Fall is in the air here in the Treasure State, which means some of your favorite destinations are about to become even more beautiful. It also means you don’t have much time for road trips before everything is buried in snow. These picturesque day trips will help you welcome the new season and prevent cabin fever.
- The Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
Matt Lavin / Flickr Highway 89 from Livingston south to Gardiner and the Yellowstone National Park north entrance is especially stunning in autumn, when the aspens and cottonwoods change colors. And if you go on a weekday, you probably won’t deal with much traffic.
- Whitefish
Explore Whitefish Facebook If you live within a couple of hours of Whitefish, it’s worth making the drive to explore the area. The fall foliage in late September and early October is unreal.
- Fort Benton
Fort Benton Facebook The Birthplace of Montana is always amazing, but when the leaves start to turn, it’s absolutely gorgeous. A day trip is nice, but if you can, stay overnight – the Grand Union Hotel is a historic gem.
- The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
Katie Rompala / Flickr Located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, this byway travels the length of the Pioneer Range. The scenery is especially breathtaking this time of year.
- Hamilton
Daly Mansion Facebook The tunnel of trees leading to the Daly Mansion alone is worth making a drive to Hamilton for the day. The fact that it’s in the Bitterroot Valley, which is notorious for its autumn hues, doesn’t hurt.
- The Seeley - Swan Valley
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr The 90-mile drive from Seeley Lake to Swan Lake on Highway 83 is truly lovely. Needles on the tamarack trees turn a beautiful shade of gold, making the valley appear to glow.
- Kootenai Falls
Holly Hayes / Flickr Visit Kootenai Falls before the weather gets too cold. Cross the swinging bridge and take in the views of the changing trees, spend some time at the falls, and head to Libby for a bite to eat.
Any of these day trips will make you excited for autumn. Add as many as you can to your fall bucket list.
Matt Lavin / Flickr
Highway 89 from Livingston south to Gardiner and the Yellowstone National Park north entrance is especially stunning in autumn, when the aspens and cottonwoods change colors. And if you go on a weekday, you probably won’t deal with much traffic.
Explore Whitefish Facebook
If you live within a couple of hours of Whitefish, it’s worth making the drive to explore the area. The fall foliage in late September and early October is unreal.
Fort Benton Facebook
The Birthplace of Montana is always amazing, but when the leaves start to turn, it’s absolutely gorgeous. A day trip is nice, but if you can, stay overnight – the Grand Union Hotel is a historic gem.
Katie Rompala / Flickr
Located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, this byway travels the length of the Pioneer Range. The scenery is especially breathtaking this time of year.
Daly Mansion Facebook
The tunnel of trees leading to the Daly Mansion alone is worth making a drive to Hamilton for the day. The fact that it’s in the Bitterroot Valley, which is notorious for its autumn hues, doesn’t hurt.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
The 90-mile drive from Seeley Lake to Swan Lake on Highway 83 is truly lovely. Needles on the tamarack trees turn a beautiful shade of gold, making the valley appear to glow.
Holly Hayes / Flickr
Visit Kootenai Falls before the weather gets too cold. Cross the swinging bridge and take in the views of the changing trees, spend some time at the falls, and head to Libby for a bite to eat.
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