4 Best Sights in Kalispell, Missoula, and Northwest Montana, Montana

The rotating exhibits at Bigfork Art & Cultural Center display bronzes, paintings, and works in other mediums by Montana artists.

Between the Bitteroot Valley and the Flathead Valley, Highway 93 winds its way around the west side of Flathead Lake. Known for the two-lane, often slow-going traffic, this route has many places to stop and drink in the mountain backdrop that frames the lake. Along the way, wine lovers should check out the family-owned Mission Mountain Winery, where you can sample wines from Montana's first bonded winery. The pinot noir and pinot gris, both from grapes grown in the property's vineyard, are award-winners.

From much of the Mission Valley and Flathead Indian Reservation you can see the Mission Mountains, on which there's a 73,877-acre wilderness area full of hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The area is probably best known for the 1,000-foot drops of Elizabeth and Mission falls. Glorious McDonald Peak looms at 9,280 feet; it's a favorite of grizzly bears, who gather on the snowfields to eat swarms of cutworm moths and ladybugs. Try the Mission Reservoir Trail for a relatively easy hike up a beautiful valley. Those who aren't tribal members must obtain a recreation permit to hike, fish, and camp here among the mountain lions, lynx, wolverines, black bears, and grizzlies. Recreational permits are available at local grocery and sporting-goods stores and most gas stations. Call the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes at the number below for camping permits and information on the recreation permits.

Polson, a quiet community of 4,000 on the southwest corner of Flathead Lake, sits under the morning shadow of the jagged Mission Mountains. It's the largest town on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Picnic spots, lake access, and playgrounds are found at Boettcher, Sacajawea, and Riverside parks. Some other parks are for tribal members only; signs identify picnic areas that are closed to the public. Plan on attending the two-day Flathead Cherry Festival in mid-July to get your fill of the area's famous cherries.