I Grew Up Near Glacier National Park. After Spending Time There, Check Out These 8 Hidden Gems In The Area
Growing up near Glacier National Park gave me a unique perspective on Montana’s crown jewel. While millions flock to the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road and Lake McDonald each year, the surrounding area holds secrets most visitors never discover.
I’ve spent countless weekends exploring beyond the park’s boundaries, finding spots that locals cherish but rarely share with outsiders. These eight hidden gems will give you an authentic Montana experience after you’ve checked the main attractions off your list.
1. Polebridge Mercantile’s Legendary Huckleberry Bear Claws
Just a stone’s throw from Glacier’s northwestern entrance sits a century-old red wooden building that’s become my family’s traditional first stop. The moment you walk in, the aroma of fresh-baked pastries wraps around you like a warm hug.
Their huckleberry bear claws are worth the bumpy drive down the unpaved road. Made with wild Montana huckleberries picked from nearby mountains, these pastries have a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness you won’t find anywhere else.
Grab coffee from their old-fashioned counter and enjoy it on the rustic porch while watching locals come and go. The lack of electricity adds to its charm!
2. Bowman Lake’s Crystal Clear Waters
My childhood summers involved sneaking away to this pristine lake when tourists packed the more popular spots. The journey there involves a winding dirt road that keeps casual visitors at bay, preserving its peaceful atmosphere.
Unlike its famous cousins Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake, Bowman rarely sees crowds. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains so perfectly it’s hard to tell where reality ends and reflection begins.
Bring a picnic and spend a day skipping stones across the glassy surface. If you’re brave enough to handle the chilly mountain water, a quick swim here feels incredibly refreshing after a hike!
3. Hungry Horse Reservoir’s Secret Beaches
While tourists fill Glacier’s parking lots, I often escape to this massive reservoir just 15 minutes from the park’s west entrance. With over 170 miles of shoreline, finding your private beach is practically guaranteed.
During hot August afternoons, the reservoir’s water warms to surprisingly comfortable temperatures. My favorite spots lie along the eastern shore where small coves create perfect swimming holes and cliff jumping opportunities for the adventurous.
Pack a cooler and make a day of it – the sunset views across the water toward the mountains create spectacular orange and purple reflections you won’t soon forget. Camping overnight at dispersed sites means falling asleep to lapping waves.
4. Two Medicine Valley’s Native American History
My grandfather first showed me this sacred place when I was just seven years old. For centuries before becoming part of the park, this valley held immense spiritual significance for the Blackfeet people, who gathered medicinal plants and conducted ceremonies here.
Far less visited than other park areas, Two Medicine offers spectacular mountain views reflecting in its lake. The dramatic Rising Wolf Mountain towers above, creating a backdrop that feels both intimidating and protective.
Listen for the distinctive whistle of marmots as you hike the surrounding trails. I recommend taking the short boat tour across the lake, where the captain shares fascinating stories about the area’s indigenous heritage that most park literature glosses over.
5. Whitefish’s Secret Farmers Market
Every Tuesday evening during summer, locals gather at a small park behind the library for what I consider the best farmers market in the region. Unlike the bigger Saturday market that tourists flock to, this intimate gathering feels like a community potluck.
Farmers who’ve worked this land for generations sell heirloom vegetables you won’t find in stores. My favorite vendor, an elderly woman named Margaret, makes wild chokecherry jam that perfectly captures Montana’s essence.
Grab dinner from one of the food trucks – I recommend the elk burgers – and enjoy live music from local musicians playing everything from bluegrass to folk rock. It’s a perfect glimpse into authentic Montana life that visitors rarely experience.
6. Flathead Lake’s Wild Horse Island
An hour’s drive south of Glacier lies this 2,000-acre island state park with a magical secret – a small herd of wild horses roams freely across its grassy hills. Growing up, spotting these majestic animals felt like discovering unicorns.
Accessible only by boat, the island’s limited visitation preserves its pristine nature. Besides horses, you might spot bighorn sheep grazing along rocky outcroppings or bald eagles soaring overhead.
Rent a kayak from Somers or Bigfork and paddle to the island’s pebbly shores. The water around the island is so clear you can watch fish swimming beneath your boat! Pack binoculars – wildlife viewing opportunities here rival anything you’ll see in the national park.
7. Kintla Lake’s Backcountry Solitude
If you’re craving true wilderness with minimal human contact, this remote gem in Glacier’s northwestern corner delivers profound solitude. The journey there requires navigating rough roads that deter most visitors, making it my go-to escape when I need to reset.
The lake stretches for miles, surrounded by some of the most pristine forests in the park. Massive mountains rise directly from the shoreline, creating dramatic reflections on calm mornings.
Bring a good book and spend hours by the shore without hearing a single human voice. Night skies here offer spectacular stargazing – I’ve counted dozens of shooting stars during summer meteor showers. The primitive campground rarely fills, even during peak season.
8. Goat Lick Overlook’s Wildlife Spectacle
My father first brought me here as a child, promising a wildlife show few visitors ever witness. This mineral-rich cliff along Highway 2 attracts mountain goats who travel miles to lick essential nutrients from the exposed rocks.
During early summer evenings, dozens of shaggy white goats with their kids can be seen performing acrobatic feats on the steep cliff face. Their ability to navigate nearly vertical terrain never ceases to amaze me.
Bring a spotting scope or binoculars for the best viewing experience. Unlike wildlife watching in crowded park areas, here you’ll often have the observation deck to yourself. The quiet setting allows you to hear the goats’ occasional bleats echoing across the ravine.