It’s officially fall in Bigfork, Montana. This time of year is one of the most beautiful, with changing fall foliage, crisp mornings and evenings and bright sunshine-filled days. And while most people think of summer as the state’s premier season, we think autumn is equally special.
Here are three things we love about fall at Saddlehorn, our mountain community overlooking Flathead Lake, and Montana.
1. Tamarack trees.
Each fall, the needles on tamarack trees (also known as a western larch) turn a brilliant shade of yellow before falling off. Here at Saddlehorn, we’re lucky to have numerous tamarack trees on the mountain. But we’re not the only place to see them. You can also find them in the Seeley-Swan Valley (just south of us) and in Glacier National Park. From the southern shore of Lake McDonald, the mountains will look like they are aglow from the tamarack trees.
2. A slower pace of life.
We’re just gonna say it – life get busy. But when mid-September rolls around, it almost feels like the season is inviting us to slow down, take a breath and soak up everything it has to offer. Some of our favorite ways to spend fall: watching football, having a late afternoon campfire with friends and s’mores, taking a Sunday drive along two-lane roads, biking through our onsite trails and breathing in the changing of the seasons.
3. It’s quieter.
Summer is hopping around here, while fall brings fewer visitors and a less rushed pace of life to the Flathead Valley. You’ll be able to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park without waiting in line to get in the west entrance, you can easily belly up to the bar at your favorite local haunt and you will see fewer cars on the road.
We hope you enjoy what we like to think of as Montana’s most magical time of year. Happy fall.
Until next time,
The Crew at Saddlehorn
