Travel Planner: Missoula, MT

This resort perched above crystalline Flathead Lake offers 30 well-appointed suites surrounding an outdoor pool on meticulously groomed grounds. From your room, enjoy sweeping views of the lake (best from the lakeside lodges) and surrounding mountains. The hotel is well situated for hiking, golfing, rafting, and lake cruising. The log-accented dining room is designed to let you watch the sunset while enjoying smoked pheasant and other delicacies. The dining room is open seasonally; the bar serves light dinners year-round. Pros:

Beautiful facility with stunning views, great central location.

It's a short drive to Bigfork, but Highway 35 is narrow and winding. Be very aware of logging trucks during certain times of the year. www.mountainlakelodge.com. 30 suites. In-room: Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, pool. Credit cards accepted. Rate includes: No meals.

Many roadside attractions open during summer between the hardworking lumber town of Columbia Falls and Glacier National Park. Hands down, the most popular place on hot summer days is the Big Sky Waterpark.the largest waterpark in Montana Besides the 10 waterslides there is a huge whirlpool, a kids' pool, a beach volleyball court, a golf course, arcade games, bumper cars, a carousel, barbecue grills, a picnic area, a souvenir shop, and food service. www.bigskywp.com. Admission: $22. Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 11-6.

Always a Whitefish favorite, Grouse Mountain is consistently booked solid in July and August. Public tennis courts and cross-country trails border the lodge, and there's a 36-hole golf course next door. Off-season you can book some bargain activity packages. Thoroughly modern, it has a sunny lounge area with a lacquered slate floor, elk-horn chandeliers, soft-cushioned furniture, and a tall fireplace. The Grill at Grouse ($$-$$$$) focuses on steaks, ribs, and Pacific Northwest salmon baked on a cedar plank. Food is also served outside from mid-April to mid-October on the Deck and Patio ($-$$$), where there's shade and a large stone fire pit. The Wine Room can be reserved for a five-course dinner expertly paired with wines from their impressive collection. Recently renovated guest rooms are less refined but have standard modern furnishings and features, including 24-inch flat-screen TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi. Also updated, with a refrigerator, wet bar, and microwave, the loft units are a good choice for families. During the holidays the lodge is decorated with twinkly flair. Pros:

Grouse Mountain provides free shuttle from the aiport or Amtrak station, daily trips into town, and four trips each day up Big Mountain. They can also provide a rental car at the lodge for those who wish to travel to Glacier or the surrounding area.

They are very busy in summer, oftentimes making it difficult to book a room. The hotel is a little too far from town to walk in for shopping or restaurants. www.grousemountainlodge.com. 133 rooms, 12 suites. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, pool. Credit cards accepted.