Lewis and Clark National Forest offers 1,863,788 acres of natural space, perfect for exploring the best of Montana. There are more than 40 trails here.

Each offers something special, but one of my favorites is the 1.2-mile out-and-back route to Memorial Falls. This enchanting hike in Montana is worth checking out.

While the journey is straightforward, the rocky nature of the trail makes the route moderately difficult.

But, it's worth the approximate 45-minute to one-hour trip for all the beauty along the way, which includes views of Belt Creek fairly early in the hike.

There are two waterfalls along the route, making it great for those looking for special features.

The smaller waterfall is lovely, but Memorial Falls is the main attraction here.

Make your way along the trail, which heads upwards after the first waterfall. When you arrive at the natural end, simply turn around and head back.

Best of all, the trail is beautiful any time of year. It's great to check it out in all seasons to see the differences in the landscape as the year goes on.

LaHood Park Steakhouse sits in the tiny town of LaHood, famous for quite a few historic things. For instance, the Lewis & Clark Expedition camped here in 1805, and today, visitors can stop by Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park just a few miles down the road. While the town comes with an interesting history, it's the food we're focused on today.

The restaurant is one of the best in the state, well-known for having some seriously fantastic entrees.

While the menu has tons to choose from, the steak here is large, hearty, and absolutely beautiful.

Their Certified Angus Beef Steak is a thing of beauty. And each one is cooked to perfection.

Cut into one and you'll see why people travel from all over Montana to eat here.

In addition to being delicious, these steaks are also huge.

While we love the idea of finishing one in just a sitting, there's a good chance you'll be bringing leftovers home for tomorrow.

Of course, steak isn't for everyone. And for that they offer plenty of other options. In addition to seafood on the menu, there are plenty of specials including this grilled Alaskan Coho Salmon, which was served over an orzo salad with shallots, grape tomatoes, baby spinach, and almonds.

And, without a doubt, you'll want to save room for dessert.

Von's Cafe sits out of the way, on 3rd Ave East. It's a bit tucked away, which means you really need to know what you're looking for.

The rustic charm and local flavor are exactly why it's been a beloved local spot for as long as anyone can remember. When you're here, you're bound to see someone you recognize.

The menu is simple, which might be part of why people love it so much.

Another reason for all the love might be their incredible hamburgers.

Cooked perfectly every time and served with the perfect sesame seed bun, these things are an object of beauty.

Each one is juicy and somehow has the perfect condiment-to-meat ratio. Just look at what the first few bites reveal.

Be sure to get yours with a side. Each one is the perfect compliment.

And, after you've tried the best burgers in Montana, come back for any of their other simple, but incredible menu options.

Welcome to the School House Cabin, located in Old Chico, Montana. While it sits in an area with another cabin, this little beauty feels truly special.

The rebuilt 1800s log cabin once stood just outside of Helena, but after being purchased by its current owner, it was moved and re-stacked in the historic gold mining town of Old Chico.

The cabin is rustic, but contemporary. The entrance is just as inviting as the surrounding landscape.

Four people can sleep comfortably here in one king bed and a double futon. Set up like a studio, the bedroom and living room area are combined. And, if you don't love the idea of unplugging, help yourself to the free wifi.

The kitchen comes with everything you'll need to prepare cozy, fall-inspired meals.

And you'll certainly be in the right autumnal frame of mind simply by looking outside. Sitting in Emigrant Gulch, right in the heart of Paradise Valley, the views here are nothing short of spectacular.

You can cook inside, choose to use the BBQ outside, or make your way into town for dinner at one of the local restaurants. It's also right near Chico Hot Springs and only 35 minutes from Yellowstone, which means there are lots of adventures to be had.

While we love the idea of a fall visit, the cabin is lovely year round. If you miss autumn, make plans to stay in the winter!

Montana is absolutely stunning in the winter. While many states see tourism numbers steeply decline during this season, Montana is one of those places that draws visitors who love cold and snow.

Both locals and visitors love getting outside in the winter to enjoy all of the fun activities that can only be enjoyed in a place that sees reliable snow and chilly temps.

And, of course, the cities look beautiful in the winter also. With all this beauty and fun, it should be good news that the Farmers' Almanac predicts cold temperatures and the snow we have come to know and love here. And, things will be similar for our neighbors to the east and south.

This year, snow should come early. The prediction is for below average temperatures to hit at the end of September and a snow storm with accumulation in early October.

Things will remain wet through October, leading to another snow system towards the end of the month.

Despite some early snow storms, actual snowfall should be pretty average. But cold will certainly hit us throughout the season.

And snow and cold will likely last until early spring.

Overall, be sure to bundle up but don't worry too much about heavy snow. Just be sure to prepare for all the adventures you love having here in Montana throughout the winter season.

Located near East Glacier Park Village, the 1.9-mile, out-and-back Sun Point Nature Trail is one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Glacier National Park.

It sits on the northern banks of the St. Mary River, which is an offshoot of St. Mary Lake.

You'll find the trailhead at Sun Point on the Going-To-The-Sun Road. At the dedicated parking lot, head to the west side to pick up the route.

Your hike begins with a descent and leads to a turn off with access to Baring Falls. This is a great element of the trail and kids love it. This area also makes for a nice break along the way.

The route continues along St. Mary Lake which is where the views are! You'll be surrounded by mountains, making the lake look even more spectacular.

Just past the waterfall, the trail will travel upwards leading to a fantastic view of the lake.

Enjoy the sights here for a while. There are also a few areas to sit on rocks and enjoy a snack.

While there are other trails you can take from here, you can also simply turn around and come back the same way you came to complete your adventure.

1. Kootenai Harvest Festival, Libby, MT - September 16, 2023

2. The Great Northwest Oktoberfest, Whitefish - September 28 to October 7, 2023

3. The 2023 Montana Brewers Fall Rendezvous, Missoula - September 29, 2023

4. Townsend Fall Fest, Townsend - September 29 to October 1, 2023

5. Germanfest, Missoula - October 7, 2023

While fall does not officially begin until September 23rd, parts of Montana have already begun experiencing some changing colors.

In early September, a good portion of the Kootenai National Forest had already begun seeing changing leaves. Some slight color change also began early along the Canadian border in places like Hill, Blaine, and Phillips Counties.

By September 10th, the northern areas experienced moderate fall foliage changes and places like Helena and Great Falls saw their own first signs of the season.

But, what can we expect from here? Things are just getting started!

By September 18th, the northern part of the state will go from patchy to partial fall foliage. This is when things truly become impressive. Yellows and reds will be prominent throughout the area and much of the rest of the state will see some activity.

More southern areas like West Yellowstone, Big Sky, and Butte are likely to see impressive colors between September 18th and September 25th. This would be a great time to visit Humbug Spires if you're equipped for such a trip.

Between September 25th and October 2nd, fall in northern Montana will be in full swing. This area will see peak foliage, while the rest of the state begins to fill in with color. Places like Billings and a portion of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest will be entering minimal foliage, which helps spread the season out for a few more weeks.

To truly maximize your ability to see the best fall colors in Montana, plan your viewing for any time between October 9th and October 16th. By this time, northern Montana will be just passing peak, while the rest of the state will be smack in the middle of it. This is a good time to be just about anywhere.

By October 23rd, most of the state will be past peak with the exception of areas near the southern border of Wyoming.

Welcome to Granny's Gourmet Donuts located in Bozeman, Montana.

The small bakery sits just off Tai Lane in a rustic-looking, unassuming little building. Things here are simple and lovely, but it's often absolutely buzzing inside. That could be due to the sheer amount of sugar pulsing through everyone's veins. Or it could be that the vibe here is naturally fun.

With special daily donuts and a cast of regular donuts, Granny's is always an adventure.

While there are tons of unique flavor combinations, the glazed donut here is one of the best you'll ever taste. The simple raised donut comes with a light vanilla glaze made with just Bozeman water, cane powdered sugar, and real vanilla.

And this same base is used for a few other varieties, making it one of the most versatile.

There's a reason why so many of the to-go boxes are packed with the Glazed Raised.

Of course, you certainly can't overlook their famous "Donut of the Day." These are typically some of the most inventive combinations you've ever seen. Pictured here is the "Chocolate Raspberry Love Grenade." It's made using a soft donut with raspberry spread. The frosting on top is rich chocolate and it's finished with a fresh raspberry right on top.

We especially love the idea of this S'Mores Donut of the Day. It's made with chocolate ganache, honey graham cracker crumbs, and toasted mini marshmallows.

Whatever you choose to try, be prepared for a sweet treat that you'll be coming back for no matter where you live.

If you don't spend time in White Sulphur Springs, you might not know that Jesse Pepper’s Smoke Shack even exists. But, it's not only one of the best restaurants in town, it might just be the best BBQ in Montana. Although, there's so much more than just BBQ here.

The inside offers a mix of rustic and contemporary decor, allowing for lots of light without compromising the cozy quality.

The vibe is great, but it's the menu that has us going back. The meals are huge and the sandwiches are some of the best we've ever had. The Brisket Sandwich and the Pulled Pork Sandwich are favorites.

And the St. Louis Style Ribs leave absolutely nothing to be desired.

One of the things we love best about Jesse Pepper’s Smoke Shack is that they offer a solid Tex-Mex menu. Their enchiladas are perfect.

Of course, they've also got a few things on the lighter side.

The Bao Buns are also fantastic and totally unexpected.

Each day they offer specials from soups to entrees.

And anyone with a sweet tooth will want to be sure they don't get too frisky with the menu. You absolutely do not want to risk being too full for dessert!