Roadtrip to Banff: Shoshone Falls, Crater of the Moon & Glacier National Park

campsidephotos
Aug 14
3 min read

After leaving Rexburg, Idaho, we continued our road trip north with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Montana was calling, and we were ready for more epic landscapes, scenic drives, and the kind of small-town charm that makes long road trips feel like a treasure hunt.

Shoshone Falls & Crater of the Moon

Our first stops were a couple of natural wonders that had us stretching our legs and reaching for cameras. Shoshone Falls, often called the “Niagara of the West,” was breathtaking. The water thundering over the cliff and the mist rising in the sunlight made it impossible not to pause and just stare.

Next, we drove to Crater of the Moon National Monument. The lunar-like lava fields were mesmerizing — black rock, sparse vegetation, and a landscape that felt completely otherworldly. Hiking through the twisted lava formations, we couldn’t help but feel like explorers on another planet. It was the perfect reminder that the American West has so many surprises beyond the classic parks and landmarks.

Bannock, Montana

By the afternoon, we rolled into Bannock, Montana, a town that feels frozen in time. Instead of the usual stops, we wandered through the ghost town, imagining what life must have been like during its heyday. Weathered buildings, empty streets, and relics of the past gave it a mysterious, almost cinematic feel. Exploring Bannock’s abandoned structures and imagining the stories they held was a quiet, hauntingly beautiful pause before the grandeur of Glacier National Park.

Click here to see a photo of Hotel Mead.

Scenic Drives: Swan Lake & Flathead Lake

From Bannock, we started taking the scenic routes toward Kalispell, and the drive alone was worth the detour. Stopping at Swan Lake and Flathead Lake, we couldn’t get enough of the turquoise water framed by forested hills and distant mountains. Every pull-off begged for a photo, and every turn of the road offered a new perspective on Montana’s vast, breathtaking landscapes.

Glacier National Park & Polebridge

Finally, we arrived at Glacier National Park, a place we’d been dreaming about since we first started planning the trip. We quickly learned that Going-to-the-Sun Road wasn’t fully open yet, so rather than rushing or forcing our plans, we embraced a little flexibility. That decision led us to Polebridge, a charming, remote area just outside the park. We explored the small town, tried the famous bakery, and soaked in the slower pace while enjoying spectacular views of the mountains and forests around us.

It wasn’t the original plan, but that detour ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our Glacier adventure. Sometimes, the road rewards you more when you let go of strict schedules and just explore.

Reflection

Montana reminded us why we love road trips so much. From thunderous waterfalls to lunar lava fields, sleepy towns, and hidden gems like Polebridge, every mile brought something new. It was another chapter in a journey that wasn’t just about reaching Banff for our wedding — it was about discovering the unexpected along the way.