What does one do on a rainy holiday weekend in Montana? Put on a hat, scarf, and coat...gather the family...and go outside! On this particular weekend a little planning had to be done. Often, Montanans - and others - use this weekend as the opening celebration to Summer adventures. This means reservations might just be a good idea. For us, there was a dual purpose. One of our Northern Adventurers are a Model as well as an adventurer. This weekend was scheduled head shots and commercial and we used the location to plan a whole trip around it - Kalispell, MT.
THE PLAN
Find Lodging somewhere near the modeling event that encompasses our outdoor enthusiasm with the comforts needed to prepare for a day of modeling and bright lights, cameras, etc.
Develop an itinerary utilizing nearby options for entertainment that will include fishing and some exciting new adventure.
First, I looked at expedia which is my go to for simple lodging options and ideas. What we needed is beds for sure, warmth, and bathrooms for glamour. While those are the basics, we wanted more. All my digging brought disappointment very quickly. The hotels were mostly already booked for the holiday weekend, which was surprising because I was looking 6 weeks in advance! The only one left was a $99 per night special that only accepts 2 dogs (we have 3) and no breakfast (which I expect when I book a Hotel). The more I looked the less I liked the idea of this type of lodging at all! The travel wizard is ten years old and with all that energy we needed fun activities to match.
The light-bulb clicked on so quick I clapped my hands with excitement. This weekend really was about my kids after all. The simple and best answer was KOA! While the refined nature of KOA is not always my cup of tea, it was exactly what we needed for this adventure. I went right to the KOA Website and found a centrally located KOA (North Whitefish/Kalispell location) with lots of super fun activities. (Please note: I do not get compensated for recommending KOA - I really do just like them! This is not a commercial!)
Whitefish / Kalispell North KOA Amenities
50 Max Amp
90' Max Length
Wi-FiPool (5/15 - 9/15)
Hot Tub / Sauna
Snack Bar
Propane
Kamping Kitchen
Mini Golf
Firewood
Pavilion
Bike Rentals
Tour Shuttle
Unique Amenities
Beautiful Peaceful Campground
Credit Cards Accepted
Families
Fire Rings
Game Room
Hiking Trails
Horseshoes
Hot Tub
Huge Playground
Huge Recreation Hall
Military Clubs
New Under Construction
RV Clubs & Rallies
ToursVolleyball
Well Wooded 30 Acres
This time I booked the two room cabin with a big deck. The website allowed me to pay half up front and half upon arrival. The total was around $225 for two nights, which is a great price for this area of Montana. The closer you get to Whitefish the more expensive things can be, as is with any tourist driven area. And for good reason! There is a lot of beauty here and things for everyone to do!
The last important part of pre-planning other than lodging reservations is always tickets - should that apply to your destination. Since I wanted this to be a big bang to the end of Winter and the beginning of "playing outside time" I decided to buy the family tickets to the Gondola at Big Mountain Whitefish. This is a ski/board destination in Winter and a hikers and sight seers delight in summer. There are more activities than I can list to be had at this adventure park ranging from Alpine Slide to Fine Dining, Zip Lining to Mountain Biking. I thought it would be lovely to ride to the top and get some cocoa at the restaurant up there. The thrill of heights is always fun. I used a coupon on their website and got a nice discount, I think 5 tickets were around $60 or $70 dollars.
THE DRIVE
The Friday we planned to depart snuck up on us very quickly. In a whirlwind the night before we packed for the adventure. It felt very weird to pack for lodging since normally we stay in the wilds in a tent or our camper. On a whim we even loaded 2 kayaks into the back of our truck. Of course we brought fishing gear, survival gear for emergency preparedness (always), maps (signal can be lost in these parts), sun screen, bug spray, bait, firewood, a firearm...the usual.
After I got off work at 5pm, we all gathered together and departed the home front. I checked the stove twice, pet our cat Johnny extra well and promised a quick return, watered the garden, and turned off lights. I have a process! :-)
Most of the drive was in the daylight. As we crossed the Marias Pass we stopped to stretch our legs on a mountain road and have a snack. It has been approximately an hour of driving so far.
The wildflowers were already popping up, even as bits of snow painted the mountain peaks in powdered sugar glory.
Since I emailed the KOA I was not worried about arriving late. I told them around 9 p.m. and sure enough it was 9 p.m. on the dot. On the way I even got a courteous call from the front desk instructing me where to get my key.
Our cabin was nestled in a little forest and the place was not overly busy. In fact, it was quiet and cozy. I was pleasantly surprised at the cabin, and it was located near the bathrooms and Kampers Kitchen, which I found very handy.
The cabin was warm, solid, and rustic. The beds were comfy. Everyone was very excited.
It is important to note that pets should be on leashes at KOAs and all potties promptly picked up. Also, the pet friendly cabins require that Guests bring their own bedding, pillows etc.
SATURDAY
Let me start by saying the breakfast was amazing. This KOA goes ALL OUT. I am talking french toast, biscuits and gravy, cereal, bagels and cream cheese, scrambled eggs, home-style potatoes, orange juice, coffee, and and and.... Let me just say this free continental breakfast is a huge perk at this campground. I did not even know this was offered when I booked and I had budgeted for breakfasts. What a pleasant surprise! Now with happy bellies we were ready for the day.
After delivering our Model to her workshop we ventured forth to Echo Lake (I have written a previous blog about our adventures here). This was an easy decision since we had previously visited and enjoyed this warm spring fed lake. We dipped the Kayaks in for a few hours before picking up the Princess (Model) and heading North to Lake McDonald inside Glacier National Park. The entrance fee is $10 per car or $80 for a National Parks Yearly Pass. Military access is free and I saw that 4th graders get a free pass for summer. A Senior lifetime pass is $80 as well.
First, we drove the 5 miles to the other end of the Lake and walked a half mile down N. McDonald Road to find fires from the previous year had blocked access. We wandered a little by the river and took some pictures before heading around to the Fish Creek Campground side to walk trail along the North side of the lake that begins in the campground (still closed).
We were not disappointed as we walked the trail on the North side of the lake. While it is well trafficked there are moments you are thankful for that. The forest can be so dense and dark even on a sunny day that by the time you enter the clearing of the burn area a sense of relief comes over you. This is Bear Country after all, so it is a good idea to make noise and avoid tasty smelling perfumes and hair products (these attract mosquitoes too). Carry bear Spray for safety. Walk in a group. Be aware of your surroundings. If you bring food, keep it in air tight containers. Nothing too tasty smelling. My children like to hit rocks together and make loud hoots at each other as we walk. If you see signs of bear, like scat or a strong odor, turn around and get your bear spray in your hand ready to use. A well prepared hiker is a happy hiker. We share the forest with these beings of the wild and we can live in peace. Typically bears so not both humans unless they are startled and/or have cubs. Use caution and all will be well.
This trail is seven miles in total there and back. Bring water and bug spray, as well as high protein snacks.
Examples of Gods glorious creation abound. Bring a camera. Anyone is a photographer here. Be sure and look down. You will see thousands of wild strawberry plants budding this time of year, promising fruits later in the season. I would ask a ranger before picking anything though, I think it is a strict look but do not touch policy. It is a good idea to get all the details about fishing regulations and park specific rules when you enter the gates. This way you are protecting the American wilds and not violating any laws.
SATURDAY NIGHT
What do campers do in the rain? We have a fire and cook out of course! That evening we cooked T-Bone Steak, enjoyed macaroni salad, watermelon, water, and even some delicious local craft beer for the adults.
We all cuddled down at the fair hour of 11 p.m. because tomorrow was the Gondola.
SUNDAY
Today we would check out before departing for this leg of the trip. After another rad breakfast we utilized some of the other entertainment at the KOA.
After enjoying as much as we could we tied the last knot on our gear, checked the cabin for cleanliness and headed out. Whitefish and the Gondola was only around 30 minutes away. Whitefish is a quaint tourist town with an elegance to it. People here seem modern. They ride bikes more, are fit, have tidy yards, work hard, and play harder. And there are lots of big eyed visitors. You will pass breweries and pizza places that tempt a stop or three. On our way up Big Mountain we passed a few fuzzy deer. I recommend driving at a tame speed as this road is curvy. If there is ANY ice, use Caution.
I will now note that no matter what weather you are experiencing on the bottom of the lift, be prepared for changes at the top, maybe even extreme ones! On our trip flowers were blooming at the bottom, but there was wind and snow falling at the top! Get the weather report for Whitefish mountain here.
Be sure and take a family photo at the top and look all around. Take a panoramic photo too!
Inside grab a cup of cocoa or something else at the bar. Check out the reasonably priced gift shop too. We bought rings, magnets, and arrowheads! The cocoa was under $3.
The Staff at the mountain were accommodating and kind. I would certainly go again.
THE DRIVE HOME
All in all this was a busy and productive trip. We spent quality time together as a family and discovered our beautiful world. We know it a little better than we did before. We fed our need for adventure. We laughed, dreamed, and challenged ourselves. As a Mother I felt like I served the Holiday well and my family.
As we meandered along the forested 2 lane road East (Hwy 2) we all laughed and talked about our fun weekend. I noted how glad I was to give myself Monday, Memorial Day, to recoup after all the adventure. We would rest up and BBQ at home. On a whim I stopped at a pull off a few miles before Hungry Horse and West Glacier. A spring poured out of the mountain. Everyone piled out to enjoy the site and fill our water bottles (it is a good idea to use a lifestraw to filter out contaminants). Just to the left trickled a pretty waterfall. This all reminded me how much I love early summer and spring in Montana.
The spring that pours from the mountain here has the best water I have ever tasted, or at least it competes. And right next to it is a waterfall! Remember when checking out natures gifts always be careful to stay on trails or rocks and impact the forest as little as possible!
The Travel Wizard was very happy with our family fun weekend. We conquered mountains, one of us modeled, we kayaked, cooked, laughed, played, and loved each other. That is what I recommend for you, the reader. Whether you mirror our adventures or make your own, do not sweat the small stuff, forgive, love, laugh, and eat well. Life is too short not to value every single moment.
That brings us to our last stop. We had some rumbles in our tummies as he headed through the mountains. A nice little fishing access had just what we needed, a great view, a potty, and a fire ring.
Now it is your turn. Gather the things and stuff and make an adventure! Bring your loved ones. Bring your fur babies. Today is the day!
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