Flathead or Swan valley from Missoula to GNP?

We have just one day to travel by car from Yellowstone National Park (doable) to West Glacier and want to see as much of Montana%26#39;s beautiful scenery as possible. We%26#39;ve planned to make short stops along the way and have at least one mid-day meal and dinner before arriving at Lake McDonald. Suggestions are MUCH APPRECIATED!

From I-90 northward to West Glacier:

*US Hwy 93 to Montana Hwy 35 - Flathead Valley

OR

*Montana Hwy 200 to Montana Hwy 83 through Swan Valley? Read about lots of deer/wildlife on this road. Two (2) hours to Big Fork?

Flathead or Swan valley from Missoula to GNP?

They%26#39;re both nice.

I%26#39;d take the route through Seeley as it is off the interstate. But that%26#39;s because I%26#39;ve driven the interstate so many times. Pipestone Pass west of Butte is unique.

If you go by way of Missoula, you%26#39;ll go by the National Bison Range but you won%26#39;t have time to stop. It%26#39;s a pretty big place and it isn%26#39;t overrun with bison or anything.

Flathead or Swan valley from Missoula to GNP?

93 north gives the bison option, but also brings you through St. Ignatious and then Polson with great views of the Missions. You can choose east or west shores of Flathead lake from there. if east shore, you lose the mountain views but come through Bigfork which has some great dining options and then easy last pull to glacier. West side has better views of mountains, but more traffic. There is a dining option at the head of Flathead lake just before Sommers, the name escapes me right now. Big lodge looking building right across from the marina.

Swan has more of a remote feel, though there are a couple of fun stops for shopping. This also brings you out just above Bigfork, so that dining option is still open.