Flathead Beacon - News for Montana's Flathead Valley (original) (raw)

Environment

PacifiCorp to Power Down Bigfork Dam Unless Buyer Steps Forward

Without a purchase agreement, the FERC-licensed hydroelectric facility would undergo a years-long decommissioning process. Meanwhile, residents of the unincorporated community grapple with a potentially transformative change.

By Maggie Dresser

The Latest

Flathead Living

Glacier Journal

Tips for Getting into Glacier National Park in 2026

For the first time in five years, visitors can access all of Glacier National Park’s entrances without a vehicle reservation. But visitors will still have to navigate changes in 2026, including Logan Pass parking restrictions, a new reservation-only shuttle system, and construction-related closures. Here’s what to know.

By Tristan Scott

Books

A North Fork Legacy

“Trail Creek: A North Fork Saga” documents the lives and philosophies of two homesteaders on the outskirts of Glacier National Park just south of the U.S.-Canada border through the lens of a wildlife biologist

By Maggie Dresser

Food

Best Bites Around Glacier

Whether you’re looking to stock up for a day on the river or looking for a big meal after a big hike, here are a few favorite eateries for those going to and from Glacier Park

By Pete Avery

Sponsored by Flathead Rivers Alliance & American Rivers

Celebrating 50 Years of Wild and Scenic

The July 10th Flathead River Fest at Marantette Park celebrates the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River

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OPINION

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Elections

GOP Endorsements Get Split Review in Primary Results

The Flathead saw a 50/50 split in terms of party-backed candidates prevailing in their primary contests. Those results mirrored a similar dynamic statewide, with each of the Republican Party’s factions winning several key races.

Elections

2026 Primary Election Results

Polls closed at 8 p.m. as voters across Montana cast ballots in competitive primaries for local, state and federal office

Education

Generations of Students Bid Farewell to Carolyn Wieringa

The rural teacher retires after three decades, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the tight-knit West Glacier community

Police Blotter

Recent Podcasts

Project 7

A six-part series on notorious Flathead Valley militia leader David Burgert, who vanished into the wilderness after a shootout with sheriff's deputies in 2011