Hello, Montana: land of snow-capped mountains and glacier-carved valleys.
My boyfriend and I recently spent a long weekend in the Kalispell/Whitefish area of Montana. I know– at first blush, Montana doesn’t seem like a super hot vacation destination. But this place is a gem.
Growing up in the (mostly) flat Midwestern prairie, mountains have always fascinated me. Geologically, I understand how they form, of course, but we just don’t have that type of land in KC. Our hills are rolling, subtle, and the part of the city I call home has been painted in broad strokes by Suburbia. (This is not a slight; I love my hometown.) The Montana landscape is just so incredibly different: wide valleys sprawl to the base of the northern Rockies, which rush upward from the flatland, capped by bright white snow.
The Flathead Valley area is completely surrounded by mountains; it’s like being bordered by the world’s biggest and prettiest fence. Pristine, green space everywhere, be it flat valley or wooded as you get closer to the mountains. There is room, land, acreage between developments. So much space. The sky seems bigger; the only thing not dwarfed by the Rockies.
We stayed The Lodge at Lake Whitefish, which was situated right on the lake. It had everything we needed, while still maintaining a rustic feel. (Yes, it had wifi. I’m allergic to places that don’t have it.) Spa, bar, restaurant, bike rentals, coffee bar, room service, indoor and outdoor pools, steam room– The Lodge was perfect.
We kicked off the trip with drinks + apps at the Lodge’s bar. After a day of travel, it was nice to unwind with a glass of rosé and some good eats.
My boyfriend and I each had an objective in Montana: for him, it was running a Spartan race that weekend, and for me, it was finding a place to do a trail ride on horseback. I grew up riding, and it was something I hadn’t done in ages. My great aunt had a farm just south of the city, so many of my childhood summers were spent hanging out in the paddocks, climbing the hay mountains in the barn, and riding as much as I possibly could.
I had found the Dream Haven Ranch online after a pretty extensive search (I didn’t want anything too basic; I wanted the True Montana Horseback Trail Experience). Dream Haven promised a ride tailored to our needs by a guide who knew the mountain like the back of her hand. We showed up for 10:00 a.m. ride with bells on. (Bells = brand new cowboy boots I had purchased for myself before the trip. Yes, that’s a rookie move– but I didn’t want to ride in sneakers and I’ll be damned if the Ropers I had when I was 9 fit anymore.)
Even though it had been years, I felt right at home on Deek. He was ornery– in the best way– and loved running up the steep hills, which made it more fun. I’d never climbed or descended mountain-grade hills on horseback before, so it made for a fun time. Dave and Shadow were a great pairing; she was easygoing and made his first ride ever a breeze.
We wound upward through the trees, following trails and logging roads. View after view, sight after sight. Soon, we felt pretty high up. The marshland below glittered in the sunshine, the morning fog clearing a bit.
Covered in dust and horse hair, my new boots properly dirty, we headed back into town for lunch. Downtown Whitefish proved to be quite the spot for food + drink; lots of bars and restaurants, all unique, all local.
Pizza was on the menu post-pony, as we were starving. A beer flight seemed like an appropriate form of celebration.
On Saturday we hit Glacier National Park. This park is on many a bucket list for its trails, lakes, and amazing mountain views. Much of the park was still closed for the season (most of GNP doesn’t open until mid- to late-May), but we still had the chance to see Lake McDonald in all its crystal-clear glory and do a quick-but-grueling 4-mile hike on the Sperry Trail.
We hiked straight up and through snow (for part of the way) to get to this river, one of the many streaming down the mountain carrying melted snow. The water was freezing; so cold that the temperate dropped 15 degrees as you approached it.
We ended the night with drinks downtown at Casey’s, where we got sucked into a NHL playoff game.
Sunday was Spartan race day. Dave was running the Elite Sprint wave (a 5-mile course), so it meant waking up early to prep and drive the 50 minutes down to the race site for the 7:30 a.m. start. The course looked pretty tough– but all Spartan courses seem like torture to me. Dave checked in, warmed up, and then trotted off to the gate. I grabbed an Americano from a coffee truck (bless Montana and their fondness for good coffee) and then found a good spectator spot at the last big obstacle. I would be able to see Dave run up to complete it, and then could cheer him onto the finish.
The race started with the National Anthem and the traditional Spartan chant. From my place on the hill, I could see everyone take off from the gate. I could also see everyone immediately slow down when confronted with the massive, super steep hill they were forced to run right away. Yikes, talk about a wake-up call. Dave looked to be in good position (it’s easy to spot his man bun in a crowd), soon disappearing over the ridge and into the trees.
The leaders started trickling in, breathing heavily and wincing as they picked their way through the Twister, a tricky take on the monkey bars. But instead of uniform stationary bars spaced evenly apart, Twister has different types of grips to grapple and the bars rotate when you grab them, making it really tough to hang on, much less get any sort of momentum. I watched one top ten guy get disqualified on the rig, which meant he had to complete 30 burpees before he could move on. Ugh. It was painful to watch; he was so gassed by the end, I thought his legs were going to give out.
Dave’s man bun bobbed up the hill several minutes later; holy shit, he was in the top 25. Twenty-fourth, to be exact. I was really excited– that was a damn good showing– but he still had to make it through the Twister. I had no idea how he had fared on the other 10-15 obstacles on the course; missing even one meant 30 burpees, which can completely zap your energy for the rest of the race. Was he going to be able to hold on? Was his grip strength shot?
There wasn’t anyone right on his heels; when he started the Twister, he was the only Spartan on the rig. Everyone was shouting at him, cheering him on. I was a nervous wreck (my usual, “Hey, Insta story this!” instinct totally froze), offering a just few loud words of encouragement as he worked through the obstacle. He cleared one row, then another (I think I held my breath the whole time), and then boom! A flawless finish with a ring of the bell! At that point, I shouted he was in the top 25 and to run like hell.
He ended up finishing 24th, his best showing of the racing season so far.
We were back in Whitefish by 10:00 a.m., so we grabbed some brunch at The Boat Club before renting bikes to ride around downtown.
We peddled over the bridge and into town. It was the perfect day for a ride– the sky was clear, the sun was shining, and the temps were in the low 70s. We had a few beers on the Great Northern Brewing Company balcony, enjoyed the mountain views, and then shopped a bit.
It was a great way to spend our last full day in Montana. We will definitely be back! There’s so much we didn’t get to do: Lake Whitefish beach, hike more of Glacier National Park, white water raft… And of course, I need to come back and ride ponies!
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Linking up with Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, I Do DeClaire, Straight A Style + On the Daily Express, Get Your Pretty On, Rosy Outlook + Seeking Sunshine, and Pumps and Push Ups.
That place sounds amazing!
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
It was so much fun!
It looks fantastic there and horse back riding must have been fantastic!
The horseback ride was AWESOME!
amazing pictures, looks like a lot of fun and good food
Thank you! We had a blast!
Ahh…I am so jealous of this trip! Montana has been on my must-see list for awhile and this post is making the craving even stronger. The scenery is amazing and bonus points for the food! Duck nachos and elk meatballs?! Right up my alley. Thanks for putting this together!
Gina || On the Daily Express
You would love Montana, sister! And the food at The Lodge (and everywhere we went, really) was awesome! The nachos + meatballs were super tasty!
It looks so pretty there. I love all the outdoor scenery.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Such a gorgeous part of the country!
Wow, it’s beautiful….just like the two of you!
Thanks so much, babe! 🙂
Montana has actually been on my bucket list for years so this would be a dream vacation for me! I will be pinning this post for future reference. We’re you concerned at all about running into a grizzly on your hike?
I’m so glad you liked it, lady- Montana is BEAUTIFUL. And yes, the bears had just come out of hibernation, but I guess it was early enough in the season that they were still at the tops of the mountains. But it’s a very real danger on some of the more remote trails!
Good food, outdoors & your man – what else could you want?! xo, Biana
Amen to that, sista!
What a fabulous trip and isn’t it just gorgeous?? It’s so fun to experience other areas in this wonderful country!!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Travel is the best, right? Thanks for swinging by, Jodie!
Great post, loved all the pictures of beautiful Montana! When reading the Spartan race portion of the post I was literally holding my breath as I read about Dave going through the Twister obstacle. Great finish for him, yea!!! All the food looked delicious, duck nachos (I’m intrigued). Glad you both had a memorable trip. ☺
The nachos were really, REALLY good! 😉
OMG, this looks so amazing! And yay for Dave doing another Spartan! These photos are gorgeous!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
He did so well! And isn’t Montana gorgeous? I am definitely going back!
I’ve never been to Montana but the landscape is quite lovely. So cool that he did a Spartan race, and I love that you guys went horseback riding.
Ponies were my #1 priority for the trip, haha!
I remember when you took this trip! I was stalking your Story haha!! The scenery is seriously breathtaking and going to Glacier Park is high on my list. Omg Dave is insane! Congrats to him!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
It was such an awesome trip- totally relaxing and those VIEWS. Cannot beat ’em!
This looks like an amazing trip! I love staying in cabins or rustic places with access to hiking and outdoors. Loved your pictures! I have only been on a horse once, but it really looks fun, and nice your boyfriend did well at the race. The food looks good too!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
It was such a lovely trip- I didn’t want to come home! 🙂
Glacier National Park is on my bucket list of National Parks. Love these pics and congrats to your man on his top 25 showing. So exciting!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
It’s such a gorgeous part of the country- before planning this trip, I had no idea!
Wow! Your boyfriend did AWESOME for his race. I have been running for a long time and not these obstacle type races and I’ve never made it in the top 25! That is just amazing! I bet he was beyond thrilled! I am sure the horseback riding was nice and relaxing. Such beautiful photos! I have never been to this state!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I was so proud of him- he crushed it! Thanks for swinging by, babe!
Sounds like you had an incredible trip! It looks gorgeous!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
We had a really, really good time- will definitely go back!
What a beautiful city ans couple!
love the photos, it looks like you both had a great time
bisous
http://www.gallech.com/
Thank you, Rita!
Wow, what a superb report, Ashley! So glad you and the boy had fun. I live on a flat sandbar so, like you, I find mountains exciting and beautiful. And horses are like motorcycles with their own brains! Great post. Congrats to Dave on the impressive run.
I’m so glad you liked it- and thank you for sharing! Horses ARE like motorcycles with their own brains, haha. 🙂
Oh man I am so jelly of your trip, it looked amazing. Yes Montana has some beautiful areas when I lived in Seattle I had roommates who skied there. I love seeing pix of you with your boyfriend!
Allie of ALLIENYC
http://www.allienyc.com
So glad you’re digging the post + recap, babe! Montana was seriously too gorgeous- the pics barely do it justice!
This looks like a seriously amazing and fun trip! Thanks for sharing your vacation!
It was a blast, lady! Thanks!
This sounds like such an amazing time. The food, the activities and girl you look gorgeous in every picture!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
It was really a blast- we’ll be back, for sure. And thank you so much, doll!
I’ve been to Montana once and it was breathtaking. I would totally go back. I followed your instastory and felt like I was there. Those Elk meatballs look delicious. I love your spandex!
Breathtaking is such a good word for it! And yayyyy! I’m so glad you liked following along! And the meatballs were BOMB! Loved ’em!
The nature there is breath-taking!!!!
It really is- such a gorgeous part of the country!
What a wonderful place.
And all your pics look amazing ♥
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Ann! Happy Wednesday!
Wow, incredible pictures! It looks like an amazing place!!
Have a lovely day 🙂
Rosanna x
Thanks, Rosanna! We had a lovely time!
Wooow!!! Absolutely majestic photos. This place are a dream! I would like to be there 🙂
kiss
https://www.tuestilo.eu/blog/31_Spring-looks.html
Thank you! It was so beautiful!
Very beautiful place and the photos! Absolutely love it!
Have a wonderful day!
http://www.recklessdiary.ru
Thank you, Anya!
There is just something about mountain towns that I love so much! My husband’s uncle lives in Montana and we keep talking about visiting him but have never done it! This post is making me want to go now!!
Rosy Outlook
We absolutely fell in love- you should really go soon, babe- nothin’ like it!
What a gorgeous spot for a getaway!! Those duck nachos look AMAZING! You must be so proud of your man for nailing that race!
xo
Katrina
http://www.katrinagwenrose.com
I am so proud of him- he crushed it! And the duck nachos were SO GOOD!
That place sounds amazing babe! Love all your picks
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: ROOFTOP IN LA
Wow what an amazing trip you’ve had. The views are stunning and I imagine the horse riding was so much fun! You look fab in all our outfits and so happy xx
Beautiful photos as always – this trip looks like so much fun!
Heather xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
The picture with lake McDonald was so stunning it should be a feature in National Geographic, breathtaking. I would so love to visit Montana, even though I never tried riding a horse in my entire life.
Dorota
http://www.fetchcandle.wordpress.com
Looks like such a fun trip! I haven’t done horseback riding in forever! So many pretty views!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Gorgeous picks girlie! Looks so fun 🙂
XO, Jessi
https://jmalay.com/ootd-roundup/
Gorgeous pics, and how fab are you while horseback riding?! I’m so sad that even after several trips to Big Sky Country, I still haven’t been to Glacier National Park. Looks like such a fun trip <3
Green Fashionista
Wowww i love your horseback selfie. You two had a lot of fun.
I can see that.
Xoxo from Portugal
marisasclosetblog.com
The place looks amazing.
I bet you had a great time there.
Much Love,
Jane | The Bandwagon Chic
Very beautiful place and pics!
Glad you enjoyed my home state – not to brag but it is beautiful – there is lots more do and see next time try Missoula or Bozeman. Born and raised MT GIRL
Thanks for the recs! We loved it- such a gorgeous part of the country! 🙂