The existence of nature on this level is incomprehensible to most people in our country, myself included. The cycle of life is much more basic then our complicated human lives—only the need to survive is essential. For example, signs of fire scar much of the land in the Flathead National Park and in Glacier. In 2003 over 270,000 acres burned in the area.

Charred toothpick-like trees can be seen for miles. The sight is shocking at first. Then upon further examination you find that the destruction of the fire has actually transformed the land into fertile land for life to start again.

Driving through the Polebridge entrance into the park and the Inside North Fork Road you can see the many levels of fire rebirth. In 1988 a large fire burned the area. Now, 17 years later, small 7-foot tall evergreens and thick undergrowth thrive. The area that burned two years ago is also starting to come back to life. The ground is covered in small green shrubs, moss, and fungus. This scene was a true testament to the cycle of life: Creation/Destruction.

A trip to the area would be incomplete without a stop over in Polebridge. This unique community on the North Fork River just outside Glacier National Park is a Mecca for wanderers. The community consists of a mercantile, saloon and hostel. The mercantile or general store, bakes delicious pastries and baked goods every morning. The gourmet cookies, pastries and sandwiches are the perfect start or end to a day in the park.

The Northern Lights Saloon opens at 4 pm for dinner. The menu is diverse and not what you would expect from a restaurant in the middle of the wilderness. A clientele of both locals and tourists makes every night at the saloon unique. I recommend the Elk Burrito or the Tofu Sauté. I also hear that the nightly Pot Hole is delicious. From the bar I recommend the North Fork Russian for a kick or one of the micro brews from Glacier Brewing Company. The community comes together for a big Fourth of July bash, a music festival in August and pizza night every Friday. If you visit, be friendly, be cool, talk to the folks and tip well.

Whitefish is the home of Big Mountain ski area and the most resort-like part of northwestern Montana. Like Vail or Aspen, Whitefish has become the destination spot for the ski bum poor and rich alike. The cute downtown area is full of shops, restaurants and bars.

A hike to the top of Big Mountain reveals the splendor of the valley and provides a view of the area from Glacier National Park to Flathead Lake to the south.

After hiking up to the top of the mountain, a girl can work up quite a thirst. Good thing Whitefish has many bars to choose from. The Great Northern, Paddle & Axe, and Palace Bar are all large watering holes where the locals belly up and the young newcomers flirt. The Bulldog is another bar with attitude. The sour cream and chive fries are the best I’ve had. Ladies-stall number 1 in the bathroom is a must. I didn’t stop smiling for an hour. Be sure to try a pint of Moose Drool Brown Ale from Big Sky Brewing Company out of Missoula. This tasty ale is a bit heavy, but it is fun to order. If you are more of a light beer drinker, then Kokanee comes highly recommended. This import from British Columbia, Canada is the PBR of the north.

After a night of pub-crawling through Whitefish, I recommend checking out some of the natural hot springs in the area. One such pool is in the town of Hot Springs. This little town located on the plains south of Big Fork and Flathead Lake is a diamond in the rough. There are three soaking pools with varying temperatures. The hottest pool is rumored to be 108 degrees. The clean pools, friendly staff and pleasant locals make for an all-around relaxing experience. The initial weirdness of the town just soaks away.

Northwestern Montana is truly a unique part of our vast country. The mix of multi-generation locals, Native Americans and recent transplants give the area a quality of acceptance and accessibility. The friendliness of the people, slow pace and incredible scenery makes for the ultimate get away because there is no place else like it. It has been preserved and protected from the dramas and dilemmas that affect the rest of us. It seems that all the people ask is that you respect the land, spend your money, and eventually leave. Fair enough, but I will miss it. Thank you, Montana.

Chrystie Hopkins

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