Extend your travels east into Montana

Majestic Montana is in your backyard. Sweeping vistas of rolling rivers and majestic mountains as far as the eye can see. Everywhere you look you know where you are, it’s Big Sky Country.

Home to Glacier National Park and a corner of Yellowstone, from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains, Montana takes your breath away at every turn.

Plan for Glacier National Park

From Spokane, it’s only a four-hour drive to Kalispell, Montana, at the top of Flathead Lake.

This area is full of camping, glamping, bed and breakfasts, and fabulous lodges, such as the Coyote Bluff Estates or Hidden Moose Lodge.

If you stay your first night here, be sure to visit the Raven in Bigfork for fun on-the-water dining.

This area could be your base camp before heading up to Going-to-the-Sun Road at Glacier National Park on day two.

You’ll want to enter at the West Glacier entrance, about one hour from Kalispell.

Be sure to plan your visit well in advance and make reservations at https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/vehicle-reservations.htm.

These are Montana’s Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running all the way to the Canadian border.

The area features several areas to camp and it has many nearby lodges.

Or travelers can go all the way to the East Glacier exit and make their way to Great Falls (about three hours) or Bozeman (about five hours) for day three.

Bozeman is a great starting place for any adventure depending on how long you want to stay. One option for lodging in the heart of this youthful town is the Lark.

The Lark’s website states it’s the “basecamp for your Montana adventure,” which sounds about right.

Whether vacationers are just passing through, or staying for a few days, this is an ideal place to stash a suitcase before heading out on the trails, the river or whatever excursion they’ve dreamed up.

Make your way to Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park has several entrances, but the North Entrance in Gardiner is open year-round.

The areas along the Yellowstone River offer several camping options.

There are many lodges and glamping sites, including the Sage Lodge in Pray, Montana.

Its guest rooms and ranch houses were inspired by fishermen and outdoorsmen, and the lodge is surrounded by hiking and biking trails and a picturesque casting pond.

There is also a full-service spa and two restaurants.

It offers all-inclusive Yellowstone tours, so visitors can leave their vehicles at the lodge, or embark on self-guided drives.

The park is full of jaw-dropping views, amazing wildlife and life-changing hikes. Plan adventures mid-week for fewer crowds.

Regardless of how long visitors stay, they should consider making the last night of their visit in Montana in Missoula near the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area.

After that, it’s just a three-hour drive back to Spokane.