty—whether from the trails, the water, or the sky. After a day of exploration, retreat to the comfort of the Whitefish Riverfront Hotel, where cozy riverside accommodations place you amid the colors and charm of fall. Here, relaxation meets Montana’s natural beauty, making it the perfect place to fall in love with the season all over again.
Sponsored
The post Fall in Love with Montana appeared first on Out There Outdoors.