My taste for coffee- is strong, with creamy crema on top, sometimes a ristretto shot, and rarely anything with syrup. These are my favorite places to stop, sit, relax, and enjoy the serenity of Montana. Plus some adventures on the side after that caffeine boost. 

Coffee Tour of the Flathead Valley, Montana

I'd like to equate this fascination, personally, with a good cup from my dad who filters beans from the red can every morning while watching the sunrise over the eastern mountain range. Whether it is cowboy coffee, farmers' cup, french press, cappuccinos, or pour-over. The smell will always remind me of my dad no matter the quality, the smell I fondly remember. Coffee has been a stopping point, a routine for many in the valley. Coffee huts were established and became a part of the fabric of the town way before it was trendy. You might notice the importance of coffee is everywhere with a line of cars stretching around corners. 

Thank you for your interest and commitment to learning about the Flathead Valley. To begin, we love nature and our community, and even though it may not seem like it, we do really appreciate you the good and respectful traveler. 

But wait for a second, what is the difference between a traveler and a tourist? As the Covid Pandemic (yes I know) hit and changed the lives we used to live, no matter how we view it, changed us. With this change in our society, all were reintroduced to something wonderful. Whether it was to the wonders of fresh air, cool waters, birds singing, or the winds of peaceful reflection, it was a great reset. However, how charming and intoxicating this state may be, it sped up a disparity of discontent in the communities that once enjoyed this together and alone before it became a niche trend. 

So I challenge you to learn about the valley and its people, instead of wishing for what you had, enjoy what is given, be respectful to the land, and be respectful to the people, you are entering a sacred community space

I highly suggest you experience this uniquely Northwestern Flavor, grab a cup, skip Starbucks and relax at your favorite spot along the river, mountain, or lake.

The Flathead Valley sits in the Northwest Corner of Montana, at the gateway of Glacier and Canadian Rockies, a trailhead for biking and hiking, and a dock for boats.  Having said this, there is an appeal to our bowl-shaped valley which bewitches many from the single swipe to the long gaze, to the bus of Asian tourists and Airstream Eco-tourists. All this being said, the community is seeing a nasty side of the industry Montana needs to survive. I encourage you to venture into this space. My hope is to inform your adventure with thoughtful tips.

If you are here in the summer grab a snack, or buy from a local vendor at the free Picnic in the Park, Nights on Tuesdays or Lunch on Wednesdays. 

What do I recommend?- English Toffee Latte 

Disclaimer: If you are in any place in Montana hiking, biking, kayaking, or simply even if you are in town, you are in Grizzly Country. There is a chance that you may encounter animals. Please always remember to be bear-aware, and put your trash in animal-safe containers. Pack all food in and pack it out. 

What do I recommend? - Wet Cappuccino or English Toffee Latte

My Dad's Favorites? - Huckleberry Mocha (it has a marshmallow on top!)

After your sipping coffee and catching up with the local news. Walk your way to Norms News, hike Lone Pine, walk along the Highline Trail,  go to NW Montana History Museum, experience Hockaday Art Museum, and smell the flowers of the Conrad Mansion Gardens. My favorite thing to do is look at the different styles of houses in Kalispell Eastside. We have so many styles for a small town. Hey, if you are interested in historic buildings, go to Kalispell Chamber of Commerce they have a great audio guide guiding you through the historic buildings.

When you researched your spots in Northwest Montana, there is a good chance that Whitefish was the first on the list. It is by far one of the most visited cities in the valley with a growing population and lots of amenities. Initially, a quiet town, where unbeknownst to the locals, celebrities and famous people lived under the radar. But, those days are sadly over and picking up steam in the national spotlight. Long are the days that moose and elk casually walk main street at night. There is a good reason that Whitefish is gaining popularity due to its closeness to Whitefish Lake, Big Mountain (Whitefish Resort), close quick day-trip hikes, and plenty of boutique restaurants. 

What do I recommend?- Cafe de Monteverde Dark Roast- They rotate the black coffee roasts. 

My Dad's Favorite?- Cold Brew on Draft or Montana Mornings Roast

After a time downtown, paint some pottery and visiting the train depot looking at historical Whitefish photos in the gift shop. Take your way to the Mountain walking up to the Summit or walk along the riverfront paths to Whitefish Lake and spend the day soaking in the sun at the beach. 

What do I recommend?- Almond Milk Wet Cappucino

My Dad's Favorite?- Oatmilk Lavendar Latte

If you are feeling like you need to feel the wind across your face, this is a great time to take the whole day to drive around the largest natural fresh water lake west of the Mississippi. There are multiple stops along the lake, you could stop in Polson and have lunch. If your feeling some beach time, you can go to the rock area at Flathead Lake State Park, cliff jumping, or go to the beach at Somer Beach State Park. 

My suggestion to anyone who is coming to the area, and researching what to do. I will always say Glacier National Park. However, due to the explosion of tourists at Parks there has been some rules and systems put into place that may seem pretty harsh and hard to get in. Glacier is now on a ticketed system where you not only have a park pass and a road reservation to the four different roads in the park. I am writing to you in April 2023 and there is a good chance that such rules and passes have changed. But currently, all reserved road passes have sold out through July/August. The only available passes are ones that are available 24 hours before. If you already got the

By Glacier, in Glacier, and near Glacier there are all perfect spots to experience the beauty. After you drink coffee or pick it up, drive the 45-minute drive to the park. Stop at West Glacier and visit the Middle Fork by the old entrance of the bridge. Rent a bike and bike to the Apgar village, (always remember to be bear aware).  While at Apgar, take in the site of McDonald Lake, and grab some huckleberry ice cream (it's my family's tradition). If the road is open (always check the GNP Facebook Page for alerts on road conditions). For the 2023 season, there will be construction happening with sporadic service on the road. Remember, the road has a moving opening date, usually the road opens around the last week of June and the second week of July.  If the road is open, I recommend Avalanche, a boat tour on the lake. If you prefer less people take Camas road and adventure to some of the hikes over on the road.

Thank you so much for investing in your trip. I hope you find this a helpful and informative guide to the Coffee Huts and Shops in the valley.

Keep on the look out for new release of Nathan's Guides, 

One of the first outposts in the area was in Demersville, a small logging outpost on the Flathead River. However, in 1891 as a part of the Great Northern Railway, a township was created that led to the demise of Demersville. Kalispell was born, as a railroad town booming in the early 1900s but wouldn't last long as a railroad town as the Great Northern Railway decided to move the rail up north to Whitefish, but that didn't stop the legacy of Kalispell as the economic, social, and cultural capital of the valley. Enjoy your first day with a start in the center of the valley. Kalispell, may not be as fancy, but a great place to live.