While there is no denying that gas prices are a bit depressing at the moment, the good news is that it’s still possible to see quite a bit of Montana’s most breathtaking sights on a single tank of gas. The trick is to pick one specific region you’re interested in seeing and plan a short day trip.
This particular route takes you through the Swan Valley, which has some of the most stunning scenery in Western Montana. Fill up the gas tank (just one, we promise), grab a few snacks, and enjoy the ride.
Google Maps
Start your adventure in the small community of Somers, which borders Flathead Lake.
Always Shooting / Flickr Get some coffee and dip your toes into the fresh lake water before heading east.
You’ll take Highway 82 to Bigfork, one of Flathead County’s most charming small towns.
Jim Handcock / Flickr In the wintertime, this place converts into Montana’s Christmas Village, but in the summer, it’s the perfect place for tourists and locals alike to enjoy lakeside life.
Bigfork has some great restaurants—but if you’re hungry for lunch, make sure to stop for a bite at Burgertown.
Clinton Vardamon / Google This place is open seasonally, so if you make this trip in the off-season, check out Echo Lake Cafe instead.
Burgertown burgers are fresh, simple, and absolutely irresistible.
Mark L / Google This old-fashioned burger stand will take you back in time.
Next, head south on Montana Highway 83 toward Swan Lake.
photogramma1 / Flickr Swan Lake is a peaceful, relaxing spot that doesn’t attract as many visitors as the nearby Seeley Lake.
While you’re in the area, stop and stretch your legs at the Swan River National Wildlife Refuge.
Katherine Schulz / alltrails.com Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, this gorgeous refuge is a unit of the National Bison Range Complex.
Last but not least, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Seeley Lake.
Micah Sheldon / Flickr Seeley Lake is a year-round vacation destination for Montanans, but it’s also a wonderful spot to enjoy for an afternoon.
If you have a full tank of gas and a day off, where in Montana are you going?
Google Maps
Always Shooting / Flickr
Get some coffee and dip your toes into the fresh lake water before heading east.
Jim Handcock / Flickr
In the wintertime, this place converts into Montana’s Christmas Village, but in the summer, it’s the perfect place for tourists and locals alike to enjoy lakeside life.
Clinton Vardamon / Google
This place is open seasonally, so if you make this trip in the off-season, check out Echo Lake Cafe instead.
Mark L / Google
This old-fashioned burger stand will take you back in time.
photogramma1 / Flickr
Swan Lake is a peaceful, relaxing spot that doesn’t attract as many visitors as the nearby Seeley Lake.
Katherine Schulz / alltrails.com
Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, this gorgeous refuge is a unit of the National Bison Range Complex.
Micah Sheldon / Flickr
Seeley Lake is a year-round vacation destination for Montanans, but it’s also a wonderful spot to enjoy for an afternoon.
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Address: Somers, MT, USAAddress: Bigfork, MT 59911, USAAddress: Seeley Lake, MT, USA
