Page 11 - Vacation Country Travel Guide

Western Montana:
“Land of Shining Mountains”
Mountains exist everywhere, range upon MONTANA
range, in the state’s western half. Nowhere has
nature wrought such power and magnificence
than in the Mission and Swan ranges and Glacier
National Park. Montana’s vast treasures exist in its
meadows alive with colorful wildflowers, browsing
wildlife, roaring mountain streams and sparkling
blue alpine lakes.
Glacier National Park offers some of the
most beautiful scenery in the world. The Park’s
travel season is generally from mid-June to mid-
September. Campground opening dates vary from
campground to campground. Fishing is permitted
although non-fee licenses are required. Daily
schedules include guided trips, all-day hikes,
boat trips and campfire programs at Apgar, Fish
Creek, Many Glacier, Two Medicine and Waterton.
A $2 pass must be reserved in advance through
recreation.gov to drive Going-to-the-Sun or the
Northfork Road during the summer from 6am-4pm
and 6am-6pm respectively.
Whitefish and Flathead Lakes are favored
destinations for swimming, boating, sailing, water
skiing and fishing. There are public and private
camping facilities at both lakes.
Whitefish Mountain Resort (formerly Big
Mountain) north of Whitefish has become one of
the most popular ski areas in the state. It offers Wild Goose Island - Glacier National Park
the finest in downhill and cross-country skiing; photo by:
snowmobile trails are also within easy reach. Loco Steve
The natural beauty of the Bob Marshall and the
Great Bear Wilderness Areas, as well as the entire Highway 200 (the “back road” to Glacier National Paradise/Quinn’s Hot Springs
Flathead National Forest attracts visitors from Park via State Highway 56) and scenic State Highway Location: Hwy 200; 23 miles from St. Regis on
throughout the U.S. and Canada. Horse rentals 471, linking it to Interstate 90 via Kingston, ID. I-90, 54 miles from Flathead Lake.
are available for special adventures in reaching Plains
these primitive environs where nature remains Located on the Clark Fork River, Paradise is
untouched by mankind. Location: Hwy 200 at Milepost 70; 80 miles surrounded by the Lolo National Forest. Unlimited
St. Ignatius Mission Church stands as an from Missoula. Population: 992. Visitor recreational opportunities include hunting and fishing,
inspiring monument of the growth and development information: Plains-Paradise Chamber of wildlife viewing and most outdoor sports. To the east,
Commerce, PO Box 714, Plains, MT 59859;
of the majestic Flathead Valley and an evidence of Phone (406) 826-3662. the National Bison Range offers panoramic views of
the faith and devotion of the Salish and Kootenai spectacular scenery and wildlife.
On Hwy 135 just a few minutes from Paradise,
people. The Mission was constructed from local This area’s rolling terrain and pleasant growing Quinn’s Hot Springs offers fun and relaxation in seven
materials in 1891 and is graced with fifty-eight season spawned the name of Wild Horse Plains in the beautiful new warm and hot mineral water pools,
beautifully painted murals. It remains a significant early days. That name still applies to the town library, with exceptional dining on comfortable terraces.
religious center and is open daily for viewing. No County fairgrounds, town park and swimming pool Accommodations are available within their fine lodges
admission is charged, but donations are accepted and a nine-hole golf course. and a variety of luxury river view and canyonside
to assist with preservation. cabins. Positioned right on the Clark Fork River, their
The National Bison Range is open daily to the Hot Springs event center offers a unique style and atmosphere that
public with a small admission fee charged from Location: Hwy 28 off Hwy 200, midway can host any size and type of gathering, from weddings,
mid-May through October. Self-guided tours on a between Plains and Flathead Lake. Population: receptions and rehearsals to business and training
scenic drive afford opportunities for viewing not 600. sessions. The open air Paradise Pavillion is also ready
only buffalo, but also herds of elk, deer, mountain to host your celebration. Every July, Quinn’s presents
sheep and pronghorn antelope. Several hundred One of Montana’s hidden treasures, Hot Springs the Montana Baroque Music Festival.
buffalo roam freely on this range and the herds are sits at the base of the Cabinet Mountains between Shortly after Martin Quinn discovered this secluded
sometimes visible from Highway 93 just south of Kalispell and Missoula. Founded in 1910 and named hot springs in the early 1880s, he built a residence,
St. Ignatius. for the local hot mineral springs that still flow today, bathhouses and sleeping accommodations for guests.
the town had its beginning during the time of the The springs were used mostly for rheumatism therapy
Thompson Falls big buffalo herds when the “Big Medicine” waters and to cleanse the body of alcohol, tobacco and
mine poisons. Martin became so popular in his new
bubbled freely, flowing up from the pit of the hot
Location: Hwy 200, Milepost 50; 101 miles water spring. profession that he was referred to as “Dr. Quinn.” His
west of Missoula, MT; 84 miles east of The steamy pool created from the overflow wife Fannie was a noble English woman and gracious
Sandpoint, ID. Population 1,319. Visitor churned with volcanic mud and the smell of sulfur hostess with her fine linens, china and crystal. Together
Information: Thompson Falls Chamber of was carried in the breezes, mixed with the spicy scent they made Quinn’s a great American example of safari-
Commerce and Visitors Center, PO Box 493, of wild sage. It was here that the Natives of the region style luxury.
Thompson Falls, MT 59873; Website: www. constructed small huts in the hot water to relax and Today at Quinn’s Hot Springs you can enjoy that
ThompsonFallsChamber.com; Phone: (406) breathe the steam of “The Big Medicine.” same luxury in a modern facility and share in the
827-4930 to request free visitor package. Today thousands of people seek rest and relief in beauty of this rugged, charming and romantic piece of
the fine mineral springs and mud baths. Hot Springs Paradise. Day use swim passes must be reserved online
Thompson Falls is situated at the junction of is a full service community with public pools, hotels at quinnshotsprings.com.
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