Cool Intentions: 16 Refreshing Ways to Beat the Heat Naturally This Summer

Summer in Northwest Montana is truly the best—it feels like you’ve got an entire day ahead of you, starting at 5 pm. Between fun-filled evenings, days on the lake, and time spent in the great outdoors, there’s a ton to do, but it can also get HOT! Most of us are getting off work right as it hits the hottest part of the day, and while great for post-work lake excursions, that’s not always in the cards. Staying cool (without cranking the AC) can become its own form of self-care.

At Haskill Creek, we’re all about natural, sustainable solutions—from how you care for your skin to how you cool down your space. Below, we’re sharing our favorite eco-friendly, Montana-inspired, and Haskill-approved ways to chill out this summer—plus the products we’re stocking (and stashing in our fridges) to help.

Local Ways to Cool Down in Northwest Montana

1. Float the Whitefish River
   Beat the heat in the best way: grab your paddleboard (or a tube), a friend, and a sparkling water, and drift along the Whitefish River. Shade from Willow trees = bonus cooling.
   
2. Take a Dip
   Nothing resets your system like a jump into cold Montana water. There’s no shortage of amazing lakes and reservoirs, all within easy walking or driving distance–Whitefish, Tally, Hungry Horse and Koocanusa are some of our personal favorites.
   
3. Go For a Shaded Hike
   Hit shaded trails early (well, summer “early”) in the morning. We love heading to the Whitefish Trail, or hiking Big Mountain… both easy to get to and close to home.
   
4. Sip + Sit... Under an Umbrella or in a Shady Spot
   Find a covered patio for a glass of rose, a chilled mocktail or an iced tea. You’ll find us on the deck at the Golf Course, the Tiki Bar, or outside at Grouse (a hidden gem) all summer long. 

Eco-Friendly Ways to Keep Your Home Cool

1. Close Curtains Early in the Day
   Close all of your curtains (especially in rooms where the sun shines in brightly) by lunchtime. Your house will be 10 degrees cooler, and your 5 pm self will thank you.
   
2. Let the Cool In—Then Lock It Down
   Open windows at night when it cools way down, then close them (and curtains) during the day to trap the chill. While challenging with kids, we also try to make sure to keep doors and garage doors closed as much as possible to keep the cool air in. 
   
3. Houseplants That Hustle
   Snake plants, ferns, and peace lilies don't just look great—they naturally purify and slightly cool the air.
   
4. Power Your Devices Down
   Electronics give off sneaky warmth. Shut them off when not in use--bonus points for shutting off your Wifi Router at night, all year long.
   
5. Switch Out Bedding
   Trade out your winter bedding for breathable linen or organic cotton. A cool night’s sleep sets you up for an energized tomorrow.

Wellness Products That Help You Stay Cool

1. Zizia After Sun Balm
   Sun-kissed skin meets its match. This botanical balm calms redness and nourishes deeply. We keep ours chilled for extra cooling power.
   
2. Kate McLeod After-Sun Stone
   A solid moisturizer that glides on like silk—perfect for reapplying on the go or at home. We have been obsessed with these Kate McLeod lotion stones for keeping our skin extra hydrated all summer (and winter) long. Seriously 10/10.
   
3. Nurish Cooling Lotion
   Lightweight, aloe-infused, and made for hot days. Store it in your fridge for an extra-refreshing application.
   
4. Electrolyte Support (Like Thorne or Instant Hydration)
   Rehydrate right. These clean electrolyte blends replenish minerals lost in sweat—without sugar or fillers.
   
5. Magic Molecule Hypochlorous Spray
   A skin hero in the summer. Keep it in the fridge and mist liberally after sun exposure or a sweaty hike (or let's be real... sweaty walk with your dog, walk to the mailbox... whatever)
   
6. Ice Roller or Cryo Tools
   Stash one in the freezer and roll across cheeks, neck, and shoulders for instant refreshment and de-puffing magic. We love this one from Dore (found in-store at Haskill Creek).
   
7. Drink Herbal Iced Teas
   Choose cooling herbs like mint, lemon balm, & hibiscus to name a few. Brew a few bags, chill overnight, and pour over ice for a cooling, functional sip. Bonus: herbs & adaptogens support hydration and calm. We have these iced tea tops that you just screw right onto a mason jar to make the job even easier, at the Haskill Creek store.

Staying cool doesn’t have to mean hiding inside with the AC on full blast. With a little creativity, some local know-how, and a few Haskill Creek essentials, you can turn summer’s hottest days into a celebration of refreshing rituals.