Lake Life

The innumerable opportunities around Flathead. 

As you slowly come to and your senses start to stir, you begin to register the sounds: birds calling far and near, waves lapping against the shore, the morning breeze rustling through the trees. You’re somewhat unwilling to surrender the comfort of your sleeping bag insulating you from the crisp morning air. But the rising sun and the prospect of freshly brewed java are rapidly outweighing the pros of staying in the tent.

You slide open the tent flap to find the sun low on the horizon, cutting through a layer of fog and beaming across the glassy waters of Flathead Lake. “Do you want cream in your coffee?” your companion asks. “And should we bring the rods on our morning paddle?” Just then, a fish jumps, wordlessly answering the question. You respond with a resounding “Hell yeah!” and she hands you a steaming mug before coaxing you to join her and bask in the warmth of the morning sun.

No matter how you choose to recreate around Flathead Lake, you’re sure to have an amazing experience in one of the most beautiful pockets in the state.

From your vantage point, you can see nearly every corner of Flathead Lake. To your immediate south lies the peninsula known as Finley Point. On the northern horizon lies Somers Beach, Wayfarers, and Yellow Bay. Off to the east, Wild Horse Island rises from the water, with Big Arm tucked just around the way.

And just where, exactly, is this picturesque perspective? After deciding to paddle out to one of Flathead Lake’s many islands, you landed on Bird Island, just north of Finley Point. Your timing couldn't have been better—late summer and early fall are wonderful times to visit.

There’s really no wrong way to do it—every season and side of the lake has something unique to offer. Camping at one of the state-park access points is a great way to experience the area up close and personal, but it's not the only worthwhile option. The only rule is to stay alongside the water. The sound of lapping waves melded with the distant hum of watercraft induces a peaceful bliss.

Flathead Lake proper isn't the only option; you can head to one of the more secluded lakes nearby. Lake Mary Ronan State Park is just a few miles to the west. Here, enjoy the full lake-life treatment at The Lodge & Resort at Lake Mary Ronan, where you’ll be treated to comfortable rooms, spectacular solitude, and a full bar & restaurant.

This time of year is characterized by warm days, cool evening temps that creep in after dusk, a plethora of recreational activities at your fingertips, and Flathead cherries. This year’s harvest came early, and most orchards have already wrapped up their 2025 season. Come spring 2026, you can pre-order from local orchards or schedule a “U-Pick” visit to get the full experience. Cherrywood Orchard is a great option and conveniently located near Yellow Bay State Park, which has a lakeside beach and deep water for boating and fishing.

You picked a perfect window, too—late summer and early fall are some of the best times to visit.

The Flathead Valley is regarded as one of the most beautiful and opportunity-rich parts of Montana, by locals and tourists alike—and for good reason. Preserving beautiful places often involves limiting development and, in turn, degradation. That’s where the Montana State Park Foundation (MSPF) comes in. By balancing access and amenities with a commitment to preservation and enhancement, MSPF helps ensure that these outdoor areas are accessible and safe, and that their historical significance is represented.

Some of their recent projects in the area include trail re-routes, native-plant restoration, and efforts towards improving accessibility—including trail improvements and campground additions. And there are plenty more items on the agenda in the coming years to advance these goals.

With a commitment to preservation and enhancement, MSPF strives to ensure that these outdoor areas are accessible and safe, and that their historical significance is represented.

Besides the vast and flourishing ecosystem that Flathead Lake supports, each corner of the massive water body has its own quaint lakeside town to add to the area’s ambiance. There’s Polson, Big Arm, Lakeside, Somers, Big Fork, and more smaller locales hidden away, waiting to be discovered. A particularly noteworthy little nook is Wood’s Bay, located by Wayfarers State Park. You can take in the lake views along its rocky cliffs or spend some time in the quaint "downtown." The Sitting Duck is one of the oldest bars in town and a community staple.

But eating and drinking isn’t all you came here to do. Paddle around the lake to visit other islands, or just get out on the open water. Nearly every state-park access site (including a few of the islands) has developed campsites and basic amenities. The main exception is Wild Horse Island, which does not allow overnight camping. However, as with the other islands, there are trails to walk around and opportunities to see wild animals and rare plant species.

The fishing along the lake is generally excellent, with a wide variety of fish to catch. There are more hiking trails along the shore, and the birdwatching and wildlife-viewing is top notch. For a more laid-back tour of Flathead and all its offerings, some good ol’ power-boating can easily fill a day on the water. Big Arm Boat Rentals and Rides offers a variety of vessels to rent for the day, or they can shuttle you out to an island to explore.

So no matter how you choose to recreate on Flathead Lake, you’re sure to have an amazing experience in one of the most beautiful pockets in the state.