Whitefish, Montana

Normally the city write-ups are done by Hannah who does a great job seeking out the must sees and do’s within a city and capturing them through here photography and writing. I will do my best to highlight some of the things in Whitefish not on the golf course.

Whitefish, MT is in the Northwest corner of Montana and is one of the three cities that make up the trip-city area to include Kalispell, and Columbia Falls. Whitefish Resort is a large draw for skiing during the long winter months and Whitefish Lake brings in locals and visits during the short summer months, along with golf and fly fishing.

After a late landing at KSA on Sunday night, also known as Glacier International Airport, we woke up Monday and got a big breakfast at Loula’s Cafe in downtown Whitefish. This set the base for the hiking and golf to follow for the day. The crisp morning was started with a ski lift ride up to the top of Big Mountain which has incredible views of Whitefish Lake, followed by a hiked on the Danny On trail down the mountain. Along the trail there were tons of huckleberry bushes to stop and pick fresh huckleberries from which are in full season this time of year. Following the hike, we headed over to the Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir for a quick jump in the lake and the enjoy the vistas along the way. The engineering behind the hydroelectric dam was very fascinating to see. A post hike burger and shake from Mudman Burgers refueled us for the afternoon round at WLGC. Kade and one of his caddy friends / co-workers played with me during the afternoon round at the South Course and knew all the reads on the greens, which clubs play to play off the tee and the best menu items for the post round hang. Read about the South Course, North Course, and Iron Horse Golf Club in the golf writeup here.

The food at Whitefish Lakes Golf Club hit the spot after a day of hiking and golf. I got the Bison Meatloaf which was super savory and lean at the same time.

Tuesday of the trip was spent exploring the wonders of Glacier National Park. We entered the park from the West entrance and drove the length of the Going-to-the-Sun road which weaves through Glacier Park to the East entrance along several alpine lakes, mountain passes and views of ancient glaciers. We stopped at several pull offs along the road to take in the views. Once we made it to the East entrance, we doubled back on the Going-to-the-Sun road. We stopped at Logan Pass to hike the Hidden Lake Trail which was roughly 6 miles round trip down to an alpine lake. We spent about an hour or so at the lake on the bank relaxing and admiring. I couldn’t hike all that way and not jump in! The water temperature was 53 degrees which took your breath away just about as much as the hike back did. Glacier National Park had been on my wishlist for a long time. Getting to see it in person was a very fulfilling time, and it was even better to get to do with friends. Along the hike to Hidden Lake, we saw quite a bit of wildlife. There were several mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and hoary marmots along the mountainside. On the drive back after the hike, we also encounter a rather large black bear crossing the road to find a snack in the river. Glacier should be on everyone’s visit list!

After spending the day exploring one of our great national parks, we stopped by Bulldog Saloon in downtown Whitefish for some top tier wings and a cold beer. Specifically, I got a big mug of Moose Drool which is a brown ale from Big Sky Brewing Company. Served in an icy mug, this beer was delightful. As you all know, we love a business inspired by one of our four legged friends. The building the saloon is in has been many different businesses over its 100 year history, but in the 80’s the current owners bought it and started the Bulldog Saloon which was inspired by Whitefish High School’s bulldog mascot.

Wednesday was a 36 hole day which started with 18 holes at the ultra public North Course at Whitefish Lake Golf Club followed up by 18 holes at the ultra private Iron Horse Golf Club. Kade is a full time caddy at Iron Horse and was able to host me there during the trip. Read about the two courses in the course review section of our site. After the golf filled day, we stopped in for a drink at the Tiki Bar which only operates during the summer at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. We enjoyed the sunset views and the cold beer while waiting on a takeout pizza from the Whitefish locals favorite; Jersey Boys Pizzeria. Big slices and even bigger flavors capped off an amazing day.

Thursday was my travel day from Montana to Atlanta where I stayed the night with the Cornelias prior to a tournament round with the Sweetens Cove Road Show at The Fields Club in Lagrange, GA the following day. Read about that experience in a later write up.

If there was one more day to the trip, I would have loved to have booked a half day guided fly fishing float trip with Lakestream Fly Shop on one of the surrounding rivers. Maybe next time..

Trip Itinerary

Sunday - Fly from ATL to KSA

Monday - Hiked Big Mountain, site see, golf at WLGC South Course

Tuesday - Explore Glacier National Park

Wednesday - Golf at WLGC - North Course in the AM, Golf at Iron Horse GC in the afternoon

Thursday - Fly from KSA to ATL