As Sweet as Authentic Montana Honey

"Honey is a 12 million dollar industry in Montana," my Montana legislator friend remarked in the midst of a discussion on cottage industries.   Montana isn't known for honey, but perhaps it should be.  The industry isn't huge, but as far as honey goes, Montana was second in dollars of honey sold only to North Dakota (South Dakota was a close 3rd).   Not only are sales high, it tastes pretty amazing too!

Employees pour honey into containers

If you like sweets, it is difficult not to like honey!  I recently toured Glacier County Honey Company during "Fill Your Own Bucket Day".  The process is pretty amazing and so is the honey.  The honey is transferred from the boxes you'll see in fields by simply pulling out the trays that are already in the boxes.  The trays are sealed with wax and put in a hot room.  They are then transferred to a couple pretty impressive machines that first pull all the honey and wax out of the trays and then separate the wax from the honey.  

Honey Bear and Glacier County Honey Co.

They make Christmas ornaments out of the wax and all the honey goes through a set of pipes and comes out of spicket-like piece of hardware on the wall, almost as if it is on-tap.  I was amazed that when I handed them my mason jar, they didn't get any honey on the lid.  In addition to the honey and wax products they sold their own blend of Montana Coffee Traders Coffee and they even had a delicious honey bar recipe!

Great idea for a tasty treat

From what I understand, honey varies greatly by the environment in which it is made so even within the Flathead or Glacier Country the taste of honey can vary significantly.  So this summer, try something Montana may not be well known for, but certainly should be: honey!

The process: start to finish

Glacier County Honey Company is located near Babb, MT and the Many Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park.  

Great Northern Honey Company is located in Columbia Falls, MT near the West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park.

Both companies have a list of local retailers that sell their honey. Glacier County Honey Company sells directly to customers and can give you a tour if you stop by as well!

Best Restaurants Glacier National Park

Its late and you are just getting out of Glacier National Park.  By the time you get back to Kalispell it will be eight o'clock and you are hungry now!  Is there anywhere you can eat that is closer to Glacier, actually has decent food and isn't trying to rip you off ?!  Oh, you don't want to eat in a seedy bar either?! Why yes, there are several places!  We have divided our suggestions by where you might be coming from in Glacier.

The Pole Bridge Mercantile

Polebridge/Bowman Lake:  If you are adventurous enough to drive up the West Side of Glacier along the North Fork of the Flathead you will come to a town....of sorts, Polebridge!  It happens to have 2 restaurants and a bakery and they're all good!  The Polebridge Home Ranch Bottoms serves standard burgers and fries, and also features Taco Tuesdays!  Northern Lights Saloon and Cafe serves classic burgers and fries and also features pizza on Fridays (sometimes featuring live music)!  The Polebridge Mercantile has one of the best bakeries around....their huckleberry bear claws are to die for!

Where the pies from the Huckleberry Patch Go

Hungry Horse/ West Glacier: Most of the restaurants in West Glacier are overpriced and crowded.  Hungry Horse, just down the road, might be busy, but it has some unique options that are worth stopping for.  If you are looking for a huckleberry shake to hold you over, the Huckleberry Patch and Willow's Huckleberry Haven are good places to start.  The Huckleberry Patch even ships their pies nation-wide!  Hungry Horse is kind of the Huckleberry Mecca of Montana, but unfortunately I haven't found the classic Glacier trifecta (burger, fries and shake) all at the same place in the town of Hungry Horse.  For that you have to go to The Glacier Grill.  The Glacier Grill is a great place for standard burgers, fries and shakes (shakes are spendy though).  They also make tasty pizza!

Two Medicine/East Glacier: If you have been exploring the East side of Glacier and are on your way back to Kalispell don't overlook East Glacier's dining options.  It has two superb bakeries: Rock 'n Roll Bakery and Brownies.  It also has one of the best Mexican Restaurant in Glacier Country, Serranos!  Serranos doesn't open until 5pm and many entrees cost around $12-15 but it is worth waiting for.  Great Chimichangas!  Two Medicine Grill offers the standard burgers and fries but their unique feature is that they bake the best (arguably) huckleberry pies in Glacier Country!  If you are looking for a tasty, slightly more healthy option, check out Luna's for some mouth-watering wraps!

Babb/ Many Glacier:  If you're coming out of Many Glacier around dinner time, you might not have too many options, but Two Sisters Grill is always worth a stop!  Classic burgers, fries and shakes with a few unique features and a funky atmosphere that completes the unique experience!


Article written by Matt Harrington, marketing specialist at the Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites in Kalispell, MT.  If you're coming to the Flathead, to Kalispell or to Glacier National Park, check out the Trip Advisor number 1 Kalispell hotel!

The Glacier National Park Family Photos, Group Pictures and Selfies Conundrum

The hikers coming up the trail looked nice enough, maybe they would take our picture.  Eight of us sat relaxing overlooking the Two Medicine Valley.  Eight people from five different countries.  The chances of us all being in the same place again were slim to none and we needed a picture to document the occasion.   So we asked the first group of hikers coming up the trail and they were kind enough to consent.  One of our group members, a trained photographer, handed the lead hiker her $900- camera and he snapped a couple photos.  The hikers continued up the trail while our photographer examined his work.  Apparently it didn't cut it, because she set up a rock tripod and timer on her camera a couple more times until the moment was sufficiently memorialized.  

This is not an uncommon situation.  I have often struggled with how to take the best group photo, especially when scenery is involved.  When visiting a place as picturesque as Glacier National Park, people generally want to have equally outstanding pictures of themselves, family and friends with a great back-drop.  This can be hard to pull off.  There are three methods for taking group pictures that people typically try.  Some work in certain situations but all of them have downsides. I have listed the basic methods, pros and cons below. At the bottom of the page there are a couple pointers that will help you make the most of every group photo opportunity.   

1. Basic Selfie - The person taking the picture extends their arm out, turns the camera toward the group and pushes the button.  

• Pros: Easy to take multiple photos, good resolution on people's faces, does not require additional technology (tripod) or people (a volunteer photographer), can be done with any camera phone.



Classic Selfie

• Cons: Pictures are facebook-worthy but not frame-worthy, its difficult to adequately capture a large group, scenery is a secondary consideration, you can always tell that the picture was a selfie.

2. Tripod Timer - The person taking the picture puts their camera on a tripod (a large professional one, a gorilla pod or even a flat rock), sets a timer and then runs back to where the rest of the group is standing before the timer goes off and the picture is taken.

Gorilla Pod Photo

• Pros: Can produce frame and Christmas-card quality photos, allows for multiple attempts as long as your group is patient, can be done without an additional person (volunteer photographer)
• Cons: Tripods can fall down or cameras can fall off in windy situations, it can be difficult to get the right angle (unless you have a large tripod which is cumbersome to carry), the photographer must run back to his/her spot in the photo, a tripod cannot make sure everyone is smiling.

3. Volunteer Photographer - You find a random stranger and ask him/her to take a picture of your group.

Volunteer Photographer Photo

• Pros: The photographer can make sure everything looks good, they can adjust for better angles, they can take multiple photos quickly.
• Cons: The photographer may have no sense of photography, he/she has no motivation to care about the picture they're taking of you and your group, its awkward to ask them to re-take your photo, sometimes there are no potential photographers where you want to take a group picture.

Best Solutions:
The Skilled, Incentivized Photographer- If there are a few people in the area where you are taking your group photo, pick the one with the nicest camera and offer to trade photography duties (you take his/her picture they take yours).  This way you are picking the most skilled person (generally) and they have an incentive to do it well.

Carry Backup- Always take a gorilla pod tripod with you.  They are small, can grab onto rocks or trees to resist wind and are a good option if there are no volunteer photographers present.

Written by Matt Harrington

Marketing Specialist

Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites

4824 Highway 93 South

Kalispell, MT 59901

Looking for a place to stay near Glacier National Park?  Check out: http://www.bestwesternflatheadlake.com/  we also have comprehensive lists of things to do and places to eat!

Why You Shouldn't Be Afraid of Grizzly Bear Attacks in Glacier National Park, Montana

We watched with a mixture of concern and amusement as the situation unfolded before our eyes.  We were near the top of Siyeh Pass, looking at the glacial lake below us.  Nearly half a mile away, a hiker was walking around to the far side of the lake, possibly with the intention of sliding down the snow field into the freezing water.  Walking from the other direction, across the scree field nearest the snow, was what appeared to be a large grizzly (through binoculars).  Neither the bear, nor the hiker could see that they were about to have a close encounter.

They both saw each other at the same time and they had to have been within 100 feet when it happened.  Fortunately for the hiker, the grizzly reacted by turning around and heading up the rock slide away from the hiker.  Even though the hiker was a small dot from our vantage point, he seemed to move with incredible speed as he ran back around the lake.  I've never seen someone so far away move so fast.

Millions of people visit Glacier National Park every year and only a small handful will have the kind of encounter that this visitor did.  But grizzly bears and black bears are present in Glacier so here are a few facts and tips to put you at ease and help keep you safe in the event of a bear encounter.

• Fact: The last fatal bear attack in Glacier National Park was in 1998 even though the number of bears has increased since then. 
• Tip:Never run from a bear
• Fact: Bear spray is much more effective than a gun.
• Tip: Check the expiration date, practice taking the safety off, keep it easily accessible and visualize spraying a Z-pattern at a bear if he/she charges!
• Fact: Most fatal bear attacks happen to lone hikers or groups of two and there are no recorded bear attacks against groups of 6 or more.
• Tip: If you make noise while on the trail, you probably won't surprise a bear
• Fact: Bears stand on their hind legs to get a better view of what has caught their attention
• Tip: If they are defensive (stomping and huffing), back away slowly.
• Fact: Bears have good eyesight and can see in color.
• Tip: If they are aggressive (approaching you silently and swiftly), get loud and big!
• Fact: People who use guns against bears are more than twice as likely to incur serious injury than people who use bear spray in the event of an attack.
• Tip: Never get between a mother and her cub(s)!
• Fact: Grizzly bears can outrun horses over short distances!
• Tip:Know the difference between grizzlies and black bears
• Fact: 3 people die from bears every year....90 people die by being struck by lightening
• Tip: In the unlikelihood you are attacked play dead if you're attacked by a grizzly and fight back if you're attacked by a black bear 

Be bear aware but don't let it keep you from hiking.  Chances are you won't have a bear encounter and if you follow the tips above, the chances of the encounter turning into a bear attack are about as small as.....all the glaciers being around in GNP 100 years from now!


Article written by Matt Harrington, Marketing Specialist at the Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites in Kalispell, MT.  If you're coming to the Flathead, to Kalispell or to Glacier National Park, check out the Trip Advisor number 1 Kalispell hotel!

Iceberg Lake Glacier National Park- the family friendly 10-mile hike

With so many day-hikes to choose from you might think Montanans never hike the same trail in Glacier twice.  However, some hikes in Glacier are worth repeating and Iceberg Lake is definitely one of them.  About 2 weeks ago, I hiked up to Iceberg Lake for the 3rd time and yet again I was blown away by the captivating rugged amphitheater that holds this classic glacial lake.

The trail takes you up a sweeping glacial valley, offering views of several rugged mountains.  The slopes above the trail stay green most of the summer and you can often see bighorn sheep and mountain goats grazing or bedding down during the heat of the day.  A little past mid-way you will cross a small babbling falls with several large flat rocks which are perfect for a lunch or snack stop (don't worry, there is a bridge over the falls).  Right before the lake, there are a few snow fields that remain until late July (depending on the year) but they are very navigable and do not have steep pitches.

It is possibly the easiest 10-mile hike in Glacier which gives it unique appeal to many families whose kids are ready for longer days but would tire with a steep incline.  The gradual down-hill slope makes it manageable for those with bad joints as well.   I have seen eight-year-olds make it to the lake as well as people in their seventies.  It is not a short hike, but it is doable for many people and worthwhile fore everyone.

You can reach the trail by going to the Swift Current trailhead/store area.  There is plenty of parking.  If you can, park so your car is shaded during the heat of the day.  Also, keep in mind, the store offers great refreshments but is not open until mid-June, so don't bank on getting Gatorade there like we did if you're hiking before the 16th of June.

Written by Matt Harrington- Marketing Specialist at the BestWestern Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites

Many Glacier, Goat Lick and Other Wildlife Viewing Areas in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is known for its scenic views and Yellowstone National Park for its wildlife, but Glacier probably should be known for both.

Black Bear near Lake McDonald

This last week, four of us traveled to the Many Glacier entrance on the northeast side of Glacier.  Over the course of two days of hiking and one night of camping we saw five moose, ten bighorn sheep, two mountain goats and one elk!  Some were spotted through binoculars, but three of the moose were visible across the river from our campsite in the Swift Current campground!  All that to say, Glacier has plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities!

Best Viewing Areas
Many Glacier is the best entrance for general wildlife viewing.  Every animal you can see in Glacier can be seen here and sometimes from the Many Glacier Lodge itself.
Goat Lick is the most reliable option for seeing Mountain Goats.  It is a marked pull-off along Highway 2 on the south end of Glacier.  The minerals on the hillside are just what the goats are craving and they almost never leave during the summer.

Bighorn Sheep in Logan Pass parking lot

Logan Pass is a great place for viewing Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats.  You can often see both without getting out of your car!



Tips for Viewing
Grizzly Bears are often higher up during June and then slowly make their way down in elevation as the berries ripen in July.  Scan high meadows and snow fields in June and lower ones in July, August and September.  Be very careful in thick brush, especially in August and September!

Moose on Cut Bank Creek

Moose are all about the low meadows and ponds.  If you can get up high, scan areas that have lots of water and brush around them.  Be careful though, moose are statistically more dangerous than bears.
Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goats both love to hang out up high.  You can scan for them from below and they are often easiest to pick out when they are running across snow fields.
General Tips- if you can, get a pair of binoculars before you go into Glacier, its well be worth it.  Whether you're driving or hiking, get to an area where you can see lots of open hillsides, meadows and snowfields with brush in between each section.  If you can get there in early morning or late evening.  You will see more wildlife at those times.  Scan the meadows, hillsides and snowfields with your naked eye, or with binoculars until you see movement.  The more area you have to scan the better your odds.  Once you see something you can zero in with your binoculars.  Patience is key.  Something is almost certainly out there, you just have to be willing to wait until it comes to a place you can see it.

Hiking in the Two Medicine Glacier National Park

You've looked forward to your Montana vacation for months.  You're finally at the entrance to Glacier National Park and to your dismay you find out you can't actually access Logan Pass and all the hikes in the central part of Glacier!?!  What are you supposed to do now?  Twiddle your thumbs in your Kalispell hotel room?

Rest assured, you're not the first person to be disappointed by the late opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road.  But this blog is not about problems, its about solutions.  Its time for an off-the-beaten-path approach!

Twin Falls

The Two Medicine trailhead is just over 2 hours from Kalispell.  It is the least traveled paved-entrance to Glacier National Park, but not for lack of great scenic hikes.  Here are three hikes and brief descriptions of them (all mileages include round-trip).

Running Eagle Falls- .6 miles.  Stunning waterfall.  Trail head is just after the main entrance.  A hike/walk everyone can do!

Upper Two Medicine Lake

Upper Two Medicine Lake- 2.3 miles if you use ferry or 9.6 without ferry.  Main trail is relatively flat and travels around the north side of Middle Two Medicine Lake.  Stunning views on both sides and wildlife sightings on the north side of the trail.  At the end of the lake the trail merges with the trail from the boat dock (where you'd come from if you take the ferry).  It climbs a little on the way to Upper Two Medicine Lake, but the grade is fairly shallow.  You can also do a 100 yard side trip to Twin Falls, my personal favorite waterfall in Glacier!  The whole time you'll be able to see the sweeping glacial valleys and the gorgeous red/purple rock in the upper strata.  This hike is great as it gives you options for the whole family (short or long hike with the help of the ferry).

Bighorn Sheep near Scenic Point

Scenic Point- 7.9 Miles. This hike climbs 2300 ft but the views are worth it.  Switchbacks along a shale-like slope for most of the hike.  A short section that is pretty steep and then a flat walk across the top to where the views are best.  It is a great place for 360 views of the plains and Glacier at the same time.  Bighorn Sheep are frequently on the trail or up higher.  This hike can also be done as a loop back to East Glacier.

Other Worthwhile Hikes

There are several other hikes that are more difficult (longer and steeper) but equally rewarding in or near the Two Medicine entrance including: Dawson Pass, Firebrand Pass and Pitamakan/Dawson.  See hike734.com for more details!

More than Hiking

In addition to the hiking, you can drive over Looking Glass Pass just north of East Glacier for spectacular views (probably the least traveled scenic drive in Glacier Country).  The Two Medicine campground is picturesque with pick-nick spots along the river.  Serranos serves some of the best Mexican food in Glacier Country and is located in East Glacier.  If it is raining or you just need a relaxing afternoon, try the "Big Tree" Lodge in East Glacier for a relaxing afternoon of listening to live music near the fireplace.  

All these options and it will take you  less time to get there than if you went to Logan Pass?! Yes!  Two Medicine is where its at if Logan Pass is still closed!

Written by Matt Harrington- Marketing Specialist at the BestWestern Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites