Journey Through Montana: Hidden Towns, Scenic Routes, and the Freedom of Living on the Road

Hi friends! We're back with another adventure. This episode recounted our journey from Glacier National Park to Red Lodge, Montana. Though it may seem like an easy eight-hour drive, we break it down to keep things manageable—especially when you factor in camp set-up and teardowns, pee breaks, dogs needing to stretch, and maybe even a surprise or two along the way. We’ll share some personal moments, beautiful stops, and practical tips for anyone planning a similar trip. You can listen to us recount our experience Here!

Taking the Scenic Route: Glacier to Red Lodge

Leaving Glacier behind was bittersweet, but what lay ahead more than made up for it. The drive south through Montana is nothing short of spectacular, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the heart of the Rocky Mountains. With towering peaks on both sides and deep, crystal-clear lakes at nearly every turn, the views alone were worth the trip.

As we’ve said in past episodes, we keep our driving days under six hours, and for this leg of the trip, we split it up. Our goal was to stop midway, allowing us enough time to enjoy our surroundings without feeling rushed. From Glacier, we hopped on the 83 highway, which took us through stunning mountain valleys, lakes fed by snow runoff, and dense forests. It was the kind of drive where you constantly say, "Wow, we need to come back here!"

Seely Lake: A Perfect Pit Stop

Our halfway point this day was Seeley Lake, a charming little town right off the highway. We were in need of water, supplies, and, as fate would have it, some trailer repairs. Seeley Lake had it all—an auto parts store, Ace Hardware, a grocery market, and even a Polaris shop. It’s one of those rare places where you can grab everything without venturing off the main road.

Plus, they had an ice cream shop and multiple coffee spots! This is the perfect little mountain town! Seeley Lake is definitely a walking town, so if you have the time, stroll through and enjoy its relaxed, friendly vibe.

Free Camping at Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area

James Making dinner at Camp

After resupplying, we headed toward the Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area for the night. It was four and a half hours from our previous camp, but it felt like a hidden gem once we arrived. We snagged a great spot, surrounded by tall trees but still open enough to set up Starlink for our solar-powered generator. Having reliable internet while off-grid has been a game changer for us, especially with podcast work and remote tasks.

Our campsite had plenty of privacy—only two vehicles passed by the entire time we were there. We also enjoyed incredible views, with a meadow stretching toward the mountains in the distance. We set up our shower, had a bite to eat, and jumped onto a podcast interview with Wonderful Morrison's Evolution of the Fempreneur. Check out the interview! We love Wonderful, and she asked us some fantastic and insightful questions.

(You do need to have a permit to camp here. It costs $10 and can be used all over Montana for the Calendar Year. Get yours here.)

Starlink Satellite Internet: Learn more about the mobile internet system that keeps us connected. (using this link to make your purchase will give you a free month of service, and us too—it's a great way to support our show!)

EcoFlow Solar Generators: Find out how we power our adventures with this link.

Roadside Fun: The Unexpected Stops

Travel days always bring some unexpected moments, and ours was no exception. After packing up the following day, we hit the road, thinking we’d find a restroom reasonably quickly. Well, that didn’t happen. So, James had to get creative, pulling over at a scenic lake to make use of our trusty portable toilet. We try to avoid using it unless absolutely necessary, but let’s just say it was one of those days!

Pro tip— A crucial part of our travel diet includes probiotic-rich foods, which help keep things moving. We often eat fermented beets and drink kombucha to avoid the uncomfortable bloating that can ruin a trip. On the flip side, sometimes being regular while traveling can make for these urgent moments!

Planning for Stops: Laundry & Groceries

One of the less glamorous parts of full-time road travel is laundry—yep, it piles up. Our next goal was Helena, the capital of Montana, where we found a laundromat conveniently located across the street from a Safeway. It was perfect: while our clothes dried, we shopped.

Pro tip—try to plan your stops in this way to avoid making extra trips and wasting time.

Arriving in Red Lodge

By early evening, we rolled into Red Lodge, excited to see our friends. Red Lodge is an ideal gateway to Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, known for its incredible wildlife and rugged beauty. We unloaded everything from the trailer (you don’t want to leave food out in bear country!), freshened up, and treated our friends to dinner at The Snag Bar, famous for having some of the best burgers in town.

Red Lodge is a picturesque walking town with cozy cafes, local shops, and breathtaking views all around. We couldn’t have asked for a better spot to rest after several days on the road.

Final Thoughts

This leg of our journey—driving from Glacier to Red Lodge—reminded us why we love road life. The freedom to explore hidden gems, stop wherever we want, and take in the sights is truly unbeatable. Whether you’re headed to Yellowstone or simply road-tripping through Montana, this route is a must-do.

As always, happy trails, and thanks for reading!

<3Cara