The Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge is a notable place to stay on Flathead Lake. Communities including Bigfork and Polson also line the shore with restaurants, lodging, and marinas. Some of the best campgrounds in Montana are also found close to the shore.Īll types of boating are welcome on Flathead Lake.

Several public access points line the shore of Flathead Lake, including six units of Flathead Lake State Park. Both highways connect and circle the entire body of water. The clear water of Flathead Lake is accessible from either Highway 93 or Highway 35. The largest natural lake by surface area west of the Mississippi River, the area around Flathead Lake offers visitors numerous things to do. For more ideas on where to go for a day by the water, see our list of the best lakes in Montana. Popular activities on the lakes including boating, fishing, swimming, and appreciating the scenic beauty of the state. Another notable lake in Glacier National Park is the hike-in-only Avalanche Lake. Amazing lakes at Glacier include Lake McDonald on the west side and St. The Crown of the Continent in northern Montana, Glacier National Park, also has some of the best lakes to explore. More rustic but easily accessible lakes in western Montana include Holland Lake, Dickey Lake, and Browns Lake. These vacation lake destinations feature campgrounds, lodging, restaurants, and boat rentals close to the shore. Lakes that showcase the scenic beauty of western Montana include Flathead Lake, Whitefish Lake, and Seeley Lake. Holland Lake, Montana | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane Although the largest lake in Montana, Fort Peck Lake, is in the eastern part of the state. Many of the best lakes in Montana are in the mountainous western half of the state near principal cities like Missoula, Bozeman, and Helena. Author Brad Lane lived in Missoula, Montana for nearly three years and explored the state extensively.įrom massive reservoirs to glacier-carved bodies of water, Montana's lakes represent the rugged and wild nature of the state.

Fishing planet unique lake whitefish