Alyssa's Bigfork Guidebook
Food scene
Echo Lake Cafe
1195 MT-83Great nearby spot for dining, especially breakfast in my opinion.
City/town information
Bigfork is an amazing small Montana town with lots to do! Check out downtown Bigfork, with many great restaurants and fun shops. ShowThyme, Bigfork Inn, and Pocketstone are some of our favorite restaurants. If you are looking for a delicious burger, make sure to try the Flathead Monster Burger at Burgertown. The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is world class and is a must see if you enjoy live theater.
157 locals recommend
Bigfork
Bigfork is an amazing small Montana town with lots to do! Check out downtown Bigfork, with many great restaurants and fun shops. ShowThyme, Bigfork Inn, and Pocketstone are some of our favorite restaurants. If you are looking for a delicious burger, make sure to try the Flathead Monster Burger at Burgertown. The Bigfork Summer Playhouse is world class and is a must see if you enjoy live theater.
Sightseeing
Our favorite close by hiking experience is Jewel Basin. Of course everyone goes to Glacier Park, and it's gorgeous! If you feel like trying somewhere else, Jewel basin is closer to Bigfork and has so many amazing hikes, mountain lakes, and stunning views. There are great day hikes as well as places for backpacking in and camping.
105 locals recommend
Jewel Basin
Our favorite close by hiking experience is Jewel Basin. Of course everyone goes to Glacier Park, and it's gorgeous! If you feel like trying somewhere else, Jewel basin is closer to Bigfork and has so many amazing hikes, mountain lakes, and stunning views. There are great day hikes as well as places for backpacking in and camping.
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Glacier Park
A common question is what should I do in Glacier if it's my first time? I honestly tell everyone I meet that has not visited Montana that it is a MUST. Make sure to check out their new seasonal ticket day access system for Logan Pass. If you don't go to Logan Pass or Lake Mcdonald (which are both amazing but are more popular destinations for good reason), or want to visit a less frequented area, try out St Mary Lake and/or the East Glacier area. I think anywhere in Glacier is breathtaking, and you won't be disappointed no matter where you visit.
Don't miss
Lots of great fishing!
There are many great spots for fishing around Bigfork. Echo lake has a few public use areas and is good for fishing for perch, sunfish and bass and even the occasional Northern pike. The Bridge at the head of the Swan River Nature Trail is another good spot and just a few minutes from the cabin. If you are looking to fly fish there are spots to do so all along the Swan River Nature trail. Bigfork Anglers is a great place to talk about local fishing recommendations and gear up as well, or find a guided fishing trip!
Don't miss
Paddle Boarding in Bigfork
A couple great places to paddle board: Wayfarers State Park on Flathead Lake, Swan River, or Echo Lake. Whitefish Lake is a bit further of a drive but also a popular spot. There is a calm portion of Swan River located at the head of Swan River Nature trail that is great to put in at and paddle board. Make sure to check the water level and conditions first!