View of Holland Lake

Flathead National Forest delivers wilderness in a big way - 1 million acres of it, in fact. That means you can visit snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows, and high-altitude lakes without intrusion from noisy, motorized vehicles. Also tucked in this vast expanse of untrammeled land are 250 species of wildlife, including 22 varieties of fish and 50 birds. Hawks and eagles cruise overhead, while grizzlies and gray wolves patrol the grounds. And tons of other creatures, like mountain goats, make their homes here.

Recreation opportunities abound, of course, from hiking, paddling, and camping (there are 34 developed campgrounds) in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Come prepared: This far north, nighttime brings chilling temperatures, even in the peak, dry months of July, August, and September. Also, many of the high-mountain lakes don't open up until June, and even then you'll often find snow on the route in.