TOUR PACKAGES
I love to design tours specifically to my clients interests, but if you’re not sure where to start, I have put together single day and overnight tour suggestions that can be adjusted. I look forward to giving you an unforgettable adventure, with that personal touch, under the Big Sky!
As of 2020, Glacier National Park has started a pilot program to ease the severe crowding and reduce congestion in the park. You now have to do an online $2 vehicle reservation to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor, Many Glacier and the North Fork corridor, May through September. If you have reserved lodging, camping, or a tour within the park, you do not need a vehicle reservation. The car reservation ticket is available 24 hours in advance of entering the park and can be used one day within the next three days.
Locally in and around Missoula
- Historic Fort Missoula
- Smoke Jumper Center
- Downtown Missoula
- University of Montana and hike to the “M”
- Traveler’s Rest State Park
- Golf
- Breweries/Distilleries
- Art Galleries
- Garnet Ghost Town
- Rock Creek
- Hiking
- Kayaking/Canoeing/Tubing
- Downhill Skiing
- XC Skiing
Suggested Tours
(*Tour Guide’s Pick)
WEST
*One Day
Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail. (Seasonal May-Sept.) Afternoon in Historic Wallace, Idaho.
Overnight It!
Day 1
Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail. (Seasonal May-Sept.) OVERNIGHT in Historic Wallace, Idaho, or Historic Savenac Tree Nursery.
Day 2
Crystal Gold Mine Underground Tour. (Seasonal) Captain John Mullan Museum in Mullan, Idaho.
Description
Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail is a “Rails to Trails” system. It is located in the Bitterroot Mountains near Lookout Pass on the Montana/Idaho border. It is all downhill and when you get to the bottom, a shuttle bus transports you and your bike back to the top! It is 15 miles long with 10 train tunnels and 7 sky-high trestles. Family friendly trail. Bike rental at Lookout Pass Ski Area.
Historic Wallace, Idaho is the world’s largest silver producer and richest mining town still in existence! It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Museums you may want to consider going to are the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum, Wallace District Mining Museum, Sierra Silver Mine Tour, and the Oasis Bordello Museum! You can hike the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, and afterwards, get a cold beer at Wallace Brewery!
Savenac Historic Tree Nursery was founded in 1907. It was a Forest Service tree nursery with operations ending in 1969. It has a cabin and visitor center.
Crystal Gold Mine was one of the first hard rock mines worked in the Silver Valley. It was rediscovered in 1991. A very interesting and informative tour. You can pan for gems after the tour. Fun for the whole family!
Side Note: Captain John Mullan was an explorer, American soldier, civil servant, and road builder. He discovered Mullan Pass and oversaw the construction of the Mullan Road in Montana, Idaho, and Washington States 1859-1860.
FARTHER WEST
Overnight
Day 1
Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail. (Seasonal May-Sept.) OVERNIGHT at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho.
Day 2
Breakfast cruise on scenic Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Crystal Gold Mine underground Tour. Late lunch in Historic Wallace, Idaho.
Description
Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail is a “Rails to Trails” system. It is located in the Bitterroot Mountains near Lookout Pass on the Montana/Idaho border. It is all downhill and when you get to the bottom, a shuttle bus transports you and your bike back to the top! It is 15 miles long with 10 train tunnels and 7 sky-high trestles. Family friendly trail. Bike rental at Lookout Pass Ski Area.
Kellogg, Idaho has much to offer! It is in the Silver Valley, set in the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains in the Idaho Panhandle. It is home to Silver Mountain Ski Resort. In the summer you can take a gondola ride to the top for the view! At Silver Mountain Resort you can golf, play at the Silver Rapids Indoor Water Park, zipline, and ski/snowboard in the winter. Plenty to see and do! Lovely Condos with summer and winter packages.
Lake Coeur d’Alene is a beautiful, natural, dam-controlled lake in the panhandle of Idaho. At its northern end is the city of Coeur d’Alene. Scenic boat cruises run daily for 90 minutes. They also offer Breakfast and Sunset Cruises.
Crystal Gold Mine was one of the first hard rock mines worked in the Silver Valley. It was rediscovered in 1991. Very interesting and informative tour. You can pan for gems after the tour. Fun for the whole family!
Historic Wallace, Idaho is the world’s largest silver producer and richest mining town still in existence! It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Museums you may want to consider going to are the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum, Wallace District Mining Museum, Sierra Silver Mine Tour, and The Oasis Bordello Museum! You can hike the Pulaski Tunnel Trail and get a cold beer afterwards at Wallace Brewery!
NORTH
*One Day
National Bison Range, St. Ignatius Mission, Three Chiefs Cultural Center, and soak at Quinn’s Hot Springs. (Reservations required at Quinn’s.)
Overnight it!
Trip A
Day 1
National Bison Range, St. Ignatius Mission, Three Chiefs Cultural Center. OVERNIGHT soak and stay at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort. (Reservation required at Quinn’s.)
Day 2
Tour Missoula, Montana
*Trip B
Day 1
National Bison Range, St. Ignatius Mission, and a boat cruise, (seasonal), on Flathead Lake. OVERNIGHT at Kwataqnuk Resort in Polson, Montana. (Reservation recommended.)
Day 2
Golf at Kwataqnuk Resort and Miracle of America Museum.
Trip C
Day 1
St. Ignatius Mission. Drive up the east shore of Flathead Lake, through the cherry orchards, to Big Fork, Montana. Flathead Lake Cruise and OVERNIGHT in Big Fork.
Day 2
Big Fork, Montana. Return via the west shore of Flathead Lake with spectacular view of the Mission Mountain Range. Tour the National Bison Range or soak at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort. (Reservation required at Quinn’s)
Description
The National Bison Range, established in 1908, is a nature reserve for the conservation of American Bison on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The herd is held between 350-500 bison on 18,800 acres of hilly grasslands with a beautiful panoramic view of the Mission Mountains! In 2021, the management of the Bison Range was transferred back to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Kwataqnuk-Flathead Lake Resort and Casino is located on the south shore under the majestic Mission Mountains! Boat cruises daily on the Shadow Cruiser. Boat cruises offered are cultural, bay, brunch, dinner, or to Wild Horse Island. Polson Bay Golf Course has an 18-hole Championship Course and the 9-hole Olde Course.
St. Ignatius Mission, built in the late 1880’s, it is located in the most scenic spot in the Flathead Valley under the rugged Mission Mountains! The walls and ceilings have 58 original paintings by Brother Joseph Carignano. Next to the Mission is a museum and the Nuns original log home residence when they arrived.
Big Fork, Montana is located on the Swan River and Flathead Lake. It has become a cultural hub in Montana, yet it still has that quaint, small western town feel! Many Art Galleries, theater, music, and fine restaurants. Pointer Scenic Cruises on Flathead Lake operate out of Big Fork. (May-November. Closed on Sundays.)
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. The lake is a remnant of the ancient, massive glacial dammed lake, Lake Missoula, of the era of the last interglacial age. Flathead Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the populated world.
Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort is a natural hot spring with multiple pools and even a cold plunge pool! There are 2 lodges, 25 canyon and river-side cabins, and a restaurant offering fine dining.
NORTHEAST
*One Day
Explore Garnet Ghost Town in Greenough, Mt. In the afternoon, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard the Clearwater Canoe Trail at Seeley Lake, Montana.
One Day
For the energetic, a hike to Morrell Falls or Holland Lake’s Lower Falls. In the afternoon, either kayak, canoe, or paddleboard the Clearwater Canoe Trail in Seeley Lake, Montana.
One Day
Golf at Double Arrow Ranch and Resort. In the afternoon, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard the Clearwater Canoe Trail in Seeley Lake, Montana.
Overnight it!
Day 1
Golf at Double Arrow Ranch and Resort, nestled between the Mission Mountains and Swan Range Mountains. OVERNIGHT in the Seeley/Swan Corridor.
Day 2
Big Fork, Montana and a boat cruise on Flathead Lake. Return to Missoula down the east shore of Flathead Lake through the cherry orchards with a stop at the historic St. Ignatius Mission under the Mission Mountains!
Description
Garnet Ghost Town is a well-preserved gold mining town in the Garnet Mountains. In 1898 the population was around 1,000 people.
The Clearwater Canoe Trail is a 3.5-mile stretch of the Clearwater River just north of Seeley Lake, Montana. The slow-moving, narrow, shallow, winding, Clearwater River empties into Seeley Lake. After pulling out, you leave your watercraft and hike a short scenic trail back to your car. Lovely way to spend an afternoon!
Morrell Falls is a beautiful 5.4-mile round trip hike just north of the town of Seeley Lake. It passes through coniferous forests and two mountain lakes.
Holland Lake Lower Falls Trail is a 3.3 mile out and back hike with views of the Mission Mountains to the west and the Bob Marshall Wilderness in the Swan Range to the east. In my opinion, Holland Lake is the most scenic of the chain of lakes through the Seeley Swan Corridor.
Double Arrow Ranch and Resort is in the Seeley Swan Valley just outside Seeley Lake. It was established as a dude ranch in 1929. It has a Lodge, cabins and an 18-hole golf course. They also offer horseback riding, and rafting.
Big Fork, Montana is located on the Swan River and Flathead Lake. It has become a cultural hub in Montana, yet it still has that quaint, small western town feel! Many Art Galleries, theater, music, and fine restaurants. Pointer Scenic Cruises on Flathead Lake operate out of Big Fork. (May-November and closed on Sundays.)
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. The lake is a remnant of the ancient massive glacial dammed lake, Lake Missoula, of the era of the last interglacial age. Flathead Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the populated world.
St. Ignatius Mission, built in the late 1880’s, is in the most scenic spot in the valley under the rugged Mission Mountains. The walls and ceilings have 58 original paintings by Brother Joseph Carignano. Next to the Mission is a museum and the Nuns original log home residence when they arrived.
EAST
*One Day
Boat Tour through Gates of the Mountains. (Seasonal May-Sept. Reservation required.) Tour Helena, Montana. (State Capitol)
Overnight it!
Day 1
Boat Tour through Gates of the Mountains. (Seasonal May-Sept. Reservation required.) Tour and stay OVERNIGHT in Helena, Montana. (State Capitol)
Day 2
Tour Helena, Montana with a stop in Lincoln, Montana for a walk through the “International Sculpture in the Wild”.
Description
The Gates of the Mountains, as named by Meriwether Lewis, is a 2-hour boat tour located 20 miles north of Helena, Montana on the Missouri River. Breathtaking scenic 1200-foot towering limestone cliffs, eagles, osprey, and wildlife. A Montana gem not to be missed!!
Helena, Montana is our State Capitol with elaborate Victorian Architecture and Mansion District. There is plenty to see and do here! It was founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush in the 1860’s. Possible sites and tours could include the original Governor’s Mansion, State Capitol, Montana’s Museum, (which houses many original C. M. Russell paintings), the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Helena, Last Chance Gulch, Great Northern Carousel featuring hand carved animals, and Blackfoot River Brewing Co.
In Lincoln, Montana, “Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild” is a free walking tour that to date hosts 14 large scale sculpture installations, from International Artists, using natural materials from the Blackfoot Valley.
SOUTHEAST
Trip A
*One Day
Drive on the Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route to Philipsburg, Montana. Return through Rock Creek and Dinner at the historic Ekstrom’s Stage Station along Rock Creek.
Overnight it!
Day 1
Drive on the Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route to Philipsburg, Montana. Continue along the north shore of Georgetown Lake and OVERNIGHT at Fairmont Hot Springs. (Reservation required.)
Day 2
Golf at Fairmont Hot Springs. Tour and eat in Butte, Montana.
Description
The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route is a designated Montana Scenic Route. The route climbs in elevation and passes through the Philipsburg Valley following Flint Creek. It then follows the shoreline of the high mountain lake, Georgetown Lake, which is situated at the base of the Anaconda Mountains.
The town of Philipsburg is in the heart of Montana sapphire country. You can pan for your own Montana sapphires and other precious gems. Granite Ghost Town is close by. Philipsburg has many beautifully restored buildings including the Opera House. The Sweet Palace is a candy emporium with Victorian decor. There is a viewing area into their commercial kitchen. (Closed on Saturdays.) Discovery Basin Ski Area is very family friendly with many beginner to expert runs.
Fairmont Hot Springs is nestled at the base of the Pintler Mountains. It has large pools with a tubular slide, hotel, restaurant and an 18-hole Golf Course. They offer a family fun package and ski and stay packages.
Butte, Montana or “Butte America” as the locals call it, was Montana’s first major industrial city. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s it was one of the largest copper boomtowns in the American West and ruled by the Copper Kings. Uptown Butte is very historic!
Rock Creek is 20 miles from Missoula and is listed as a blue-ribbon trout stream! It is a very narrow, scenic corridor nestled between the Sapphire Mountains and the John Long Mountains. Usually, great wildlife viewing including Big Horn Sheep, Moose, and a fun suspension bridge! Ekstrom’s Stage Station is a former stage stop that is now a restaurant. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner and do all their own baking. They also have a campground and cabin rentals.
Trip B
One Day
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. (Seasonal-Reopens in May) The historic Mining city of Butte, Montana.
Overnight it!
Day 1
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. (Seasonal-Reopens in May) OVERNIGHT in historic Nevada City or Virginia City.
Day 2
Tour Yellowstone National Park. (Seasonal) OVERNIGHT in Paradise Valley and soak at Chico Hot Springs.
Day 3
Historic mining city of Butte, Montana.
Description
Although Lewis and Clark were never actually at the caverns, it is one of the largest known limestone caverns in the Northwest! (Seasonal-reopens in May)
Butte, Montana or “Butte America” as the locals call it, was Montana’s first major industrial city. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s it was one of the largest copper boomtowns in the American West and ruled by the Copper Kings. Uptown Butte is very historic! Lots of character!
Nevada City and sister city Virginia City are charming, historic, well preserved, inhabited ghost towns! Home to the wonderful Virginia City Players at the old playhouse.
Yellowstone National Park was our first national park and is situated over a super volcano. Hydrothermal and geologic wonders and plenty of wildlife!
Chico Hot Springs is in the beautiful Paradise valley nestled between the Absaroka Range and Gallatin Range. It is a major river valley of the Yellowstone River. Chico Hot Springs has a lodge, cabins, and a fine dining restaurant. Beautiful Location! Many places to spend the night throughout the Valley.
Butte, Montana or “Butte America” as the locals call it, was Montana’s first major industrial city. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s it was one of the largest copper boomtowns in the American West and ruled by the Copper Kings. Uptown Butte is very historic!
SOUTHWEST
One Day
Traveler’s Rest State Park in Lolo, Montana. (Wednesday-Sunday) Lochsa Lodge, Lolo Hot Springs, and dinner at Lolo Steakhouse or Lolo Peak Brewery and Grill in Lolo, Montana.
Overnight it!
Day 1
Take a hike up on Lolo Pass. Soak in a non-commercial, natural hot springs in the woods on the Idaho side of the state border. OVERNIGHT at Lochsa Lodge. (Reservation required)
Day 2
Soak at Lolo Hot Springs, Lumberjack Saloon and Traveler’s Rest State Park.
Description
Traveler’s Rest State Park is along the banks of Lolo Creek. Native peoples used this location for centuries and Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery stayed here twice.
Lolo Pass elevation is 5,233 feet and is 40 miles from Missoula. There are scenic hiking trails, which turn into XC ski trails in the winter. Just a little farther down the scenic, winding, 2 lane highway (that follows the Lochsa River), is Lochsa Lodge in Idaho. Fun to sit on the deck in the sun, eat, have a drink, enjoy the view, and play some cards or one of their many board games! Cabin rentals and natural hot springs nearby.
Lolo Hot Springs has a large outdoor pool, restaurant, hotel, cabins, picnic area, RV and tent sites and in the winter snow mobile rentals.
The Jack Saloon, formerly the Lumberjack Saloon, has tons of character and was built by loggers using huge timbers logged in the area. Cabin rentals, food, drink, and music on Saturday nights.
Lolo Creek Steakhouse was built using timber that was logged up by Lolo Pass. Considered one of the premier Steakhouses in Western Montana. There is also Lolo Peak Brewery and Grill and Lolo Creek Distillery in Lolo, Montana.
SOUTH
*One Day
Traveler’s Rest State Park. A hike on one of the many scenic trails in the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains. A tour of Marcus Daly Mansion and a stop at Historic St. Mary’s Mission. Bird watching and a hike at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Dinner at Lolo Creek Steakhouse, or Lolo Peak Brewery and Grill in Lolo, Montana. Lolo also has a distillery.
Description
Traveler’s Rest State Park is along the banks of Lolo Creek. Native peoples used this location for centuries and Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery stayed here twice.
The Bitterroot Mountains are part of the Rocky Mountains. Many beautiful trails to hike following the creeks. Trapper Peak is the highest summit at 10,157 feet.
The Historic Marcus Daly Mansion has over 50 rooms and was built in 1886 by Copper King Marcus Daly.
Historic St. Mary’s Mission was est. in 1841. Well preserved and gives you a good look back at the beginnings of the birth of the State.
Lee Metcalfe National Wildlife Refuge is 2,800 acres and was established in 1963. There are 160 acres of ponds, sloughs, and river bottom woodland. The Refuge has two nature trails and a paved half-mile wheelchair accessible trail to the picnic area and wildlife viewing gazebo. Over 235 bird species have been documented including Trumpeter Swans!
Lolo Creek Steakhouse was built using timber that was logged up by Lolo Pass. Considered one of the premier steakhouses in Western Montana. There is also Lolo Peak Brewery and Grill, and Lolo Creek Distillery in Lolo, Montana.
Side note: There are many Breweries and Antique stores in the Scenic Bitterroot Valley.
“To travel is to live. Never lose your sense of wonder!”
Beargrass