Guidebook

The Best of Whitefish

Places we've personally been to and love. Want tailored suggestions for your group? Just ask.

Our Top 8

  1. 1.Spend a morning on the deck — coffee, sunrise, the views. Don't rush this.
  2. 2.Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier NP — plan a full day, get there early.
  3. 3.Hike the Flathead National Forest trails right behind the cabin — no driving required.
  4. 4.Dinner at Abruzzo or Indah Sushi — treat yourself to one great dinner out.
  5. 5.Fire pit evening at the cabin — build a fire, pour a drink, look up at the stars.
  6. 6.Grab beans from Montana Coffee Traders — use the Chemex at the cabin.
  7. 7.Summer on Whitefish Mountain — alpine slides, zip lines, scenic chairlift, and Hellroaring dinners.
  8. 8.Explore downtown Whitefish — walk Central Avenue, grab lunch, browse the shops.

Breakfast & Coffee

Montana Coffee Traders

Whitefish

The go-to for local coffee. Buy whole beans here if you're using the Chemex pour-over at the cabin.

Loula's

Whitefish

A Whitefish institution for breakfast and brunch. Expect a wait on weekends — it's worth it. Try the huckleberry french toast.

Hack's

Whitefish

A guest favorite for breakfast. Good portions, solid coffee, and a local vibe.

Buffalo Cafe

Whitefish

Classic Montana breakfast spot. Hearty, no-frills, and consistently good. The buffalo pie is their signature.

Lunch & Casual

Craggy Range

Whitefish

Great bar and grill with a big outdoor patio. Good burgers, salads, and local beers on tap.

Swift Creek Cafe

Whitefish

Cozy spot with a diverse menu. Good sandwiches and soups.

The Bulldog Pub

Whitefish

Reliable pub food and a good beer selection. Pool tables and a laid-back atmosphere.

Dinner

Abruzzo

Whitefish

Our top recommendation. Italian-inspired with incredible pasta and a refined atmosphere. Reservations strongly recommended.

Indah Sushi

Whitefish

Outstanding sushi — our pick over anywhere else in town. Creative rolls, great cocktails, and a stylish vibe.

Hellroaring Saloon & Eatery

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Limited reservation-only dinners in summer at the top of the mountain. A unique, unforgettable experience. Book ahead.

Latitude 48

Whitefish

Farm-to-table dining with a seasonal menu. Solid dinner option. Reservations recommended.

Tupelo Grille

Whitefish

Southern-inspired fine dining with a Montana twist. Great wine list.

Pescado Blanco

Whitefish

Mexican-inspired with fresh ingredients. Great margaritas and a lively patio scene in summer.

Whitefish Lake Restaurant

Whitefish

Right on Whitefish Lake. Stunning sunset views from the patio. Good for a special occasion.

Quick Bites & Takeout

Jersey Boys

Whitefish

New York-style pizza. Great for grabbing a pie to bring back to the cabin for a deck dinner.

Amazing Crepes

Whitefish

Sweet and savory crepes in downtown. Good for a quick bite while strolling.

Montana Coffee Traders

Whitefish

Local roaster. Grab beans for the cabin or sit and enjoy a cup downtown.

Spotted Bear Spirits

Whitefish

Local distillery. Great cocktails and a cool tasting room. Try the huckleberry vodka.

Bonsai Brewing Project

Whitefish

Craft brewery with a rotating tap list. Relaxed, dog-friendly outdoor space.

Great Northern Brewing Company

Whitefish

One of Montana's original craft breweries. Wild Huckleberry Wheat Lager is a local classic.

Super 1 Foods

Whitefish

Full grocery store in town. Best stop to stock up before heading to the cabin.

Safeway

Whitefish

Another solid grocery option in town. Good deli, bakery, and pharmacy.

Whitefish Natural Market

Whitefish

Organic and natural foods. Good deli counter and prepared foods for an easy dinner.

Costco

Kalispell

About 35 minutes from the cabin. If you're stocking up for a longer stay, this is the move.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Glacier NP

One of the most scenic drives in America. About an hour from the cabin. Plan for a full day. Check road status — upper sections typically July–October.

Lake McDonald

Glacier NP

First major stop from the West Entrance. Crystal-clear water, famous colorful rocks. Great for a short stop or a picnic.

Avalanche Lake Trail

Glacier NP · 4.5 mi, moderate

One of the most popular hikes for good reason. Beautiful lake surrounded by waterfalls. Get there early.

Highline Trail

Glacier NP · 11.4 mi, strenuous

World-class ridge walk with jaw-dropping views. Start at Logan Pass. One of the best hikes in the country.

Trail of the Cedars

Glacier NP · 0.7 mi, easy

Boardwalk trail through ancient cedar forest. Great for families and anyone who wants a short, beautiful walk.

Flathead National Forest

From the property

Walk out the back door into over 2.4 million acres of National Forest. No driving required. Our favorite way to start a morning.

Finger Lakes Trail

Near the cabin

A scenic loop through the forest with small alpine lakes. Close to the property and a great half-day hike.

Bootjack Lake Trail

~1 mile from the cabin

Quick hike to the closest lake. Good for a morning walk or afternoon fishing.

Danny On Trail

Whitefish Mountain Resort · 3.8 mi, moderate

Hike to the summit of Big Mountain for panoramic views of Glacier Park, Whitefish Lake, and the Flathead Valley.

Whitefish Trail

Various trailheads

A growing network of trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Well-maintained and well-marked.

Bootjack Lake

~1 mile from the cabin

The closest lake to the property. Great for a quick visit and fishing.

Whitefish Lake

Whitefish

City Beach is great for swimming, paddleboarding, and people-watching. Free public access.

Spencer Lake

Between Whitefish and the cabin

You'll pass it on the drive in. Quiet and scenic. Good fishing.

Whitefish Trail

Whitefish

Excellent singletrack. Trails for all skill levels from beginner to advanced.

Pig Farm & Round Meadows

Whitefish area

Guest favorites for mountain biking. Ask us for current trail conditions.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Whitefish

Lift-served downhill mountain biking in summer. Rentals available at the resort.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Whitefish

World-class skiing with over 3,000 acres. About 30 minutes from the cabin. Night skiing available.

Snowshoeing & Tobogganing

At the cabin

The 15 acres and surrounding forest are perfect for snowshoeing, and the yard is great for tobogganing.

Cross-Country Skiing

Whitefish area

Several groomed Nordic trail systems nearby. Ask us for the best current conditions.

Nearby Lakes

Bootjack, Spencer, Whitefish Lake

Good fishing within a short drive. You'll need a Montana license — available at local sporting goods stores or online.

Flathead River

Flathead Valley

Excellent fly fishing. If you're serious about it, consider hiring a local guide.

Alpine Slides

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Ride the chairlift up and slide down. Fun for all ages.

Zip Line Tours

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Multiple zip line courses through the forest canopy. Book ahead in peak season.

Scenic Chairlift

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Ride to the summit for panoramic views of Glacier Park, Whitefish Lake, and the Flathead Valley.

Aerial Adventure Park

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Ropes course and climbing challenges at various difficulty levels.

Hellroaring Saloon & Eatery

Summit · Reservation only

Limited reservation-only dinners in summer. One of the most unique dining experiences in Montana — at the top of the mountain.

Lift-Served Mountain Biking

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Ride the lift up, bike down. Rentals available at the resort. Trails for all levels.

Downtown Whitefish

Whitefish

Walkable downtown with shops, restaurants, galleries, and a charming small-town feel.

Flathead Lake

South of Kalispell · ~1 hour

Largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Cherry orchards on the east shore — stop for fresh cherries in July.

Eureka & Rexford

North · ~1 hour

Several guests have told us these towns were a highlight. Lake Koocanusa, Tobacco Valley — a beautiful, less-touristy part of Montana.

Bigfork

South · ~45 min

Charming arts community on Flathead Lake. Great restaurants, galleries, and a summer playhouse theater.

  • Alpine Slides at Whitefish Mountain Resort
  • City Beach on Whitefish Lake (swimming, playground)
  • Trail of the Cedars in Glacier NP (easy boardwalk)
  • Whitefish Lake Restaurant patio for a family dinner with views
  • Board games at the cabin — we keep a collection stocked

Your dog is welcome at the cabin and has 15 acres to explore. Here are some dog-friendly spots beyond the property:

  • Whitefish Trail — dogs allowed on-leash on most sections
  • Flathead National Forest — dogs welcome (leash recommended in bear country)
  • Bonsai Brewing — dog-friendly outdoor seating
  • City Beach — check seasonal dog restrictions

Gas

Whitefish

Fill up in Whitefish before heading to the cabin. Several stations along US-93.

Cell Service

At the cabin

Verizon and AT&T get 4–5 bars at the cabin.

Pharmacies

Whitefish & Kalispell

Smith's Pharmacy in Whitefish, Walgreens in Kalispell.