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In 2015, received its 100 millionth visitor since its establishment in 1910. It’s still every bit as enchanting now as it was back then. Hike a few miles into the backcountry from practically any trailhead and you’ll feel like you have the million-acre wilderness to yourself. The real exploration in these parts, however, takes place beyond park boundaries.

Columbia Falls to Two Medicine Lake

The Middle Fork of the marks the southwestern boundary of the park. With the on the other side, paddlers can raft Class II–III whitewater. , in West Glacier, offers half- or full-day trips. One of the best ways to access the park is the Two Medicine entrance, a short nine-mile drive that ends at , where the water is so clear that on some days the surface provides an exact simile of 9,513-foot Rising Wolf and 8,271-foot Sinopah Mountains.

EAT & STAY: features locally raised beef and makes a mean huckleberry pie. With amazing views, cascading waterfalls, and access to lots of hiking trails, is one of the most spectacular sites in the park.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

, which is open only during the summer, winds from one jaw-dropping vista to another. Let someone else do the driving so you can take pictures by booking seats on one of daily interpretive bus tours. For a stunning day hike, park at Siyeh Bend and lace your boots up for a 4.5-mile hike up to . You’ll be rewarded with fields of wildflowers and panoramic downvalley views.

Whitefish

is a hub for recreation, with a seven-mile-long glacial lake, the ever-expanding , and Whitefish Mountain Resort overlooking it all. Hike Danny On National Recreation Trail to the 6,817-foot summit of the resort, or rent a mountain bike at Village Equipment Rentals and explore the town’s incredibly well-maintained network of multi-use trails. At Whitefish City Beach, rent a SUP or kayak at Paddlefish Sports. Back in town, treat yourself to an ice cream cone at Sweet Peaks Ice Cream and then take a leisurely stroll along the Whitefish River at nearby Riverside Park.

EAT & STAY: Order elk meatloaf and a glass of wine at Tupelo Grille. At Good Medicine Lodge, the breakfasts, like Montana Morning—a trout cake topped by a poached egg—are so delicious that they win national competitions.

Eureka

Six miles south of the Canadian border, sits in the far northwest corner of Montana. With easy access to and , the recreation potential is endless. has 500 routes rated 5.10 and higher and great views to 90-mile-long .

EAT & STAY: serves up soups, salads, juicy burgers, and classic old-fashioned malts. are brand-new and sit eight miles south of Eureka in the heart of the .

Libby

For a sense of just how pristine the wilderness around is: were both filmed in Kootenai County. North of Libby, check out , which crashes more than 90 feet over the course of a mile. Hike across the swinging and continue on Trail #218 up high cliffs overlooking the river to excellent viewpoints for bighorn sheep and peregrine falcons.

EAT & STAY: has tasty homemade everything, from the chips and salsa to cheese enchiladas. has a friendly staff and serves a complimentary continental breakfast.