406 Fun

Hiking and enjoying Montana,

Flathead Lake

Rentals on Flathead Lake

The Flathead Lake Vacation Guide downloadable booklet posts most every business offering boat rentals on Flathead Lake.
Purchase your copy today.

Boat Rentals are available at every port around Flathead Lake. Specifically you can rent a boat in every community around the Lake.  Polson, Big Arm, Lakeside and Bigfork.  Depending on what part of Flathead Lake you want to visit will determine the best place to rent your boat.

A couple of pointers when renting a boat on Flathead Lake.

  • For what you will be paying the rental should be pickup and drop off.
  • Most Boat Rentals do not include fuel.
  • Rental a boat greater than 18 feet.
  • Don’t Drink and Boat.

A popular attraction on Flathead Lake is Wild Horse Island.

Access is for day use only. You may want to rent your boat at Boat Rentals and Rides in Big Arm.  Motorboats come as either pontoons or the smaller open bowed run-about.  Email Boat Rentals and Rides for pricing information:  rentals@boatrentalsandrides.com

Boat Rentals on Flathead LakeFor others, a nice quiet paddle brings more joy then a motorboat.  We would suggest the Walsted fishing access point just north of Polson on US Highway 93. It is about a 2 to 3 hour paddle fro Walsted to Wild Horse Island.  Most motorboat traffic stays away from the shallows so it is a fairly peaceful paddle.

Boat Rentals on Flathead Lake

No matter how you travel to Wild Horse Island please keep in mind that most of the outlining area is private property.  You will want to dock on the north side of the island.  Look for the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks signage.

It has been protected as a state park since 1987.  The name comes from the fact that the Salish-Kootenai tribe used the island to pasture horses and keep them from being stolen by other tribes. The island near Big Arm Bay is home to abundant wildlife including Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Waterfowl, Bald Eagles and, now, five to six Wild Horses. It’s managed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and it lies within the Flathead Indian Reservation in Western Montana.

Boating adventures on Flathead Lake will be a memorable time for you and your family.

The Flathead Lake Vacation Guide downloadable booklet posts most every business offering boat rentals on Flathead Lake.
Purchase your copy today.

Flathead Lake at Sunrise

Flathead Lake at Sunrise was photographed looking east at the Misson Mountains.Flathead Lake Sunrise

Price: $175
Location: Polson Bay, Flathead Lake at Sunrise
Size: 24×36″
Type: Canvas Print

High-quality displays without the fine art price tag.
• Art-quality canvas material
• Built-in hangers for easy display
• Canvas is wrapped in a sturdy wood frame for extra weight and durability.

Photographer: M.Hewston

Add to cart

view cart

Add to Cart or View Cart

 

Flathead Lake Sunrise

Flathead Lake is a large natural lake in northwest Montana, and is the largest natural freshwater lake by surface area that is west of the source of the Missouri River in the contiguous United States. The lake is a remnant of the ancient, massive glacial dammed lake, Lake Missoula of the era of the last interglacial.

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states, with over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. Recreationists must purchase a tribal recreation permit.

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks maintains thirteen public access sites around the lake. These sites include: Sportsmans Bridge, Somers, Big Fork, and Juniper Beach fishing access sites; Wayfarers, Woods Bay, Yellow Bay, Finely Point, Walstad Memorial, Big Arm, and Elmo state recreation areas, which have toilets, boat launch, camping, swimming and picnic facilities; and West Shore State Park, located twenty miles south of Kalispell on Highway 93. Also located along the west shore near the Big Arm is Wildhorse Island, a 2,165-acre state park. The park is accessible only by boat and is a public day use and picnic area only, no overnight camping.

Welcome to Montana’s Flathead Lake

Montana’s Flathead Lake

Welcome.

Flathead Lake is located in northwest Montana just south of Glacier National Park.  Come enjoy the crystal clear blue waters and endless hiking.

There are three major population centers around Flathead Lake. On the North, Bigfork, on the South, Polson.  On the West is Lakeside.

BIGFORK MONTANA
Bigfork has been listed in the following publications: The 50 Great Towns in the West, 100 Best Small Art Towns, The Great Towns of America, and National Geographic Guide to Small Towns Escapes. Chosen by Sunset Magazine as one of the most picturesque towns in the Northwest

Montana's Flathead

POLSON MONTANA
Polson was incorporated in 1910 and is the county seat for Lake County. Polson lies in a natural amphitheater at the south end of Flathead Lake in Northwest Montana. Polson is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Polson is a lakeshore community in the trading center for one of most fertile farming areas in Montana. This prime cherry growing region is home to dozens of orchards, which Polson celebrates with an annual Cherry Festival.

LAKESIDE MONTANA
Lakeside is a popular destination for summer visitors providing easy access to Flathead Lake.  There are ample activities for visitors in Lakeside Montana.  Activities include guided boat tours, a hiking system on Blacktail Mountain that is second to none.  Lakeside is a nice place to stop, visit, and explore while you are visiting Montana’s Flathead Lake.

Our Vacation Guide contains most every public access point around The Lake.  Public and private fishing and camping areas.  So if you are looking for public or private campgrounds around our Lake, this vacation guide has the information you will need to plan your Montana vacation. See what is included, and Read the booklet Table of Contents.

Polson Montana on Flathead Lake

Polson Montana on Flathead Lake. Polson is on the southern half of Flathead Lake on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Reservation.  Permits are available locally and online.

Polson MT

There are many activities happening in Polson MT any given year.  The season opens with a Memorial Day parade and laying of the flowers at the local cemetery. Popular events include the Miracle of America Live History Days – Always the 3rd weekend in July

The Main Street Cherry Festival – last weekend of July,  and the Sandpiper Art Gallery on the Courthouse Lawn in August  in conjunction with the Mission Valley Cruisers Car Show.

Of course there’s always Flathead Lake. If you’re looking for a boat, check out Boat Rentals and Rides, they even deliver to your vacation rental or home. Fishing areas near Polson Montana include Ducharme Fishing Access on highway 35. There is also Walsted Fishing Access on highway 93

Lazy Days begin and end with sunshine. When your in Polson MT there are three lakeside parks.  They are Riverside, Sacajawea Park/City Dock, and Boettcher Park down by the ol’ nine golf course.

The Polson Montana Parks Department endeavors to promote active and vibrant living by providing a great variety of recreational opportunities to choose from. With over 30 acres of parkland, the Parks & Recreation staff maintains 12 park areas, including a skate park, dog park, sports fields, picnicking facilities and playgrounds.

Go swimming, fishing or boating at our waterfront parks. The City of Polson currently has over 10 miles of walking/biking paths within the city limits connected to an additional 20 miles outside the city boundaries. Come allow us to help you make great memories while you play, relax, and recreate in our great little city on the lake.

Additionally, Polson is a community that cares for its urban forest environment and is proud to be a certified Tree City USA for 31 years through the Arbor Day Foundation.

Hours of Operation: All City Parks are open from 7 AM till dusk.

Trails around Flathead Lake.

Trails around Flathead Lake
Trails around Flathead Lake. There are many trails around Flathead lake. Here are four trails that are easily accessible. The Flathead Lake Trail is by far the easiest hike. It is a short half mile loop interpretive trail hike. The short but steep distance down to excellent view of Flathead Lake and the western skyline. This trail was developed in partnership with the Bigfork High School.

Directions: From Bigfork, go south on Highway 35 past Woods Bay, and turn right after mile marker 23, entering the Beardance trailhead parking. The trail goes downhill from both parking areas, creating a loop.

If you are looking for something a bit more difficult, cross the road to the Bear Dance Trail. The Bear Dance trail and the Flathead Lake Trail share the same parking lot.

BEARDANCE TRAIL #76

The Beardance Trail is 6.7 miles long and climbs about 2,200 feet. It begins off of Highway # 35 from the Beardance Trailhead and follows Forest Road #10222 and terminates at Crane Mountain Road #498. This trail has been re-routed in the last year and no longer follows the old Forest Service Road #9755. The trail is open to: hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Usage: Heavy | Closest Towns: Bigfork
Directions: From Bigfork go south on Highway 35 past Woods Bay and turn right after mile marker 23, entering the Beardance trailhead parking. The trailhead is on the east side of the highway.
Season: These trails are typically snow free by April.
Regulations: Hiking, horse riding and mountain biking are allowed on these trails. Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles are prohibited.

Area/Length : 6.7 miles
Latitude : 47.95678
Longitude : -114.03442
Elevation : 3,071 feet – 5,309 feet

Beardance Area: Trails #76, 373, and 314

Directions: From Bigfork go south on Highway 35 past Woods Bay and turn right after mile marker 23, entering the Beardance trailhead parking. The trailhead is on the east side of the highway.

Trail Description:
The Phillips Trail 373 leaves from the Beardance parking lot and climbs moderately, enjoy a nice viewpoint of Flathead Lake, then continues to climb through the trees and finally crosses two creeks and then descends to the road.

The Crane Mountain Trail 314 climbs up switchbacks in the shade of a dense forest and follows Crane Creek up to the junction with an old road. Once you reach the old road, the grade levels off for an easy hike to the upper trailhead.

The Beardance Trail 76 starts climbing up switchbacks then continue to climb up through a forested area to the trailhead on Crane Mountain Rd.

The Go Hike with Mike trail guide contains most every trail head in the Flathead and Kootenai Forest as well as the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness, including this campground.  Click here to purchase your copy.

The Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam, Formally KERR Dam.

Went hiking around the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ dam the other day. The gates are open wide at the south end of Flathead Lake. Really, if you haven’t seen it, it is worth the time spent. You wont even need bear spray. The staircase is steep on the way back up. Mike’s advise:  take it one step at a time.

See you on the trail.

The Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam, Formally KERR Dam

The Dam is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana. It is a concrete gravity-arch dam, built in 1938. The Dam is owned and managed by The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in conjunction with others. The purchase was complete in 2015. During the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ celebration of their acquisition of the dam, the Tribal Council announced renaming the complex to reflect the three confederated tribes.

The Kerr Dam, officially known since 2015 as the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam

The Go Hike With Mike Trail Guide

Purchase the Go Hike With Mike Trail Guide. Read the Table of Contents

Thanks for stopping by.

The Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam, Formally KERR Dam

Went hiking around the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ dam the other day. The gates are open wide at the south end of Flathead Lake. Really, if you haven’t seen it, it is worth the time spent. You wont even need bear spray. The staircase is steep on the way back up. Mike’s advise:  take it one step at a time.

See you on the trail.

The Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam, Formally KERR Dam

The Dam is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana. It is a concrete gravity-arch dam, built in 1938. The Dam is owned and managed by The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in conjunction with others. The purchase was complete in 2015. During the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ celebration of their acquisition of the dam, the Tribal Council announced renaming the complex to reflect the three confederated tribes.

The Kerr Dam, officially known since 2015 as the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam

The Go Hike With Mike Trail Guide

Purchase the Go Hike With Mike Trail Guide. Read the Table of Contents

Thanks for stopping by.

The Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam, Formally KERR Dam.

Went hiking around the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ dam the other day. The gates are open wide at the south end of Flathead Lake. Really, if you haven’t seen it, it is worth the time spent. You wont even need bear spray. The staircase is steep on the way back up. Mike’s advise:  take it one step at a time.

See you on the trail.

The Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam, Formally KERR Dam

The Dam is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana. It is a concrete gravity-arch dam, built in 1938. The Dam is owned and managed by The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in conjunction with others. The purchase was complete in 2015. During the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ celebration of their acquisition of the dam, the Tribal Council announced renaming the complex to reflect the three confederated tribes.

The Kerr Dam, officially known since 2015 as the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam

The Go Hike With Mike Trail Guide

Purchase the Go Hike With Mike Trail Guide. Read the Table of Contents