Essex

Essex is a popular year-round stop for visitors, especially railroad buffs and cross-country skiers. It is halfway between East and West Glacier and is situated at the southernmost area of Glacier National Park just twenty-five miles south of the West Glacier entrance to the Park. It offers outdoor recreation galore sitting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River there is no shortage of whitewater rafting, floating and fishing. Tons of Trail systems with the Great Bear Wilderness Trail system leading into the vast Bob Marshall Wilderness you can hike, back country ski and snow shoe to your hearts content. The historic Izaak Walton Inn now "Loge" offers groomed trails for cross country skiing in the winter and a bar and restaurant to relax at and unwind and the unique cabooses you can rent to spend the night in or stay in the main historic lodge or cabins and don't forget one of the few last whistle stops for Amtrak take the train in and out for a weekend getaway.