Flathead Lake

Lake · Lake County ·

Flathead Lake

Lake · Lake County ·

Montana's largest lake: wildlife, fishing, packhorse camping

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28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

20 Best Places to Visit in Montana—National Parks, Ski Resorts, and Charming Small Towns Included

"At roughly 200 square miles, this marquee lake offers islands, mountain views, and plenty of adventurous on‑the‑water play—an easy must‑visit and a perfect day trip from Missoula." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-visit-in-montana-11861368

Flathead Lake

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

Best Lake Vacations in the U.S.

"Montana's largest freshwater lake and a wildlife stronghold where bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and wild horses roam islands; visitors can book equestrian adventures at Flathead Lake Lodge (lessons, trail rides, cookout rides), join guided fishing trips, or arrange multiday packhorse camping through other dude ranches in the valley." - Joe Yogerst Joe Yogerst Joe Yogerst is a writer, editor, and photographer with over three decades of experience covering travel. His articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Time, and he has worked on more than 40 books for National Geographic. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/summer-vacations/americas-best-lake-vacations

Flathead Lake

Annette H.

Google

Absolutely gorgeous lake! We didn’t find it too busy at all even on July 4th weekend. We accessed it from the South of the lake, the Northern part seems busier. The water is COLD. My kids wouldn’t really swim in it at all so will likely get wetsuits for our next visit. I loved exploring and boating around Wild Horse Island.

Dani M.

Google

August 2022 went with the family to Flathead Lake in Polson Montana #flathead #lake #polson August 2022 Annabelle and I out on the boat at Flathead Lake with the family, then we took a break and went back out with those who wanted to go tubing and it was hot tamale! You can also see the Elmo Fire in the back. August 2022 went out on the boat with the family and went to look at rocks since you can see them through the clear Flathead waters. August 2022 on are last day at the Lake took the boys out to the lake in Polson Montana #flatheadlake

Ayanna R.

Google

I forgot how much costs to enter but I do know it wasn’t super expensive. I suggest bringing snacks and watch out for ants and other insects or animals. The water is super clear and the bottom is rocky. A good pair of swim shoes is much needed or your feel will hurt or you risk hurting yourself. But all in all a great spot to relax whether you’re in or out of the water. The views are simply amazing.

Al C.

Google

Stayed here for a week and I absolutely loved it. This is one of the best lakes I’ve ever been to. We stayed in a lake home just outside Lakeside and it was great. The lake is relatively warm in the summer, (still pretty cold) and the scenery is amazing. The snow on the mountain tops never leaves even in the summer. You’ll love your stay here. Make sure to go to Wild Horse Island!

Christie B.

Google

Beautiful and calm lake for kayaking. We enjoyed our trip to Bigfork MT. This lake has so much to offer. We only wished we rented jet skis for the day. Was chilly at the end of June but that didn’t stop us from taking a dip after kayaking.

Frankie V.

Google

Long overdue post. But we stayed here in an airbnb on the lake the week of the 4th of July 2019. The water was crystal clear. It's absolutely an amazing getaway vacation spot!!!! The only thing I wish we would have done was rent a boat to further check out the lake or do a fishing tour. We have wanted to go back but continue to pick somewhere different every year. 1 day I wouldn't mind buying a house on or very near the lake!!!!

Gin H.

Google

It really is so clear here! Very peaceful and beautiful place to visit and even my small baby boy loved it here!

R. S.

Google

Flathead Lake in Montana is an amazing sight to see as you're cresting the hill heading towards Polson on its southern shore. The valley and this lake were formed by the glaciers that covered this area. The receding glaciers and the massive ice jambs that formed and broke on more than one occasion left us with this awe-inspiring, extremely majestic landscape. The lake sits to the south of Glacier National Park and is 27 miles long, 15 miles wide, and 370' deep with a gravel bottom and crystal clear waters. Wild Horse State Park is located on an island only accessible by a guided boat tour. It is home to a wild herd of horses and remains relatively untouched by humans. Cool place to visit if you are in the area. I have watched storms cross this lake that kick up the waves and leave a distinct line in the surface of the water you can see when you come out of the storm into clear blue skies. The lake covers enough surface area that you might have storms on one area of the lake and sunny and hot in others. It's hard to believe this valley was once under a large body of water known as "Lake Missoula." When the ice dams broke on this massive body of water it caused the "Missoula floods"; a huge wall of water, mud, rocks and trees that stretched into Washington and Oregon thousands of years ago. This is what is left of that event, a place for us to explore and enjoy. A landscape that only mother nature could come up with. As always, leave it better than you found it. It literally took thousands of years to make...... Enjoy 😉!.