The Least-Crowded Towns In Montana To Catch Fall Foliage
The crisp water that runs through Montana supports a plethora of wildlife. The state’s creeping junipers, white pines, sugar maples, and blue spruces molt into Thomas Cole landscapes come alive. Montana is swiftly gaining popularity as a getaway spot. The state cares for those who love it by always keeping a few places secret, just for you. Hop in the car and cruise through this checklist to enrich your dreams with the colors of Fall.
Whitefish
Let Whitefish be your base camp for a leaf-viewing drive through Glacier Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. Whitefish has a population of 8,500. It is named for the fish you will easily find between depths of 20’-80’ over sandbars in Lake Flathead. The company Sea Me rents paddleboards and kayaks to explore the mountain town’s waters. The Great Northern Bar and Grill is the live music venue that you have been waiting for. Let their summer deck bring the sun and suds together. From your table, enjoy the green-to-yellow journey of aspen leaves and how they seem to glow in the early dusk.
Ennis
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Viewing the change of seasons by foot or by car is fine for the amateur leaf-chaser. The view of the trees from a canoe on the Southern tip of Ennis Lake is honey for the eyes, however. The South Fork trail to Pioneer Falls is a moderate, 3-hour hike if you want to get closer to the action. When it is time for a drink, most of the town’s facades have a fun wild-west motif. If you decide you cannot leave for at least a few months, the Spirit of Christmas Stroll is a riot. The hayrides will keep a smile on your face.
Red Lodge
Ever wish you could preview a vacation before taking it? Drive the Beartooth Highway before booking your Red Lodge getaway. If you are not completely charmed by the elevated bends, allowing you to glimpse the cornucopia of fall shades from the comfort of your seat, then keep driving to the next location. Be assured: Red Lodge is even better than its view. The Glacier Lake trail is great for beginners. Stay for more than one day to challenge yourself with the Sundance Pass trail. The Red Lodge Clay Center is a unique opportunity to see skilled artisans at work, shop for their crafts, or even take a workshop yourself.
Stevensville
Something about being in a Montana valley makes you feel embraced by autumn. When you look up into the hills surrounding Stevensville, turn: let the panorama of colors fill you. When you are ready to get a little closer, the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge is on the Bitterroot River. There is lots of learning at the visitor center, but the Kenai nature trail is the main attraction. Bring binoculars. One falling leaf can provide the opening to see a bird you have only read about. Check out the Montana Distillery before departing. The award-winning vodka produced there is made from local sugar beets.
Virginia City
The great thing about making entire towns a National Landmark District is that the surrounding trees will be pristine. Virginia City is a time capsule of Wild West's pioneering days. It also has impeccable foliage. Make no mistake: this is a tourist town. The crowds are small, however. It can also be a surprisingly effective hack for a cheap fall getaway. The tourist activities beg for attention at the eye level. Simply pop some headphones in your ears and look up. When you take the Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad between Virginia City and Nevada City (only $10 for roundtrip tickets), absorb yourself in the surrounding copses that continue to grow. Imagine yourself as a dolly-shot in the film A River Runs Through It.
West Yellowstone
West Yellowstone--with its decadent slice of the Madison River--has been a famous fly-fishing destination for years. It has been both a basecamp for people traveling to Yellowstone National Park and a way to sneakily experience the beauty of Yellowstone without going to Yellowstone. After August rolls by, the rodeo crowds dissipate, and roads free up for leaf-watchers. If you venture far enough on the outskirts of town, a herd of buffalo may join you to gaze at the relenting verdancy. Visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center to see live animals and learn about conservation efforts in the area.
Livingston
For autumn views, how can one compete against a geographical feature called Paradise Valley? Experience the Yellowstone River from Livingston as a home base. The Yellowstone Valley Lodge and Grill serves farm-to-table Montana flavor when hunger strikes. For a unique gift, visit the Badlands Blacksmith. Watch metal conform to the imagination of the smith or your own if you want something customized. The wind can get wild in Livingston. Be sure to pack some hooded clothing. The Pine Creek Falls are gorgeous and accessible on an easy hike. If you are up for a more challenging and arbor-forward option, try the Pine Creek trail.
As you glide through the most beautiful state in the Union, ensure your dollars leave your destinations stronger than when you arrived. Look for Native American Made in Montana stickers in gift shops. Farr Folk Art in Billings has wood carvings the likes of which you will not find anywhere else. For a searchable list of Native American products and businesses, visit the Made in Montana website. The next Made in Montana Trade Show occurs on March 8th and 9th, 2024.
