Fall is when things start to settle down around here. Almost everyone visiting Montana loves how relaxed the Summers are compared to where they call home. For Montanans, though, Summers are decidedly rushed, busy, and crowded. Understand that Montanans live in a state with the smallest number of people per square mile in the lower forty-eight. So seeing a bunch of visitors suddenly drop in at the outset of Summer can be a bit disconcerting, and takes some getting used to. It's like when the in-laws suddenly drop in on you. Even if you know their coming, when the gang finally arrives it takes some time to adjust to the new routine. So when Summer turns to Fall in Montana, it's time to wave goodbye to your guests and return to familiar ways.
The rhythms and movements of life in Montana, of its people and various wildlife, is regulated by Nature much like a conductor organizes the activities of a symphony. Nature is a "Johnny one-note" during the Summer, consistently delivering moderate and sunny days. But by Fall, Nature is tired of this consistency and starts to get more creative. Like a band returning to the stage after a prolonged rest, Nature strikes up a chord and begins to play! Like some real razzle-dazzle! And life here in Montana begins to return to familiar ways, dancing to the music being played.
The music of a Montana Fall has a striking yet soothing, intimate quality. The crowds of Summer have left, and for persons fortunate enough to be able to visit in the Fall, they are treated to expansive and fiery color displays that are striking to the eye and the mind. Nature's own fireworks show. And, yet, there is such quiet and peacefulness in the air, as if all is right with the world, that your soul is soothed while your senses are entertained. Connections between loved ones are embraced and celebrated. Intimacies are deepened and enhanced. Distractions, stresses, worries, and preoccupations fade away. Peace of mind can be achieved. Clarity of thought and expression can be restored. Life's wounds can be healed. Persons at a distance can be reconnected. All such matters of the heart and mind can be well tended to in the Fall.
Fall is a good time to take in dazzling displays of Nature. Its festive and powerful arrangements of color, shadow, light, and texture. And to take a break from it all. From the dizzying pace and demands of modern life. To renew and refresh. To embrace new beginnings. To do your most creative work. To recover from the rigors or downturns of life. To go away with a loved one for much needed time together. Or whatever you need to celebrate, accomplish, or get straight. Fall is the time to appreciate Nature when it's really showing off and strutting its stuff and to appreciate yourself, and those you love, for whatever you need at this time in your life.
Oh, and yes, some good sized bass can also be caught
Rainbows and cutthroats await those who have got a light touch
And you can score below par if you've got the right stuff
Hiking in the famed, astoundingly beautiful Jewel Basin is only about 5 minutes from your vacation home. Located in the Swan Mountain Range, "the Jewel" extends over 15,000 acres of pristine wilderness with 35 miles of trails connecting 28 alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, lots of wildflowers, and spectacular ridgetop panoramas of the Flathead Valley and surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Glacier National Park is also nearby, its magnificent beauty complemented by a quieter time and expansive displays of Fall color, with hiking adventures into the heart of the Northern Rockies
The nearby Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness Areas also provide a spectacular Fall hiking experience into one of the most rugged and wild mountain regions in the United States
And boating, ballooning, rafting, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing make for fun in the Fall
Indeed, cooler Fall temperatures are ideal for vigorous activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding
But Fall in Montana is more than any set of activities, it is an experience unto itself
Dazzling, sparkling, fiery
Intimate, enhancing, deepening
Rejuvenating, restoring, reinvigorating
We hope you can join us during this truly wonderful and personal time of year
Daytime temperatures are cool, average of 63 degrees, but not cold, a light jacket will do
Nighttime temperatures average 35 degrees
Spring and Fall: Fishing, fly-fishing, and golfing