Montana

Flights arrive at Kalispell airport. Our van or the hotel shuttle will pick you up at the airport. We're staying in Big Mountain tonight...only 19 miles from the airport.

Afternoon option for those on the early flight: take the ski lift to the top of the mountain and hike down. It'll take about two hours. Most people are arriving on a 6:15 flight.

Everyone plan to meet in the Snug Bar in the Lodge around 7:30. We'll have a welcome cocktail and then head to dinner.

Trip starts with brief trip description and safety talk by guides. Raft through the John Stevens Canyon of the middle fork of the flathead river along the southern border of Glacier National Park.

Trip includes 9 named rapids, mostly Class II and III whitewater (medium whitewater with numerous waves, narrow passages, eddies and bends), including Tunnel and Jaws.

The trip ends at the bridge in West Glacier where you will disembark from the raft with a short walk back to the start point.

After rafting, we'll take the scenic route to East Glacier where we stay the night.

Located on the eastern gateway of Glacier National Park Glacier Park Lodge and Resort is a western theme lodge along the main line of the Burlington Northern Railroad. Huge Douglas fir pillars that are over 40 feet high and 40 inches in diameter form the supports in the impressive lobby. The Blackfeet Indians, awed by the size of the timbers called it "Omahkoyis", or Big Tree Lodge.

Dinner at Great Northern Steak & Rib House at the Lodge (not included in the trip price)

We'll do breakfast at the Lodge before taking a short drive to North Shore Trailhead where we hike the Upper Two Medicine Lake Trail, an approximate 7.5 miles loop route. Afternoon options include fishing, a horseback tour, golf...or just relaxing! We'll stay again at Glacier Park Lodge tonight.

Upper Two Medicine Lake is nestled among sheer peaks of red argillite, from north to south: Pumpelly Pillar, Mount Helen, Lone Walker Mountain, and Rising Bull Ridge.

Plan to check out of the Lodge early and drive to St. Mary's for breakfast (1:30 drive time). Then on to the Many Glacier Trailhead. We'll hike the Grinnell Glacier Trail today -- a fairly strenuous and very scenic hike.

The Grinnell Glacier Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Glacier National Parks. When hiking the Grinnell Glacier Trail, a hiker will pass by crystal clear mountain lakes, towering mountains and will have the unique opportunity to stand on a glacier. The trail runs for 6 miles and has a vertical gain of 1600 feet. The first two miles of the trail are essentially flat. Beyond that, the trail has a gradual incline up to its end. The trail ends at Upper Grinnell Lake and Grinnell Glacier at the base of the continental divide.

Many Glacier Hotel is located in the “Switzerland of North America”. The hotel rests on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake in the heart of Glacier National Park. The Great Northern Railroad built this historic hotel in 1915. Many Glacier Hotel boasts a true Swiss atmosphere with alpine beauty that surrounds the five-story building.

Dinner tonight is at the Ptamarmigan Dining Room at the hotel (everyone pays for their own tonight)

We'll do breakfast at the hotel, check out around 10-10:30, and then make the drive to Whitefish, via the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. They'll be plenty of time for photos and points-of-interest stops. We'll stop for lunch along the way too.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road was completed in 1932 and is a spectacular 52 mile, paved two-lane highway that bisects the park east and west. It is the width of Glacier, crossing the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot-high Logan Pass. It passes through almost every type of terrain in the park, from large glacial lakes and cedar forests in the lower valleys to windswept alpine tundra atop the pass.

You're on your own this afternoon for exploring the quaint town of Whitefish. We meet back for a fabulous, final dinner together before heading home tomorrow.

There is only one Whitefish with its historic downtown and dramatic landscape. Tucked tight against Big Mountain and the stunning peaks of Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a year-round playground.

Cafes mingle with gourmet restaurants, general stores share the downtown with galleries and boutiques, and a variety of western bars will suit any mood. You will also find sophisticated amenities like inns, hotels, rustic lodges, ski and board shops, outdoor gear stores and more.

There is no finer place to experience Montana than at Grouse Mountain Lodge. Inside you are surrounded by the rustic charm of an upscale western lodge. Outside, all that Montana has to offer is at your disposal - the grandeur of Glacier National Park, the ski slopes of Big Mountain and a remarkable number of trout streams and some of the country's finest fairways and greens. Enjoy the hearty steak-house atmosphere and food in The Grill or dine on the gourmet delicacies of The Wine Room. The Deck and Patio, overlooking the 18th hole, offers the perfect summer setting.

This is a great place to spend some time. If you'd like to stay an extra day to play golf or whatever, just let us know and we'll make the arrangements.

You have plenty of time to explore more of Whitefish today. Shop, do a short hike or some fishing before heading home...it's your choice today.

Plan on departing Whitefish at 3:15 for the 5:15pm flight back to Dallas. If not on this flight, a shuttle will be available to take you back to the airport whenever you need it.