Discover Flathead through its waters: Flathead Lake sets an extraordinary standard, while the Flathead River offers opportunities for whitewater rafting. There are also trails, parks, and nature experiences, each with its own focus. When planning your trip, it’s worth first asking whether you want to focus on lakes, river activities, hiking trails, or a visit to Glacier National Park.
Flathead Lake and its waters
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the contiguous 48 United States. Its surface area exceeds 200 square miles. Boating is possible at Whitefish Lake in Whitefish Lake State Park; the park is also part of Whitefish’s hiking and biking trail network. This gives you different aspects to choose from when planning your trip: the scale of the lake on the one hand, and boating and trails on the other.
Whitewater rafting in canoes, kayaks, or rafts is possible on the Flathead River. This is a different focus from boating on Whitefish Lake: river whitewater on one hand, and boating on a lake on the other. This distinction can help you pin down your interests more specifically. Lazy Bay Park offers boat access, as well as opportunities for water sports and other activities on the water. Water levels and access can change; check conditions before including the park in your plans.
Trails, parks, and seasonal activities
Flathead County maintains parks, open spaces, sports facilities, trails, boat launches, fishing access points, and community recreation areas throughout the county. In Kalispell, Rails to Trails is a multi-use trail; cross-country skiing is possible at Herron Park. These examples differ in how they are used: a multi-use trail and a seasonal winter sport appeal to different interests. Seasonal conditions at Herron Park can change; check them before your visit.
West Glacier and Glacier National Park
West Glacier is in eastern Flathead County and at the west entrance to Glacier National Park. The western access to the Lake McDonald area, Park Headquarters, the Apgar Visitor Center, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road follows Highway 2 east to West Glacier. In the Lake McDonald Valley, waterfalls are accessible via numerous hiking trails. Trailheads for the Highline and Hidden Lake Trails are also located at a Glacier National Park visitor center.
Traveling by train is another possible aspect to consider when planning your trip: Amtrak’s historic Empire Builder train stops year-round at West Glacier (Belton). If you’re traveling by train, check the schedule for your travel date. This lets you consider the train connection, getting oriented in West Glacier, and the park’s hiking destinations as separate parts of your trip planning.
Wildlife watching on Wild Horse Island
Wild Horse Island offers opportunities for wildlife watching. The park is intended for day use; camping is not allowed. This makes the island a destination for a day visit, not an overnight stay.
Discover more destinations: Whitefish, West Glacier, Marion, Kalispell, Bigfork, Hungry Horse, Essex, Columbia Falls, Kila
For the overall travel overview: Montana.
