Evergreen, Montana (Flathead County): 10 Fun Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Evergreen, Montana (Flathead County)

Evergreen, Montana may look like a simple small town just east of Kalispell, but it’s actually an awesome home base for exploring some of the best spots in Northwest Montana. If you’re planning a trip to Evergreen, or driving through Flathead County on your way to Glacier National Park, you’ll find plenty to see and do within a short drive. Below are 10 things to do near Evergreen, Montana that mix outdoor adventure, local flavor, and easy day trips.

1. Use Evergreen as Your Base for Glacier National Park

Evergreen sits only about 35–45 minutes from the West Glacier entrance of Glacier National Park, depending on traffic and season. That means you can enjoy quieter evenings in town and still reach the park early in the morning.
  • Drive the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road (seasonal, usually late June–early Oct).
  • Stop at Lake McDonald for a peaceful shoreline walk or a quick picnic.
  • Hike classic trails like Avalanche Lake or Hidden Lake Overlook.
If you’ve ever dreamed of alpine lakes, towering peaks, and maybe a mountain goat sighting or two, Glacier is where it happens. Staying in or near Evergreen makes it easier to grab coffee, fuel up, and beat some of the crowds into the park.

2. Spend a Day at Flathead Lake

Just a short drive south from Evergreen, you’ll find Flathead Lake, one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the western United States. It’s about 20–30 minutes to the north shore, depending on where you go. Things to do around Flathead Lake:
  • Swim or sunbathe at lakeside parks near Bigfork or along Highway 35.
  • Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the clear, blue water.
  • Visit local cherry orchards in late summer along the east shore.
On a sunny day, the lake has that classic “vacation postcard” vibe: sparkling water, distant mountains, and families tossing frisbees on the grass. It’s an easy escape from Evergreen when you need a slower pace.

3. Explore Downtown Kalispell

Evergreen is basically next-door neighbors with Kalispell. In fact, it feels like one continuous area, but Evergreen is its own community. The great thing is, you’re only minutes from historic downtown Kalispell. Highlights include:
  • Main Street shops – browse local boutiques, gear shops, and galleries.
  • Local breweries and coffee shops – great for relaxing after a hike.
  • Historic buildings – the downtown area has an old Western charm.
If you’ve spent the day outside and just want to stroll, grab dinner, and maybe pick up a Montana souvenir, downtown Kalispell makes a nice evening outing from Evergreen.

4. Visit Lone Pine State Park for Big Views

For one of the best views of the Flathead Valley without a huge drive, head to Lone Pine State Park, just southwest of Kalispell and an easy trip from Evergreen. At Lone Pine you can:
  • Hike or bike a network of short trails with great overlooks.
  • Stop at the visitor center to learn about local wildlife and plants.
  • Look out over Kalispell, Evergreen, and the surrounding mountains.
Most trails are under a few miles, so it’s perfect if you want a quick hike before dinner or need something family-friendly. On clear evenings, the sunset from up there can be stunning.

5. Get on the Water at the Flathead River

Evergreen is right by the Flathead River, and if you like being near water, that’s a big bonus. The river winds through the valley and offers plenty of chances for both calm floating and more exciting whitewater adventures (especially as you move closer to Glacier). Consider:
  • Guided rafting trips on the Middle Fork or North Fork of the Flathead.
  • Kayaking or paddleboarding with local outfitters.
  • Fishing for trout and other local species (check regulations first).
If you’ve never been rafting, this part of Montana is a great place to try it. Outfitters generally provide all the gear and keep things safe and fun, even for beginners.

6. Hike and Relax in the Swan Range

East of Evergreen and Kalispell, the Swan Range rises up with forested slopes, alpine lakes, and plenty of trails. You don’t have to go far from town to feel like you’ve truly escaped. Popular options near the valley include:
  • Jewel Basin Hiking Area (a local favorite for day hikes).
  • Trails leading to alpine lakes and panoramic viewpoints.
  • Quieter routes compared to the busier trails inside Glacier National Park.
If you want the classic Montana hiking experience without the heaviest crowds, exploring the Swan Range can be a great choice while staying in Evergreen.

7. Discover Bigfork’s Artsy, Lakeside Vibe

About 25–30 minutes from Evergreen, the little town of Bigfork sits on the northeast corner of Flathead Lake. It has a cozy, creative feel and makes an easy half-day or full-day trip. In Bigfork, you can:
  • Wander through art galleries and gift shops in the village.
  • Watch a show at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse (in season).
  • Enjoy waterfront dining or just relax by the bay.
If you enjoy small towns with personality, you’ll probably appreciate Bigfork’s mix of lake life, arts, and good food. It’s a nice contrast to the more rugged mountain adventures around Evergreen and Glacier.

8. Hit the Slopes (or Trails) at Whitefish Mountain Resort

About 35–45 minutes from Evergreen, Whitefish Mountain Resort (on Big Mountain) is one of the top outdoor playgrounds in the area. Don’t let the name fool you; there’s plenty to do year-round. In winter:
  • Go downhill skiing or snowboarding on miles of groomed runs.
  • Enjoy night skiing on select evenings.
  • Warm up in the lively village base area with shops and restaurants.
In summer:
  • Ride the scenic lift for big views of Glacier and the Flathead Valley.
  • Try mountain biking on developed trails.
  • Walk shorter hiking paths near the summit.
If you like mixing outdoor sports with a resort atmosphere, Whitefish Mountain is well worth the drive from Evergreen.

9. Learn Local History at the Conrad Mansion Museum

To balance all the outdoor fun with a bit of history, stop by the Conrad Mansion Museum in Kalispell, only a short drive from Evergreen. Why go?
  • The mansion is a well-preserved turn-of-the-20th-century home.
  • Guided tours share stories about the early days of Kalispell and Flathead County.
  • The grounds and gardens are peaceful and great for photos.
If you’re traveling with family or you just enjoy learning about how a place came to be, this is a relaxed way to dive into local history without spending a full day in museums.

10. Enjoy Simple Local Life Right in Evergreen

While it’s easy to focus only on the “big name” spots like Glacier or Flathead Lake, don’t overlook the everyday charm of Evergreen, Montana itself. In and around Evergreen, you can:
  • Grab breakfast at a local diner before hitting the road.
  • Shop for outdoor gear or last-minute supplies along Highway 2.
  • Take a short walk along nearby backroads and enjoy mountain views without big crowds.
One of the nicest parts of staying in or near Evergreen is the mix of convenience and calm. You’re close to grocery stores, gas, and restaurants, but only a short drive from some of the wildest landscapes in Montana.

Planning Your Trip to Evergreen, Montana

Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
  • Best time to visit: Summer (June–August) for hiking, lakes, and Glacier access; winter (Dec–March) for skiing and snow sports.
  • Getting around: A car is almost essential. Distances aren’t huge, but public transit is limited.
  • Pack layers: Even in July, mornings and evenings can be cool, especially near the mountains.
If you use Evergreen as your base, you can easily explore Flathead County, Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and nearby towns like Kalispell, Whitefish, and Bigfork without changing hotels every night.

Share Your Evergreen, Montana Experience

Have you visited Evergreen or the Flathead Valley before? Did you find a favorite hike, a hidden beach on Flathead Lake, or a diner you still dream about?
  • Drop a comment below and share your best tips or stories.
  • If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who’s planning a Montana trip.
Montana adventures don’t have to be complicated. With Evergreen as your starting point, you’re close to some of the most beautiful places in the state—without giving up the comforts that make travel easy.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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