Whitefish, Montana Weekend Getaways: 10 Scenic Short Road Trips

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10 Easy Road Trips from Whitefish, Montana: Iconic Day Trips Beyond Flathead County

If you’re based in Whitefish, Montana and itching to explore beyond Flathead County, you’re in luck. Within just a couple of hours’ drive, you can reach crystal-clear lakes, mountain passes, quirky small towns, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the West. This guide covers 10 short out-of-county road trips from Whitefish, focusing on nearby counties like Glacier, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Missoula, Pondera, Powell, Sanders, and Teton. Each trip can be done in a day, but many are worth stretching into a full weekend.

1. East Side Glacier National Park: Many Glacier Valley (Glacier County)

When most people think of Glacier National Park, they picture the west side. But the Many Glacier area on the east side, in Glacier County, might just be the park’s crown jewel. From Whitefish, drive around the south end of the park and up the east side. It’s a longer loop, but the views and fewer crowds make it worth it.
  • Distance from Whitefish: About 3–3.5 hours one way
  • Best for: Day hikes, wildlife watching, dramatic alpine scenery
What to do:
  • Hike the Grinnell Glacier trail for towering peaks and turquoise lakes.
  • Watch for moose and bears in the early morning along Swiftcurrent Lake.
  • Relax by the water at Many Glacier Hotel and take in the classic Swiss-style lodge vibe.
If you’ve only ever seen the west side of Glacier, this area feels like discovering a whole new park. The mountains rise sharper, the valleys feel deeper, and it’s easy to spend the day just pulling over for photos.

2. St. Mary & Going-to-the-Sun Road from the East (Glacier County)

You’ve probably driven Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west. But starting from St. Mary on the east side has its own magic.
  • Distance from Whitefish: About 2.5–3 hours to St. Mary
  • Best for: Scenic driving, pull-off viewpoints, short walks
What to do:
  • Stop at the St. Mary Visitor Center to check conditions and grab maps.
  • Walk the easy trail to Sun Point for sweeping lake views.
  • Drive up toward Logan Pass, stopping at overlooks and short trails along the way.
Starting from the east feels calmer, with fewer cars early in the morning. If you’re used to approaching Logan Pass from the west, driving it in reverse gives you a fresh perspective on every curve and cliffside view.

3. Flathead Lake’s East Shore & Polson (Lake County)

Looking for a mellow day on the water? Head to Lake County and explore the east side of Flathead Lake and the small city of Polson.
  • Distance from Whitefish: About 1.5–2 hours to Polson
  • Best for: Scenic drives, lakeside stops, summer fruit stands
What to do:
  • Follow Highway 35 along the east shore of Flathead Lake with pullouts for photos.
  • In summer, stop at roadside cherry stands and grab a bag of fresh Flathead cherries.
  • Hang out in Polson by the lakefront, with views stretching across the water to the Mission Mountains.
On a warm day, this drive feels like a mini-vacation. Pack a cooler, a swimsuit, and maybe a camp chair to sit by the water for a while.

4. Mission Mountains & St. Ignatius (Lake County)

Still in Lake County, but with a totally different vibe, is the drive down to St. Ignatius and the Mission Mountains.
  • Distance from Whitefish: Around 2 hours
  • Best for: Mountain views, history, slower-paced exploring
What to do:
  • Admire the towering Mission Mountain Range rising straight up from the valley floor.
  • Visit the historic St. Ignatius Mission with its detailed interior murals.
  • Drive the backroads on a clear day for sweeping views of peaks and farmland.
If you’re into photography, come around golden hour. The way the light hits those steep peaks makes them look almost unreal.

5. Helena: Montana’s Capital City (Lewis and Clark County)

If you’re craving a bit of city energy without leaving Montana’s mountain feel behind, set your sights on Helena in Lewis and Clark County.
  • Distance from Whitefish: About 3.5–4 hours
  • Best for: History, architecture, urban walking, coffee and food stops
What to do:
  • Walk around the Montana State Capitol grounds and admire the dome and statues.
  • Stroll through the Last Chance Gulch walking mall with shops, cafés, and historic markers.
  • Head up to Mount Helena City Park for hilltop views over the city.
Helena has that mix of government town and Old West history. It’s a nice change of pace from the resort-town feel of Whitefish when you want something different for the day.

6. Kootenai Falls & Swinging Bridge (Lincoln County)

If dramatic waterfalls and a bit of adrenaline appeal to you, drive west to Kootenai Falls in Lincoln County.
  • Distance from Whitefish: Around 1.5–2 hours
  • Best for: Short hikes, river views, easy family adventure
What to do:
  • Walk the short trail from the parking area to the wide, powerful Kootenai Falls.
  • Cross the swinging bridge over the Kootenai River if you’re not afraid of heights.
  • Bring a picnic and relax near the river (while keeping a safe distance from fast-moving water).
The trail is fairly easy, and you get a big reward for not much effort. If you’ve seen the falls in photos, they’re even more impressive in person.

7. Libby & the Cabinet Mountains (Lincoln County)

While you’re exploring Lincoln County, add a trip to Libby and the nearby Cabinet Mountains to your list.
  • Distance from Whitefish: About 2 hours
  • Best for: Quiet mountain town vibes, scenic backroads, hikers and anglers
What to do:
  • Explore the streets of Libby, a small town tucked between forested hills.
  • Drive toward the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness trailheads for hiking options.
  • Check out local river access points along the Kootenai River for fishing or just enjoying the water.
This is a good road trip if you like less-crowded areas and don’t mind trading fancy cafés for quiet scenery and local diners.

8. Missoula: College Town with a River Running Through It (Missoula County)

For a lively but laid-back day in a bigger town, point your car toward Missoula in Missoula County.
  • Distance from Whitefish: About 2.5 hours
  • Best for: Food, breweries, river walks, shopping, events
What to do:
  • Walk along the Clark Fork River trail and watch kayakers and surfers at Brennan’s Wave.
  • Visit downtown shops and grab coffee, ice cream, or a local beer.
  • Hike the short but steep trail up the “M” on Mount Sentinel for a city overview.
Missoula has a younger, artsy feel thanks to the university. It’s a fun contrast to the more tourist-driven energy in Whitefish, especially if you enjoy people-watching and trying new restaurants.

9. Seeley Lake Corridor & Clearwater Valley (Missoula & Powell Counties)

If you’re in the mood for lakes, forests, and a classic Montana two-lane highway, head for the Seeley Lake area, stretching across Missoula County and into Powell County.
  • Distance from Whitefish: Around 3 hours
  • Best for: Paddling, swimming, camping, scenic driving
What to do:
  • Stop at Seeley Lake for boating, stand-up paddleboarding, or a simple lakeside walk.
  • Continue south along Highway 83 past a chain of lakes and trailheads.
  • Look for viewpoints where the mountains and forests surround the water on all sides.
If you love the idea of a “lake day” but want a change from options closer to Whitefish, this valley offers that classic pine-and-water Montana feel with plenty of pullouts and picnic spots.

10. Thompson Falls & the Clark Fork River (Sanders County)

For a quieter, off-the-main-tourist-route day, explore Thompson Falls and the Clark Fork River in Sanders County.
  • Distance from Whitefish: About 2.5–3 hours
  • Best for: Scenic river views, relaxed small-town exploring, easy walks
What to do:
  • Walk around Thompson Falls and find overlooks of the river and dam area.
  • Drive along the Clark Fork River, watching for bald eagles and other wildlife.
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy it at a riverside park or quiet pullout.
The drive itself is half the fun. Long stretches of road follow the river, and traffic is usually light, so you can settle into the scenery and take your time.

Bonus Ideas: Eastern Plains & Front Range (Pondera & Teton Counties)

If you’re willing to push your driving time a bit more and love the feeling of big, open spaces, consider a longer day to the Rocky Mountain Front near Pondera County and Teton County. You’ll trade thick forests for ranch land, rolling plains, and dramatic mountains suddenly rising from the prairie. It’s a different side of Montana that many visitors never see, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

Tips for Road Trips from Whitefish

To keep your Whitefish road trips fun and stress-free, keep a few basics in mind:
  • Check road and park conditions: Montana weather can change fast, especially in the mountains.
  • Top off your gas tank: Some stretches between towns are long with limited services.
  • Pack layers: Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool.
  • Bring snacks and water: Small-town cafés and stores may have limited hours.

Share Your Favorite Whitefish Road Trip

Exploring beyond Flathead County is one of the best ways to really get to know northwest Montana. From waterfalls and wild rivers to capital buildings and college-town streets, there’s a lot you can reach in just a few hours’ drive from Whitefish. Have you taken any of these day trips from Whitefish?
  • Which one was your favorite?
  • Did I miss a hidden gem in any of these counties?
Drop your stories and tips in the comments—your ideas help other travelers plan their own adventures. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family planning a trip to Whitefish. The more people exploring these out-of-the-way corners of Montana, the better the road trips get for all of us.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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