RAILFAN DESTINATION
Railfans enjoy staying at the Izaak Walton Inn located in Essex, Montana because of the close proximity to the BNSF Railway and Great Northern Railway History. The Amtrak Empire Builder stops at our 'flagstop' platform twice a day. We will pick you up and drop you off at the patform with our courtesy shuttle.
The Inn is decorated throughout with railroad memorabilia. Come visit us and enjoy the history that surrounds this area. View old photos, art and lots of Great Northern Railway posters, schedules and calendars from the past.
Our gift shop features many railroad theme items, Choose from books, plaques, patched, hat pins, and apparel. We also stock a full line of reproduction china used on the Empire Builder lines during the 1940's and 1950's. These pieces are exclusive reproductions of the 'Glory of the West' and 'Mountains & Flowers' series manufactured by the Syracuse China Company.
On occasion a special train will pass by the Inn. Most recently the Southern Pacific 4449 passed by on July 5th. This train is the only surviving example of Southern Pacific Railroad's GS-4 class of steam locomotives.
We are located adjacent to Glacier National Park. Photo opportunities abound and most viewpoints are easy to access as the rail line follows the Flathead River and US Highway 2. There are many pull-offs along the route to stop your car and get fantastic pictures. There are two tunnels, great curves, the summit of Marias Pass and seven avalanche snowsheds to view.
After your day of touring and watching trains you may choose to discover enjoy a Montana-brewed beer in the Flag stop Bar or sip a glass of wine while relaxing by the stone fireplace in the lobby.
So make your plans to Visit the Izaak Walton Inn. You will experience a railfan trip of a lifetime.
INTERPRETIVE RED BUS 'JAMMER' TOUR
Take a ride back in time while you view the sites of Glacier National Park in style on one of the historic red buses. These vintage motor coaches, built by the White Motor Company, travel over the Going-to-the-Sun Road and link all of the hotels and inns within the park. These bright red coaches have a roll-back canvas tops which allow for spectacular views. Telephone today to book your Red Bus Tour and let us do the driving!
The Jammer bus will pick you up right here at Izaak Walton Inn at 9:15am. Journey on and enter the West entrance of Glacier National Park. Tour the grand cedar-hemlock forests along Lake McDonald on your way to an optional lunch in Lake McDonald Lodge’s Russell’s Fireside Dining Room or Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria (seasonal). After lunch, ascend to the top of Logan Pass, into high alpine and down to the St. Mary Valley. Stop at the Wild Goose Island overlook for another photo opportunity. The tour finishes with grand vistas of grassland prairie and mountains as you arrive back at the Inn.
Tours vary depending on the accessibility of the Going-To-The-Sun road.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Wild River Adventures run the Middle and North Fork of the Flathead River, two of Montana's pristine rivers. These rivers form the southern and western boundaries of Glacier National Park. They are protected as Wild and Scenic Rivers, thus insuring that they will remain free flowing and untamed. These glacial fed waters rank as some of the cleanest rivers in the world.
On the adventure trips one often sees deer, mountain goats, osprey, and eagles. The river rapids on the Middle Fork were featured in the hit movie 'A River Wild'. These river trips offer something for the entire family. In order to help you pick the ideal trip, we have divided our river raft tours into three categories:
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Slow 'N Easy No experience necessary. Class I rapids, calm water with a few small waves. Great for families with young children, photographers, wildlife watchers, and fishing. |
| Family Friendly No experience necessary. Great for first timers and family groups. Primarily Class II-III+ rapids, fun, exciting waves separated by calm sections. |
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| Wet 'N Wild Guaranteed to get you wet! Geared for those with previous rafting experience or those who want to go for the gusto. Class II-IV rapids often run in small rafts or inflatable kayaks. |
The Izaak Walton Inn can help you get your trip booked on arrival and arrange for a free shuttle that leaves directly from the Inn. Call 406.888.5700 for more details or stop by the front desk.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Glacier National Park is one of the most precious resources in the country and there is no better way to view the “Jewel of the Continent” than to see the sites while horseback riding. Swan Mountain Outfitters is a one of a kind family owned business dedicated to showing our visitors a side of Glacier National Park that few people ever get to see.
The best way to discover the hidden secrets of Glacier National Park is by hitting the trails. Their experienced wranglers will provide guided tours through the Glacier back country, explaining the extensive history of Glacier National Park, showing you majestic alpine vistas, stellar snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes and streams and many other hidden wonders. Wildlife viewing is a major aspect of all of our trail riding tours. If you ever dreamed of horseback rides in the Rockies, then this is the horseback vacation for you.
Swan Mountain Outfitter offesr everything from hour-long trail rides to full day horseback trips from three locations. They have trail rides to accommodate riders of all skill levels. The horses are gentle and the staff is friendly and ready to meet you. In addition, they offer mule packing services to guests of Sperry Chalet as well as Granite Park Chalet. Let them help you make your Glacier vacation an experience to remember for years to come.
Stop by the front desk at the Izaak Walton Inn and we will happily make a booking for your trail ride upon your arrival.