A Glacier Country Recreation Hot Spot
Flathead Lake isn't just the largest natural body of freshwater in the West, it's also one of Western Montana's biggest playgrounds. Set within the glacier-carved Flathead and Mission valleys and surrounded by the Mission, Salish, Swan and Whitefish mountains, the lake stretches 27 miles long and nearly 15.5 miles wide, with depths reaching 370 feet.
Water Adventures
Swimming, fishing, powerboating, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing are all popular ways to experience the lake. Its clear waters reflect snowcapped peaks, forested slopes and Montana’s expansive blue sky, creating a memorable setting in every season.
Before recreating on Montana waters, stop at all mandatory watercraft inspection stations and follow Clean. Drain. Dry. practices to help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). To see more of the lake from the water, consider a trip with Far West Boat Tours, based out of Lakeside.
Recreation
Flathead Lake’s 187 miles of shoreline include numerous campgrounds, recreation areas and fishing access sites. Flathead Lake State Park has several units, all of which are located along the water, including Big Arm, West Shore, Wayfarers, Yellow Bay, Finley Point and Somers Beach. The park also includes Wild Horse Island, the lake’s largest island. This day-use state park that is home to wild horses, bighorn sheep, coyotes, deer and a variety of bird species.
Please note: The southern half of the lake is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, home of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. When recreating or fishing on these waters, be sure to obtain a tribal permit (available at license ambassador businesses or online).
Annual Events + Family Fun
Flathead Lake offers plenty for families throughout the year. Plan a visit around annual events like the Bigfork Whitewater Festival, the 4th of July Fireworks over the lake, or the Flathead Cherry Festival.
Flathead cherries are another seasonal highlight. From mid-July to mid-August, orchards and fruit stands along the lake’s east shore sell fresh cherries, and some offer opportunities to pick your own.
Vibrant Small Towns
Polson and Bigfork are the largest communities along Flathead lake, while Big Arm, Elmo, Rollins, Lakeside, Dayton and Somers offer smaller-town stops around the lake’s shoreline. Polson, Big Arm, Elmo and Dayton are located on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Together, these lakeside communities offer a range of local experiences, and Bigfork is especially festive during the holidays, when it transforms into Montana’s largest Christmas village.
Use the Flathead Travel Corridor as your base for exploring the lake and some of these small towns. Along the way, you'll find casual and fine dining, craft breweries and distilleries, museums, live theater, a regional symphony orchestra and local shops featuring Montana-made goods.
