Not every unforgettable Montana memory has to involve hiking boots, crowded trailheads, or a long climb up a mountain.
Glacier National Park is famous for its trails, wildlife, lakes, scenic drives, and dramatic mountain views. But if you are planning a trip to Kalispell, Whitefish, Flathead Lake, or the Flathead Valley, there are plenty of ways to experience the beauty of Glacier Country without spending every day on a hiking trail.
When building your Kalispell or Glacier National Park itinerary, it helps to mix the big must-see sights with slower, more personal experiences. Plan time for famous places like Going-to-the-Sun Road, but also leave room for unique local activities like a sunrise hot air balloon flight, whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, lavender picking, and scenic stops throughout the valley.
Whether you are traveling as a couple, celebrating something special, visiting with family, or simply looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Montana experience, here are a few unique things to do near Glacier National Park besides hiking.
2 Fly Us hot air balloon standing in a Flathead Valley field at sunrise with Montana mountains in the background
Take a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight Over the Flathead Valley
Before the roads get busy and before the crowds begin moving toward Glacier, there is something unforgettable about watching Montana wake up from the basket of a hot air balloon.
A sunrise balloon flight over the Flathead Valley gives you a peaceful, scenic view of the landscape around Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Flathead Lake, and Glacier National Park. Instead of standing in traffic or searching for a parking space, you are floating quietly above the valley as the morning light begins to move across the mountains, fields, trees, and open sky.
At 2 Fly Us, we keep our flights personal. We specialize in small-group hot air balloon rides, not crowded basket flights. For many of our guests, ballooning is something they have thought about for years. Some are celebrating an anniversary, birthday, engagement, retirement, family trip, or bucket-list vacation. Others simply want to do something in Montana that they will talk about long after the trip is over.
Most of our flights take place at sunrise, when the air is typically cooler and calmer. On select days, when weather and wind conditions allow, occasional afternoon flights may also be available. Because every balloon flight depends on safe flying conditions, we are always happy to talk with you personally about timing, weather, and what may work best during your visit.
Thinking about a balloon ride near Glacier National Park?
Call 602-525-4282 to ask questions and speak with us personally, or use the Book Your Ride button to start planning a personal, small-group balloon flight in the Flathead Valley.
If you are looking for a unique thing to do near Glacier National Park that does not require hiking, a sunrise hot air balloon flight may be the highlight of your trip.
A photo taken of the valley from one of the many incredible pullouts on Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road — But Plan Ahead
Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most famous scenic drives in America, and for good reason. It crosses the heart of Glacier National Park and offers dramatic mountain views, waterfalls, alpine scenery, and access to some of the park’s most iconic areas.
That said, Going-to-the-Sun Road is not something to plan casually.
Since 2021, Glacier National Park has used different reservation and access systems to manage heavy summer visitation. For 2026, the National Park Service says vehicle reservations will not be required, but the park is limiting parking time at Logans pass to 3 hours, or offering a ticketed shuttle. Because these systems can change from year to year, visitors should always check Glacier National Park’s official updates before arriving.
It is also important to know that the full road often opens later than many visitors expect. Snow, plowing conditions, construction, and high-elevation weather can affect access, especially around Logan Pass. If you are visiting in June, do not assume the entire road will be open for the season.
Our advice: absolutely put Going-to-the-Sun Road on your list, but build flexibility into your schedule. Check current road status, shuttle information, parking rules, and construction updates before you make it the centerpiece of your day.
A rafting tour navigating rapids
Go Whitewater Rafting Near Glacier National Park
For visitors who want adventure without another hike, whitewater rafting near Glacier National Park is a memorable way to experience Montana from the river.
Guided rafting trips are available on the Flathead River near Glacier, with options that may include scenic floats, half-day whitewater trips, full-day trips, or calmer family-friendly outings depending on the season and river conditions.
It is a great option for couples, families, and groups who want mountain views, fresh air, and a little excitement without spending the day on a trail. Because rafting is seasonal and conditions can change, check availability, river levels, and age or weight requirements before booking.
Pair it with a peaceful sunrise hot air balloon flight, and you can experience Glacier Country from two unforgettable perspectives: from the sky and from the river.
Lavender Fields at the Longview Lavender Farm in Somers Montana
Pick Lavender at Longview Lavender Farm
For something peaceful, beautiful, and a little different from the usual Glacier-area itinerary, visit Longview Lavender Farm in Somers, Montana.
Set near Flathead Lake with long views toward the Mountains, Longview Lavender Farm is a seasonal stop where visitors can enjoy the color, fragrance, and quiet beauty of a working lavender farm. Depending on the season and availability, guests may be able to tour the farm, pick lavender, shop lavender products, and take photos in one of the prettiest settings in the Flathead Valley.
Because lavender is seasonal, this is not an activity to assume will be open every day of your trip. Before you go, check Longview Lavender Farm’s current hours, tour availability, and seasonal updates. If it lines up with your visit, it can be a beautiful slower-paced experience near Kalispell, Flathead Lake, and Glacier National Park.
Pair it with a morning hot air balloon flight, lunch near Flathead Lake, or a scenic drive through the Flathead Valley for a relaxed Montana day that does not revolve around hiking.
Person on a Paddle Board
Go Paddle Boarding on Whitefish Lake
For a relaxed afternoon near Glacier National Park, head to Whitefish Lake.
Paddle boarding is a great non-hiking activity because it still gives you mountain views, fresh air, and a feeling of being outdoors without needing to commit to a trail. On a calm summer day, Whitefish Lake is peaceful, scenic, and easy to enjoy at your own pace.
This is especially nice if you are planning a multi-day trip and want to balance your bigger adventure days with something slower. A morning balloon ride, an afternoon in Whitefish, and time on the lake can make for a beautiful Montana vacation day.
Whitefish itself is also worth exploring. The town has restaurants, shops, lodging, and a lively mountain-town feel, all within reach of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.