My Summer Guide to the Flathead Valley, Montana
Where to eat, where to stay, and how to spend a few perfect summer days on the lake.
There is something about summer in the Flathead Valley that feels almost nostalgic.
Maybe it's the sailboats crossing the lake in the evening. The cherry stands tucked along winding roads. The little downtowns where you can spend an afternoon wandering in and out of shops. Or the fact that, no matter how many summers I've spent in Montana, I still have moments up here where I look around and think, I can't believe we get to live here.
This summer, our team spent eight days working and playing throughout the Flathead Valley, and I was reminded just how special this corner of Montana is. We based part of our trip in Bigfork at The Cottages, one of our very dear clients, and spent the rest of our time moving between Bigfork, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and the lakes in between. There were early morning cinnamon rolls, afternoons on boats, cherry picking, margaritas on docks, a rodeo, a musical, more than one ice cream cone, and plenty of moments where work somehow didn't feel very much like work.
This isn't meant to be an exhaustive guide to the Flathead Valley. It's simply my guide: the places I loved, the things I'd do again, and the itinerary I'd send a friend if they texted me tomorrow and said, "I'm coming to Flathead. Where do I go?" And if there is one thing I would tell you before you come: give yourself more time than you think you need. The Flathead Valley is meant to be enjoyed slowly.
A FEW DAYS AT THE COTTAGES
Our home base in Bigfork.
We were hosted for several nights by The Cottages at Bigfork, one of our longtime clients and a project that has become incredibly special to me.
Their family purchased this iconic Bigfork property a little over a year ago and came to our agency, Bozeman Media Design, to completely reimagine the brand. You can view the branding here. From the beginning, our marketing strategy was about honoring Montana while showing a version of it we don't always see visually. Instead of immediately reaching for the expected Western imagery, we leaned into the lake: nautical blues, crisp whites, stripes, sailboats, vintage summer nostalgia, and this almost East Coast lake town feeling that somehow still feels completely at home in Montana. We brought that world to life through our first campaign shoot last summer, which you can view here.
And now, when you drive across Bigfork's historic bridge and see that seafoam striped sign welcoming you to The Cottages, it makes me smile every time. Seeing a brand you helped imagine come to life in the real world never gets old. Neither does arriving to find a chilled bottle of wine waiting in an ice bucket, a bowl overflowing with fresh Flathead Valley cherries, and a handwritten note from the manager welcoming you. I actually squealed over the cherries. Those details matter. They immediately make you feel cared for, and before we'd even unpacked our bags, everyone was smiling. It set the tone for the entire stay. Our client Hillary had planned a few days of what I can only describe as iconic Flathead Lake summer.
We started with a sunset sail. I'd only ever sailed on the ocean before, and sailing on Flathead Lake felt peaceful in an entirely different way. We cracked open a bottle of rosé, or two, made a charcuterie board and watched the light change over the mountains from the boat. Eventually, we jumped off the side for a swim before heading back to our cottages and climbing into what may genuinely be one of the fluffiest, most comfortable beds I've slept in in a long time. The Cottages will be offering sailing experiences for guests, and if you're staying here, put this at the very top of your list.
The next morning started slowly, which is exactly how mornings here should start. One of my favorite little luxuries is waking up somewhere with a beautiful bathroom, and no detail has been overlooked here, from the robes to the bath products to the tiny finishing touches. I slipped into one of the fluffy robes, made coffee in our kitchenette, and caught up on emails before everyone else was moving. Then we headed to Bigfork Orchards. Driving the back roads around Bigfork reminds me a little of upstate New York in the summer: winding roads, orchards, fruit stands, old houses and glimpses of water. We walked through the orchard around 10 a.m., before the afternoon heat settled in, and naturally left with cherries to bring back with us.
By afternoon, we were in swimsuits and back on the water. We took the boat over for dockside lunch at The Sitting Duck. A margarita and cheeseburger were exactly what I needed, although Hillary's Aperol Spritz looked so refreshing I almost reconsidered my order. We cruised slowly past the homes along the lake on our way back, and it was another one of those I cannot believe this is Montana moments.
Back at The Cottages, we pulled out the leftover charcuterie from the night before, answered emails and took a little break before dinner. This is one of the reasons I love having a kitchenette when I'm traveling. You don't have to leave for every single meal. You can make coffee, keep a bottle of wine cold, put fruit from the orchard in the fridge and actually settle into the space. You could comfortably exist here for a week. That evening, the Folkvords hosted us for dinner, and Hillary made the most incredible meal. You can read more about that dinner here. There is something especially sweet about having clients who become friends and getting to celebrate a project after watching it come together for an entire year.
The Cottages have become such a special property. There are 13 cottages at the end of Main Street in Bigfork, right beside the historic bridge. Over the last year, their family has rebranded and redone each cottage, intentionally designing every one to have its own unique experience and aesthetic. You can read more about the transformation here.
The next morning, we walked to Lake Baked for coffees and hot cinnamon rolls. I grabbed one of The Cottages totes hanging by the door, which, as the agency behind the brand, is one of those tiny things that makes me ridiculously happy, and we wandered into town. That day was exactly what I want a Montana lake day to be. We jumped off the public dock when it got hot. Had chicken tacos and spicy margaritas at Oro y Plata. Stopped into Sault, where I naturally walked out with an amazing Ralph Lauren sweater. Rode bikes around town. Showered and changed for sushi at Saketome. Saw The Music Man at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. And, obviously, stopped for ice cream before walking home. One of those really, really good summer days.
WHAT TO DO
The things I'd make time for around the Flathead Valley.
Sail Flathead Lake
If you're staying at The Cottages and have the opportunity to sail, do it.
There is something magical about being on Flathead Lake at sunset without the sound of a motor. Bring rosé, something to snack on, swimsuits, and absolutely nowhere else you need to be.
Note: Save this for the evening. The changing light on the mountains is half the experience.
Spend an Afternoon on the Water
A boat day is non-negotiable if you're visiting in the summer.
We rented through The Lodge at Whitefish Lake for our Whitefish Lake day, and you can also rent boats around Bigfork, including Marina Cay.
Pack sunscreen, snacks and something warm for later in the day. Montana lake weather can change quickly, even when the afternoon starts hot.
Pick Flathead Cherries
We visited Bigfork Orchards and loved it.
Go earlier in the morning before it gets too hot, walk through the orchard, and leave with more cherries than you think you need.
There is something so quintessentially summer about eating fresh cherries straight from the Flathead Valley.
Thursday Night Rodeo in Columbia Falls
This is Montana in the very best way.
Go to the Thursday night rodeo in Columbia Falls and, if you're committed to the full experience, follow it with karaoke at the Blue Moon.
Fancy? No.
Authentic Montana? Extremely.
See a Show at Bigfork Summer Playhouse
We saw The Music Man, and it was such a fun change of pace after several days in the sun.
After swimming, boating and being outside all day, there is something very nice about showering, putting on an actual outfit and sitting in a theater for a few hours.
Note: Pair it with sushi beforehand and ice cream afterward.
Shop at Sault
One of my favorite boutiques.
Kathleen is an incredible buyer, and you'll find brands like SLVRLAKE, DÔEN and Polo Ralph Lauren mixed together in a way that feels elevated without losing that Montana ease.
I almost never leave empty-handed.
Wander Downtown Whitefish
Whitefish deserves an afternoon without much of an itinerary.
Walk around, pop into the shops, grab lunch, and make sure you stop at The Toggery. It's one of those stores where almost everyone can find something, whether you're looking for clothing, a Montana souvenir or something to bring home.
Hike Whitefish Mountain
You can head to the base of the ski resort and hike up the mountain for beautiful views over the valley.
I've done this with my dad on an early summer morning and loved it. We skipped it this year because the smoke had already started to settle into the valley, but I'd absolutely put it back on the itinerary another year.
Note: Go early, bring water, and carry bear spray.
Jump Off the Public Dock in Bigfork
No reservation. No itinerary. No fancy equipment.
Walk through town in your swimsuit, jump in the lake, dry off in the sun, and keep going.
Sometimes the simplest things are the best part.
WHERE TO EAT
The places I'd go back to.
Oro y Plata | Bigfork
One of my favorite casual stops in Bigfork and equally good for lunch or dinner.
My order: Chicken tacos and a spicy margarita.
Saketome Sushi | Bigfork
SO good.
Expect a wait during the summer. Put your name in and use the next 45 minutes to wander around Bigfork before heading back.
Honestly, that's part of the fun.
Lake Baked | Bigfork
The cinnamon rolls alone deserve a stop.
Throw on sweats in the morning, walk over while they're still warm, grab coffees and bring everything back to your cottage porch before the rest of town wakes up.
They also have incredible quiche.
Note: They're currently open Wednesday through Saturday, so check the schedule before planning your morning around it.
Farm to Table Ice Cream | Bigfork
Some of the smoothest ice cream I've ever had.
My order: One scoop Flathead cherry and one scoop chocolate on a waffle cone.
Also, what is it about ice cream and walking around a lake town? They simply belong together.
Echo Lake Café
Apparently one of the breakfast spots in the area, and the wait proves it.
Perfect before a lazy lake day or before getting on the road home.
Jalisco Cantina | Whitefish
We went here our first night in Whitefish and loved it.
The doors open up so the restaurant almost spills outside in the summer, which is exactly what I want on a warm Montana night.
My order: Chips and guacamole, skinny margarita and the pulled pork burrito bowl.
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
I love this for an easy lunch.
Sit by the water, order something simple and stay awhile.
My order: Caesar salad with salmon and an iced tea with lemon.
If you're spending the day down at the Tiki Bar, sometimes chicken strips, fries and a cold drink just slap. There is a time and place for everything.
The Sitting Duck
Pulling up by boat is the move.
It's casual, dockside and exactly the kind of lunch you want in the middle of a lake day.
My order: Cheeseburger and margarita.
WHERE TO STAY
Three completely different ways to experience the valley.
The Cottages at Bigfork
Obviously, my favorite.
There are 13 cottages tucked at the end of Main Street in Bigfork, right beside the historic bridge, and over the last year the Folkvord family has thoughtfully renovated and reimagined each one.
Every cottage has its own personality, but the experience feels consistent: beautiful bedding, fluffy pillows, robes, thoughtful bathrooms, kitchenettes, bikes on property and details everywhere you look.
When I tell you there are moments here that remind me of The Wauwinet in Nantucket, I mean it. Not because they're trying to recreate Nantucket in Montana, but because of the attention paid to the smallest parts of the guest experience.
The bedding. The mugs you pull out for morning coffee. The sticker on the toilet paper roll. The tote waiting by the door. The seafoam stripes. The handwritten welcome note.
Even arriving to that bottle of chilled wine and a bowl of Flathead cherries made the beginning of the trip feel like an occasion.
Note: This would be my choice for a couple, a solo trip, or a family that wants to actually settle into Bigfork for several days. I joke that I could rent one for the entire summer and be perfectly happy.
You can read more about The Cottages here.
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
A completely different experience, in a completely different town.
The Lodge is Whitefish's waterfront resort experience, and it's where I'd stay if the goal is a few days of doing very little: wake up, go to the pool, order lunch, rent a boat, come back for a drink, repeat.
It also has a certain old-school Montana resort feeling that I love, especially compared with some of the newer hospitality we're seeing around the state.
The property is preparing for a major renovation, and I'm very excited to see what the next chapter looks like.
Note: Summer fills quickly. This is one I'd plan well in advance. Personally, I'd recommend booking about a year out if you know your dates.
Larch House | Whitefish
I haven't stayed here yet, so I can't give you the same firsthand review as the other two, but it's on my list.
It's newer, modern and offers a completely different aesthetic than either The Cottages or The Lodge.
Personally, I think I'd save this one for fall or winter, when the lake isn't necessarily the center of the trip and I want something modern and cozy to come home to after spending the day around Whitefish.
A FINAL WORD
The Flathead Valley is one of those places where I think the best itinerary is only half planned. Book the cottage. Make the dinner reservation. Reserve the boat. Buy the playhouse tickets. But leave room. Leave room to stop when you see a handwritten cherry sign on the side of the road. To jump off the dock because it's hotter than expected. To order another margarita because you're already sitting by the lake. To bike into town instead of driving. To wander through a store for 45 minutes while you wait for your sushi table.
There are parts of Montana that ask you to adventure. The Flathead Valley, especially in the summer, asks you to linger. We came for work and stayed long enough to remember what summer here is supposed to feel like: sun-warmed skin, cold lake water, cherries in the kitchen, wet swimsuits hanging over porch railings, windows down on winding roads, and that very particular Montana light that somehow makes 9:30 p.m. feel too early to go inside.
If you're planning your own trip, my biggest recommendation is simple: stay a little longer than you think you should. You'll find a way to fill the days. And you'll probably wish you had one more.
See you at the lake. xx
