Marion is southwest of Kalispell on Little Bitterroot Lake. Water access, outdoor activities, and local economic history offer different starting points for a trip. Two parks have boat and water access, hiking and cross-country skiing are available at Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge, and the story of a sawmill leads from Somers to Marion. If you’re looking for a vacation rental, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: water, nature, or local history.

Water Access on Little Bitterroot Lake

Little Bitterroot Lake offers recreational opportunities. Kelsey Cummings Park on the lake has boat and water access. Blue Grouse Park on Lodgepole Dr in Marion also has boat and water access. These are two specific options if a visit to the water is important to your plans.

The lake’s recreational opportunities provide the broader context; the two park access points make some of them concrete. You can also distinguish between the locations: Kelsey Cummings Park is on the lake, while Blue Grouse Park is on Lodgepole Dr in Marion. Park amenities and seasonal conditions may change. So check the latest information from Flathead County before your visit, especially if water access is important to your plans.

Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing at Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge

Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for hiking. Cross-country skiing is allowed throughout the refuge, except in the area that is seasonally closed from September 1 to December 10. The exception applies to this area; it does not mean that the entire refuge is generally closed. For cross-country skiing, both the time period and the area covered matter. Hiking is another activity option; the two offerings differ according to the type of activity you prefer.

A Piece of Local Economic History

When Lewis Kelsey moved his sawmill from Somers to Marion in the early 20th century, the timber industry became an important part of the local economy. This change of location offers a concrete way into the history: Somers was the sawmill’s original location, Marion its new site, and the sawmill connects the two to an important economic sector. For travelers interested in local history as well as nature, this episode adds a distinct historical perspective.

Which Focus Fits Your Search?

When searching for a vacation rental, you can first decide what you want your trip to center on: water access, outdoor activities, or a connection to local history. If cross-country skiing is important to you, take the seasonal exception from September 1 to December 10 into account when planning your dates. For visits to the parks, check the latest information from Flathead County, as amenities and seasonal conditions may change.

Discover more destinations: Essex, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse, Kila, Bigfork, Kalispell, West Glacier

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