Things to Do in Hungry Horse Montana: 9 Best Activities Near Glacier

The visitor center covers construction history and the engineering behind the 3.4 million acre-feet reservoir. You can walk across the dam crest for views of the reservoir to the south and the Flathead River canyon 500 feet below. The hydroelectric facility generates enough power for roughly 95,000 homes, per Bureau of Reclamation.

The reservoir sits in the South Fork of the Flathead River valley, flanked by Flathead National Forest. Anglers target rainbow trout, Westslope cutthroat, bull trout, and mountain whitefish from May through November. Campgrounds like Emery Bay and Lid Creek are bookable per Recreation.gov and fill quickly in July–August.

The flat, paved trail is ideal for families with young children or anyone who wants mountain scenery without technical terrain. It passes through second-growth forest with mountain views emerging along the route. Bikes are available to rent from outfitters in nearby West Glacier if you’re traveling without your own.

The shakes use real huckleberries, not syrup. The shop carries huckleberry honey, preserves, salsa, and jarred items — all locally sourced. It’s a mandatory stop for first-time Glacier visitors who want to take something authentically Montana home. The shop sees steady summer traffic from both locals and park visitors.

The trail gains roughly 4,200 feet in elevation, making it a challenging full-day objective for experienced hikers. The upper sections pass through alpine meadows with wildflowers in July and open rocky terrain above treeline. This is active grizzly bear habitat — carry bear spray per Flathead National Forest recommendations.

The route travels through mixed forest typical of the Flathead Valley, with views of the reservoir emerging as you gain elevation. Per Flathead National Forest, Trail #51 connects to the larger Flathead trail network linking to backcountry routes deeper into the range. No permit or fee required.

Tex & Jerry’s serves American staples with an emphasis on comfort food and large portions. It’s popular with locals, park workers, and budget-conscious visitors who’d rather spend money on a park pass than a $25 lodge burger. The service is quick and portions are honest for the price.

Backslope rotates a taproom lineup of ales, IPAs, and seasonal releases. The brewery leans into Flathead Valley outdoor culture — expect trail-themed beer names and a crowd of hikers who’ve come off the reservoir or local trails. Food options are limited; come for the beer, not the kitchen.

The arboretum focuses on the genus Larix (larches), with species from Europe, Asia, and North America. Western larch — dominant throughout the surrounding Flathead Valley — is native here. The site is compact enough for a 30-minute walk with interpretive signage from Flathead National Forest. No trailhead parking fee.