Six Reasons to Visit Whitefish this October

Whitefish Trail, Lion Mountain Trailhead

Mountain Biking

There’s a plethora of mountain bike trail options around Whitefish.  The most reliable bet is the Whitefish Trail. This amazing community effort has seven trailheads all within a few miles of town and offers 26 miles of riding. Both the beginner and seasoned rider can have fun on the trail! Other options abound in surrounding Flathead National Forest and Stillwater State Forest. A more challenging favorite is the Bill Creek Trail in Flathead Forest’s Tally Lake Ranger District. Check into Glacier Cyclery downtown to get you set up with trail conditions and bike rentals.

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest

Festive Locals

If you can’t make it to Munich this year, be sure to get to Whitefish for Oktoberfest. The festival is big on celebration and runs for two weekends. It kicks off September 24-26^th and continues the following weekend, October 1-3^rd. This party is not to be missed. There will be Bavarian style music every night—polka and oom-pahs enjoyed by all! Activities include stein holding, log sawing, and keg hurling contests that even the shyest festival attendant can participate in. We can’t forget to mention the brats and beer, both of which will be heartily available for you at the Great Northwest Oktoberfest!

 

Stein Holding Contest

Glacier's Changing Colors

If you appreciate the beauty of Glacier, you must not neglect the Park this autumn. The Larch, Aspen, and Cottonwood trees boast golden hues while berry bushes turn bright in shades of orange and red. The colorful contrast is breathtaking. Going-to-the-Sun Road from the West entrance to Logan Pass will remain open until the 3^rd week of October weather permitting. The Polebridge entrance to the Park is the gateway to stunning Bowman Lake which is planned to be open until October 31^st. Although some of the services in the Park shutdown, there are plenty of trails to hike, lakes to fish, scenery to photograph, and wildlife to see.  Explore a crowd-free Glacier this October.

Firebrand Pass, GNP

Halloween

Whitefish is well known for its active night-life in the summertime, but did you know that one of the best parties of the year is Halloween in downtown Whitefish? Halloween falls on a Saturday this year which can only mean it’s going to be more vibrant than usual. The locals take their costuming seriously. Who knew Whitefishians were so imaginative? The downtown watering holes even team up for a costume contest that offers a hefty cash prize. Book a stay at Grouse Mountain Lodge because we’re offering a special Halloween rate complete with a safe shuttle to and from downtown. Start planning your costume today, but don’t hold back because Whitefish sure won’t!

 Fall Microbrews

Great Northern Brewery

Crisp fall air means rich new seasonal flavors at local microbreweries. Whitefish has two microbreweries right in town. The Great Northern Brewing Company and Bonsai Brewing Project quench thirsty Whitefishians daily, but aren’t the only brews close-by. With a little logistical planning you can enjoy other fine fall ales all in a day’s drive (don’t forget the sober driver). The Tamarack Brewery in Lakeside, Flathead Lake Brewery in Bigfork, Glacier Brewing Company in Polson, and Homestead Ales in Eureka are all within a manageable distance for your October Whitefish visit.

Try these Fall Microbrews

Great Northern Brewery, Whitefish: Oktoberfest Marzen

Tamarack Brewing Company, Lakeside: Bine Hopper Fresh Hop Ale

Flathead Lake Brewery, Bigfork: Biere de Garde

Quiet Streets

If you still need another reason to visit Whitefish in the fall, here it is: the crowds have headed home. Whitefish is a small town and sometimes the summer crowds outnumber our capacity--but not in October. The residents have returned from the mountains and the community has regained it’s local vibe. Book a room at Grouse Mountain Lodge today and see fall colors, polka, ride a bike, have a beer, and make a Fall getaway!