Every season in Western Montana has its own appeal, but fall stands out as one of the most rewarding times to visit Glacier Country. Crisp mountain air, vibrant foliage and fewer crowds create the perfect backdrop for itineraries that combine natural beauty, cultural experiences and seasonal events. From exploring Glacier National Park during the quieter shoulder season to scenic drives framed by golden larch and local harvest celebrations, autumn offers groups a chance to experience the region in a unique and memorable way. Here are the top three reasons to plan fall travel in Western Montana.
No. 1 Fall in Glacier National Park
September and October are prime months for group travel to Glacier National Park, offering the advantages of shoulder-season pricing and easier booking opportunities. Autumn transforms glacial valleys and mountainsides into vibrant shades of gold, adding striking depth to the already dramatic scenery. With fewer visitors and more active wildlife, it’s one of the most rewarding times of year to explore.
Many summer activities remain available into early fall, including interpretive tours with Sun Tours and the iconic Red Bus Tours operated by Glacier National Park Lodges, both of which run along the Going-to-the-Sun Road until October, weather permitting. Additional options include historic wooden boat cruises with Glacier Park Boat Company through mid-September, as well as guided hiking, fly-fishing, and scenic floats with Glacier Guides and Montana Raft through October.
Autumn provides a quieter, off-the-beaten-path chance to see this part of the Crown of the Continent. Before you go, keep in mind that the Going-to-the-Sun Road typically closes for the season in early October, or earlier if weather dictates and most lodging, restaurants and concession services in the park close by mid-October. So plan to base your group out of one of the nearby communities of Whitefish, Kalispell or Columbia Falls.
Keep in mind, however, that Glacier National Park remains open year-round, with opportunities to explore trails, flora and wildlife. Fall is one of the most active seasons for wildlife watching—deer, elk and moose are in rut, while bears enter hyperphagia (a stage where they eat and drink nonstop to gain weight before hibernation).
No. 2 Spectacular Fall Colors
Fall in Western Montana offers stunning displays of color, best experienced along the region’s scenic byways and travel corridors. With wide-open spaces, light traffic and well-maintained roads, a fall drive is one of the most enjoyable ways for groups to take in the season. Routes through valleys and mountain corridors provide striking backdrops of golden larch, cottonwood and aspen framed against evergreen forests and rugged peaks. A few favorites stretches include the Bitterroot Valley and Montana’s northwest corner.
The Bitterroot Valley is a highlight, framed by the Bitterroot Mountains to the west and the Sapphire Mountains to the east. Along Highway 93, groups can stop in the towns of Darby, Hamilton, Victor, Stevensville and Lolo to stroll charming main streets and experience western hospitality at boutique shops and art galleries. Activities and points of interest include visiting filming locations from the “Yellowstone” TV series, custom cowboy hat bars in Darby and Stevensville (ask about line dancing), and guided hiking. Outdoor and cultural options, such as birding at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, exploring the historic Daly Mansion and Arboretum, or a visit to Travelers’ Rest State Park and the Holt Heritage Center (open by appointment) add further depth to the itinerary. Fall also highlights the valley’s agritourism offerings, from farm and ranch visits to seasonal harvests and tastings that connect travelers to the land. To end the day, groups can enjoy one of the valley’s many local breweries, a signature part of the Bitterroot experience.
Bonus: Time the itinerary around the McIntosh Apple Day and Liquid Apple Night in October.
State Highway 83 offers a 56-mile scenic drive through the Seeley-Swan Valley, framed by the Mission Mountains to the west and the Swan Mountains to the east. Known for its many lakes, fall hikes and water recreation, the valley is especially stunning in mid-October through early November when the tamarack (larch) trees turn a brilliant golden hue. Groups can rent gear locally and paddle the Clearwater Canoe Trail, a calm 4-mile stretch that winds into Seeley Lake.
For lodging or dining, the historic Double Arrow Lodge, the first “dude ranch” in Seeley Lake, adds a memorable stop to any itinerary. The main lodge, built in 1929, features rustic charm with its grand stone fireplace, while surrounding cabins offer additional accommodations. Seasonal activities include fly-fishing on nearby waters, guided horseback rides through colorful fall landscapes and late-season tee times at the on-site golf course.
Bonus: Time the itinerary around the Tour of the Arts festival in October.
No. 3 Notable Fall Events
Events are one of the best ways for groups to experience the character of a destination, and Western Montana offers no shortage of fall events. The season comes alive with concerts, harvest festivals, cultural gatherings and community traditions—all set against crisp mountain air and colorful landscapes.
In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean Festival (late September, Seeley Lake and Missoula) celebrates western writers and the legacy of “A River Runs Through It,” offering literary programs, readings and cultural discussions.
The Fall Harvest Festival (October, Missoula) at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula features tours of historic buildings, cider making with a traditional apple press, sawmill demonstrations and local food trucks.
The Great Northwest Oktoberfest (first two weekends of October, Whitefish) brings traditional food, live music and lighthearted competitions, like keg hurling, log sawing and stein holding.
McIntosh Apple Day and Liquid Apple Night (October, Hamilton) showcase the Bitterroot Valley’s apple harvest with entertainment, local vendors and a community bake sale featuring apple pies, caramel apples and apple butter.
Tour of the Arts (October, across the region) invites visitors into more than 25 artists’ studios for a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process and a chance to meet them at work.
For smaller groups and FIT clients, we’ve also created a 7-day early fall adventure itinerary that showcases the best of Glacier Country. Also feel free to drop me a line; I’m happy to help plan your next fall itinerary in Western Montana’s Glacier Country.
DP
September 22, 2025
Related: Agritourism, Bitterroot Valley, Darby, Fall, Festivals + Events, FIT, Glacier National Park, Group Tours, Hamilton, Historic Tours, Horseback Riding, Motorcycle Tours, Outdoor Adventure, Seeley Lake, Seeley-Swan Valley, Stevensville, Tour Operator
Comments