Attractions

Restaurants in Columbia Falls

  • Montana Coffee Traders: An eclectic little place with fantastic Coffee and Tea!  They also serve amazing breakfast and lunch.  Located a block away, this is a great place to start your day!
  • Los Caporales:  Authentic Mexican food at its finest.  Los Caporales is open for lunch and dinner with a broad menu that would please anyone.  Located just three blocks from the Glacier Inn Motel.
  • The Night Owl & Back Room:  Two Restaurants in one location!  The Night Owl is a diner style restaurant open 24 hours while the Back Room is only open for dinner.  The Back Room features ribs and chicken served with all the trimmings and don’t forget the fry bread (a local favorite)!
  • Tiens Place:  Our local Chinese Restaurant serves up delicious food and beverages.
  • Three Forks Grille:  The newest Restaurant in town……
  • The Whistle Stop Café:  A local deli with gourmet soups and sandwiches.
  • Phyggs Deli:  A local deli with fantastic soups and sandwiches on the way to Glacier National Park!  You can’t beat their veggie pita with turkey!

Around Town – Businesses in Columbia Falls

  • Station 8 – Antiques and gifts
  • Fashion Finds
  • Back in Time Antiques
  • Bad Rock Books
  • Super 1 Grocery Store
  • Smith’s Grocery Store
  • Columbia Falls Library
  • All About Sports
  • Rejuvenate Massage & Bodywork
  • The Bandit – With a large outdoor area this is a great place to relax and have a beer!

Columbia Falls Montana is a budding community that combines hometown values with outdoor recreation.  All local businesses have one goal, to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, that’s why you will experience nothing but the best in Columbia Falls!  From food to antiques, there is much to see and do in downtown Columbia Falls.  The downtown area is within walking distance of the Glacier Inn Motel.

Glacier National Park

Just 15 Miles to the West entrance of Glacier National Park, the Glacier Inn Motel is your take off point for adventure!  Commemorating 100 years of Glacier National Park this year, now is the time to visit.  With over 700 miles of trails leading to spectacular natural beauty, Glacier National Park is worth the visit.  Biking, fishing, horseback rides, hiking, swimming, boat tours, Glacier has it all!  So bring your camera and plan to spend a few days seeing the sights on the infamous “Going to the Sun” Road.

You can visit their website here.

Polebridge

Located 30 miles north of Columbia Falls take the road less traveled to the unique community of Polebridge.  Although it takes an average of 90 minutes to get there it, is worth the bumpy drive.  Have a cookie or pastry at the Polebridge Mercantile and proceed into the remote NW section of Glacier National Park for beautiful views of Bowman Lake and several hikes.

Fishing

  • Arends Fly Shop: Montana Made Flies & fall big game hunting outfitter.  A sportsman’s resource for all Montana fishing and hunting needs.  

If your coming to the Flathead Valley for fishing Arends Fly Shop is a must stop!  This fly and sport shop has it all from Montana Made Flies to fishing licenses to sporting goods.  Located on Highway 2 East on the way to Glacier National Park, stop in and visit to find out what the fish are biting on or book a guided fishing trip – Arends’ knows best!  Check out what fly Arend’s recommends using this week.

If you want to take a more relaxed approach to fishing let Glacier Wilderness Guides, Inc or The Glacier Outdoor Center book a guided trip for you and your family!  With many options available check out their websites for which package works for you.

White Water Rafting

With many companies in West Glacier available for river trips your options are endless.  You can rent your own private party raft from any of the raft companies or your can pay a little extra and let the pros guide you down.  Whether you choose the whitewater section of the Middle Fork or the scenic section of the North Fork, you are guaranteed a day filled with fun and adventure on the Flathead!  With three forks of the Flathead River to choose from, the Flathead Valley is a water lover’s paradise!

Hiking

 

 

 

 

 

For those only here a few days, Glacier National Park has many day and multiday hikes to accommodate any level.  Avalanche Lake is always a favorite as well as the Highline Trail .  But for those here longer than a few days there are many trails outside of the Park that offer much of the same without the crowds.  If you are hiking in late August or September keep an eye out for Huckleberries which can be a tasty treat while on the trail!

Flathead Lake

The largest fresh water lake west of the Mississippi is located just 30 minutes south of the Glacier Inn Motel.  There are many opportunities to boat and recreate on the lake.

Visit their website here.

Big Slide Waterslides

Let the kid inside explore the Big Slide Waterslides!  From the “river ride” to “Geronimo” the fun is endless, bring your sunscreen and plan to spend all day riding the slides and relaxing in the huge hot tub.

Visit their website here.

Hungry Horse Reservoir and Dam

Located just 6 miles from the Glacier Inn Motel, the Hungry Horse Reservoir is one of a kind.  If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the 100 mile loop around the entire Reservoir with several side excursions available.  There are many campsites available and fishing accesses are plentiful.  Several secluded cloves and beaches offer great swimming opportunities to cool off during the hot summer months.  On the south end you will find the Spotted Bear Ranger Station located on the South Fork of the Flathead River before it flows into the Reservoir.  The Bob Marshall Wilderness is also accessed from Spotted Bear Ranger Station.

Visit their website here.

Winter Activities High Lights

  • Downhill Skiing
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Ice Fishing
  • Dog Sled Rides
  • Shopping (See Summer Activities)

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Whitefish Mountain Resort is known for world class skiing and snowboarding with a small town feel!  For the fluffiest powder around come visit the Whitefish Mountain Resort.  Unparallel terrain combined with speedy chairlifts makes for sore muscles at the end of the day.

Visit their website here.

Cross Country Skiing

  • Essex
  • Glacier Outdoor Center
  • Glacier National Park
  • Unlimited trails up the North Fork on Forest Service land

Simply Unreal!  Cross country skiing in the Flathead Valley is a wonderful experience!  For groomed runs visit Essex or the Glacier Outdoor Center (just to name a few) or for a more secluded adventure break your own trail in Glacier National Park or in any of the other Wilderness areas.

Snowmobiling

Canyon Creek located just 5 miles north of Columbia Falls is a snowmobile haven!  Or you can check out McGinnis Creek located a few miles beyond Canyon Creek up the North Fork of the Flathead River on Forest Service land.  The options are endless!  For snowmobile rentals, Winter Wonderland Sports or J & L Rentals are great options.

Summer Activities