Best of Missoula and Northwestern Montana

Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail [1]: This 15-mile trail along a former railroad runs gently downhill from its start at Lookout Pass, and passes over trestles and through tunnels. Most riders catch a shuttle for the return trip.

National Bison Range [2]: Obviously bison are the main attraction, but come prepared to see bighorn sheep, pronghorn, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and mountain goats as well. Even if all the animals are in hiding, thve land, the sky, and the light are beautiful here.

St. Ignatius Mission [3]: Built in 1854, the St. Ignatius Mission was the second Catholic mission in Montana. Inside the more modern (1891) brick church, lovely murals painted by the mission cook very sweetly illustrate scenes from the Bible.

Jewel Basin Hiking Area [4]: Unlike many wilderness areas, the trails here are relatively easy to reach and suitable for day hikes. Lakes stud the basin; the meadows are strewn with Indian paintbrush, bear grass, fireweed, and showy daisies; and there are great views of Flathead Lake.

Conrad Mansion [5]: This 1895 Kalispell mansion is considered one of the best examples of late-19th-century Pacific Northwest architecture.

Danny On Trail [6]: Even in summer, a gondola travels up and down Big Mountain. But if you really want to take time to examine the wildflowers — and in late summer, pick huckleberries — hike this trail from the base of the ski area to the top of the gondola. Hike up, and you can ride down for free. Or pay to ride up, and hike back down.