Most of the places to stay on Flathead Lake are contained within the main population centers in Bigfork, Lakeside, or Polson
. Each of the population centers boast a different experience based on what you are looking for. For instance, Polson will contain more of a commercial experience.
Is Flathead Lake Worth Visiting?
The Flathead is a place everyone needs to visit, even for a day
. Aside from the Lake, there is alot of history in Polson. There are museums, golfing, fishing,rafting and Salish and Kooetnai Indian tribe has a people’s center for visitors, which explains ther tribal history for the Flathead Reservation.
What is the best town on Flathead Lake?
Visit
Polson
Polson is a small town on the southern tip of Flathead Lake and a base camp for many visits. The charming community boasts several things to do, and easy access to the water. Alongside restaurants and shopping on Main Street, other roadside attractions include unique museums and outdoor parks.
What part of Flathead Lake is prettiest?
The best scenery of all is that
overlooking the Flathead Lake from the highway (US 93) between Big Arm and Rollins, on the western shore
. Costs here are not high, though they do rise precipitously in summer.
How long does it take to go around Flathead Lake?
Do a drive around Flathead Lake and you’ll quickly realize that the lake is home to many state parks — although not too quickly: it takes
at least two hours
to drive the whole way around the lake without stopping.
How long is the drive around Flathead Lake?
It’s about
150 miles
to drive the entire distance around the lake. It’s beautiful, but if you are not up for a big long day of driving, just go to Bigfork, explore the town, then maybe head down to Woods Bay and then Yellow Bay, which is halfway between Bigfork and Polson.
Why is Flathead Lake so popular?
| Flathead Lake | Surface elevation 2,894 ft (882 m) |
|---|
What part of Flathead Lake is the clearest?
Flathead Lake Swimming Holes and Beaches
Flathead Lake waters
are among the cleanest and clearest in the world. Along the southern shore, Salish Point, located in the small city of Polson, offers an ideal open-water swimming area. Families will enjoy the roped off, contained swimming spot.
Where is the clearest lake in Montana?
- Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states. …
- Every year, visitors flock to Flathead to enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and good old-fashioned lakeside lounging.
What is the closest city to Flathead Lake Montana?
Getting There —
Bigfork
is located near the northeastern shores of Flathead Lake, 15 miles southeast of Kalispell by car, at the intersection of Mont. 35 and Mont. 83. Polson is at the southern tip of the lake, 33 miles southwest of Bigfork via Mont.
What towns are on Flathead Lake?
Cities
What are the closest towns to Kalispell Montana?
- Whitefish, MT.
- Polson, MT.
- Cardston, Canada.
- Pincher Creek, Canada.
- Missoula, MT.
- Orchard Homes, MT.
- Cowley, Canada.
- Fernie, Canada.
Are boats allowed on Flathead Lake?
It’s a state park with daytime-only access and
reachable only by boat
. There are five public landing sites on the island.
How do you explore Flathead Lake?
About the Lake
The park is
accessible only by boat
and is a public day use and picnic area only, no overnight camping.” “Recreation on and around the lake includes: sailing, power boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping.
Is whitefish on Flathead Lake?
They are found throughout the lake, usually near bottom in 30′-150′ of water.
In Flathead Lake, look for whitefish in 20′-60′ of water over sand and gravel bars and off points
.
Can you walk around Flathead Lake?
Head out on this 1.5-mile loop trail near Lakeside, Montana. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete.
This trail is great for hiking and walking
.
What park is Flathead Lake in?
About the Park
Big Arm
is located on Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States.
How many rivers flow into Flathead Lake?
The waters of the
Flathead, Stillwater, Whitefish, and Swan rivers
all join in Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. Altogether, the Flathead Watershed drains six million acres of scenic landscapes.
How far is Missoula from Glacier?
Glacier National Park is
137.6 miles
from Missoula, MT. It takes about 2 h 29 min (137.6 mi) via US-93 N and Mont Hwy 35 W.
Is Flathead Lake in Missoula Montana?
Located near Missoula
lies a treasure trove of outdoor beauty and adventures, and perhaps none is more easily accessed or available than Flathead Lake. It’s hard to miss on a map—it is the largest natural fresh-water lake west of the Mississippi and boasts 185 miles of shoreline to explore.
How many miles is it around Flathead Lake?
197 mi2
Are there leeches in Flathead Lake?
No leeches in Flathead Lake
!
Is Lake Tahoe bigger than Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western US (by surface area) outside of Alaska.
Lake Tahoe has more water than Flathead
because it is significantly deeper (nearly 1650 ft vs. 380 ft). The Great Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is salt, not fresh water.
Is Flathead Lake water safe to drink?
Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has listed Flathead Lake as an impaired waterbody since 1996 due to nutrient and sediment pollution, PCBs, and mercury contamination
. Flathead waters also face threats from possible introductions of harmful aquatic invasive species and climate change.
How deep can you see in Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake is about 27 miles long and 15 miles wide, with an
average depth of 164 feet; the maximum depth is 370 feet
.
Is Flathead Lake at full pool?
The lake level is typically held at or near full pool
, or 2,983 feet, from June 15 through Labor Day Weekend. At that depth, businesses and property owners from Polson to Bigfork Bay are able to utilize the lake for recreation without worry of shallow water.
What’s the deepest lake in Montana?
Tally Lake
West of Whitefish in Flathead National Forest, Tally Lake is the deepest natural lake in Montana. With depths as far down as 445 feet, Tally Lake is also surrounded by mountainsides covered in trees.
