Here’s some interesting facts:
Flathead Lake, located in the western United States, holds the distinction of being the largest natural freshwater lake (in terms of surface area) outside of Alaska. Globally, it ranks as the 79th largest natural freshwater lake and is recognized as one of the cleanest.
The area surrounding the lake is rich in public lands, including a National Wildlife Refuge on the North Shore. Additionally, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks manage six State Parks, and nine Fishing Accesses are under the care of FWP or the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Among the State Parks, Wildhorse Island stands out. It is the largest island in the lake, covering an area of 2,100 acres, and it towers 1,200 feet above the lake.
Fascinating, isn’t it?
Visiting the area? Here are some recommendations on what to do.
There is plenty to do and see around Flathead Lake. Whether you’re into; hiking, boating, relaxing, or road tripping, there’s no shortage of adventures…trust us! Based upon the time of year you’re visiting, you could either hit the slopes or enjoy the lakes.
Hiking: Danny on National Recreation Trail - Enjoy this 8.0-mile out-and-back trail near Whitefish, Montana. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 26 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through September. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Lakes: Depending on if you want drive up access or a bit more solitude, there’s enough lakes to go around. (Strawberry Lake, Birch Lake, Whitefish Lake, Swan Lake, Avalanche Lake, and of course Flathead Lake).
Road Trips: Going to the Sun Road - The lower elevation sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road remain open all year and provide access to many locations and activities. Portions of the road may close due to weather. Without stopping, it takes approximately 2 hours to drive the full 50 miles. Glacier National Park is wild country, and wildlife may be present anywhere along the road. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are consistently seen near Logan Pass. Grizzly bears are often seen near Two Dog Flats on the east side. Jackson Glacier Overlook affords the best opportunity to see a glacier from the road. It is located on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road between Logan Pass and St. Mary.