Flathead Lake

There’s lots of room to play on Flathead Lake. Located just south of Kalispell, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi is 28 miles long and up to 15 miles wide. That translates to 188 square miles of pure enjoyment. The lake’s sparkling waters and miles of tree-lined shore offer unlimited recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat. This playground has something for everyone.

Come and Play on the Lake

Two highways traverse the lake’s shoreline. In spring, the white blooms of the cherry orchards promise luscious fruit in July and August. Six units of the Flathead Lake State Park provide sites for picnics, boating, sailing, fishing, camping and swimming. Two golf courses offer spectacular views and challenging play.

There are all types of watercraft, from motorized to sail to paddle, on Flathead Lake . And swimming below the surface are trophy-size trout, yellow perch and whitefish. The southern half of Flathead Lake is located on the Flathead Indian Reservations, home of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes. On these waters, fishermen will need a tribal fishing permit, available at most area sporting goods stores.

Wildlife Habitat

Wild Horse, the lake’s largest island, is a wildlife refuge for more than 75 species of bird along with deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes and bear. Geese, osprey, herons, and eagles frequent the aptly named Bird Islands .