Golden Valley County is located in the north-central region of Montana. It covers an area of 1,879 square miles and is home to a population of just over 6,000 people. According to definitionexplorer.com, the county was established in 1919 and is named after the Golden Valley which stretches across its northern border.
The county is known for its diverse geographical features, including mountains, rivers, ponds, and rolling hills. It has a rich history that dates back to the Native American tribes who first inhabited the area. In addition to its natural beauty, Golden Valley County has many attractions for visitors to enjoy. These include camping sites at Lake Mary Ronan State Park and Flathead National Forest; fishing spots at Flathead River; hiking trails along the Lewis & Clark Trail; and golf courses at Whitefish Golf Course.
Famous people from Golden Valley County include former Vice President of the United States Charles Curtis, author Ivan Doig, film director Victor Fleming, actor Gary Cooper, and songwriter Joni Mitchell. In recent years, Golden Valley has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its abundance of recreational opportunities and stunning scenery. From skiing in the wintertime to boating on Flathead Lake in the summertime – there’s something for everyone here.
Climate and weather in Golden Valley County, Montana
According to liuxers.com, Golden Valley County, Montana has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The area typically experiences dry, sunny conditions during the summer months, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s on average. Winters are usually cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to below freezing for extended periods of time. Average snowfall in the county is around 30 inches per year.
The county’s weather can be extreme at times, especially during the winter months when blizzards are common and temperatures can drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Summertime thunderstorms are also not uncommon in Golden Valley County, often bringing heavy rain and strong winds that can cause power outages and damage to property.
Despite its extreme weather conditions at times, Golden Valley County is a great place to visit throughout the year. In the springtime, wildflowers start to bloom across the landscape while in the fall – it’s not uncommon to see elk roaming about as they migrate through Montana’s high country. In addition to its beautiful scenery, visitors will also find plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in all four seasons – from skiing and snowmobiling in wintertime; fishing and camping in spring; hiking or horseback riding in summer; and hunting or leaf peeping in fall.
Transportation in Golden Valley County, Montana
Golden Valley County, Montana, is well served by transportation links that make it easy for locals and visitors to get around the area. The county is served by the Amtrak Empire Builder line which runs through the entire state of Montana, connecting Golden Valley to major cities such as Seattle, Portland, and Chicago. Greyhound also has a bus station in Whitefish from where travelers can reach other towns and cities across Montana.
For those traveling within the county itself, there are several options available. The Glacier Country Regional Transportation Authority (GCRTA) provides public bus services throughout Golden Valley County and beyond – with routes running between Whitefish and Kalispell; Columbia Falls; Bigfork; Eureka; Libby; and Troy.
Golden Valley also has an airport in Kalispell that connects to major US cities such as Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Minneapolis/St Paul, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Phoenix. Flights from this airport are operated by Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. There are also several smaller airports located within the county which provide services for private aircrafts.
In addition to air travel and public transportation options – visitors can also rent cars or take a taxi to get around the county. There are several car rental agencies located in Kalispell offering a range of vehicles at competitive prices – while taxis can be easily found throughout Golden Valley County at any time of day or night.
Cities and towns in Golden Valley County, Montana
Golden Valley County, Montana is home to a number of vibrant cities and towns that provide visitors with a range of attractions and activities. See popular cities in Montana. The largest city in the county is Kalispell, which is situated on the banks of Flathead Lake and provides a wide selection of amenities including shops, restaurants, galleries, museums and historical sites.
Whitefish is another popular destination within Golden Valley County – located just north of Kalispell. This town offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, fishing and hiking; as well as numerous cultural attractions including art galleries, music venues and theatres.
Columbia Falls is known for its beautiful scenery – surrounded by mountains on all sides – while Eureka provides access to the Kootenai National Forest where visitors can explore trails or take part in rafting trips down the Kootenai River. Bigfork lies at the foot of Swan Mountain Range and has become an increasingly popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and numerous outdoor activities.
Libby lies on the western side of Golden Valley County – situated close to Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Area which offers great opportunities for hiking, camping or fishing. Finally, Troy is located near the Idaho border and offers visitors access to Lake Koocanusa – which boasts some excellent spots for swimming or boating.
Golden Valley County provides an array of exciting cities and towns that are sure to please any visitor looking for a unique experience in Montana’s high country.