Flathead National Forest. Headed to West Glacier First. The guide contains more then 70 pages of up to date information directed at those tourist that are looking to vacation on Flathead Lake. The owners of this amazing piece of heaven, Linda and Wayne, are simply the sweetest people we have ever met. Some of the largest fish are being caught near the Narrows, where an angler hauled in a 10-pounder recently, according to Zimmer. Along the east shore of Flathead Lake is also home to many Flathead Cherry orchards... which produce some of the best tasting cherries on the planet. In addition to hiking trails, there are ample campgrounds, both public and private around the Flathead Lake. I prefer west for the mountain views. Superb 1.5 Hour Color Video on Glacier Park...very informative. The people are all very friendly and it's a perfect vacation spot -- we hope to come again!! The area between Creston and Bigfork is absolutely lovely (the best of the rolling and vast Flathead Valley), and that's even before you see the lake. montanalover999 / TripAdvisoor While the lake gets thousands of visitors each year, there aren't many Montanans that live by the lake year-round. Pristine water quality is held in high esteem here, and anything that might impact the watersheds (mining, other runoff, etc.) The US average is 205 sunny days. Even the name suggests a story. This park and the southern end of Flathead Lake are located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, so you'll need a Montana fishing license and a Conferated Salish Kootenai tribal fishing license to enjoy the excellent fishing here. Public Transportation from Kalispell to West Glacier. 79% — 21 Reviews. Just in case you need to travel from top to bottom and can't decide which. Nearby is Big Fork, MT along the lakeshore. backpack parking near Swiftcurrent Motor In GNP. Best nearby lakes. We drove around the lake from both sides. listed by specific areas of the park. The clarity of this massive lake’s water is world-renowned, a trait we attribute to its low nutrient levels (phosphorus and nitrogen), which leads to a lack of algae. Which Way is Best for timid drivers? There are some beautiful vistas of the lake and the Rocky Mountains in the distance as you travel towards GNP - and it's a lovely road to travel. It is about half the area of San Francisco Bay (main bay). It's just an awesome place. What is the Famous Cowboy Route from Glacier to Banff/Jasper? This property was bought by Ben and Laci Lard so that their 8-year-old son and their friends and families would always have a place to go and enjoy breathtaking Flathead Lake. Flathead County averages 74 inches of snow per year. Flathead Lake State Park Has Some Of The Clearest Water In Montana We may not have ocean beaches here in Montana, but we have something even better: the legendary Flathead Lake. You can cancel at any time. Flathead County averages 74 inches of snow per year. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html. This is a pleasant enough park, located just over the bridge from the cute little city center of Polson, MT on the south side of the Flathead Lake. At sunset - I love the east side - but the sun can shine in the eyes - so if you get headaches you might not like the sun flickering through the trees. Just in case you need to travel from top to bottom and … Flathead Lake has a maximum depth of 370.7 ft (113.0 m), and an average of 16… If you take the east shore, you can also make a stop in the artsy town of Bigfork, located at the north east part of Flathead Lake. The southern half of Flathead Lake is within the boundary of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Flathead Reservation. The west shore is very conducive to vineyards, which produce wonderful local wines. St. Mary Lake. Boat excursions are popular as well as local theatre, festivals, camping,cherry orchards, swimming, eateries and motels. Best Places for Photos in Glacier/Waterton Lakes. After a half mile, turn left at the “Y.” The parking lot is another half mile down the road. Flathead Lake has it all. Driving the east shore you'll be amongst gorgeous orchards ladden with fruit. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. is generally quashed. There are many cherry trees on that side of the lake, and the road is closer to the lake. How do I Plan a Circle tour of Glacier, Waterton Lakes, Banff & Jasper? Going to GNP in the day - I would choose the west side for view - during the day. Wayfarers State Park. I knew about it, but had never seen it, pictures don't capture the beauty. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-48099424', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Washington -- still yummy but not as good as Flathead cherries! Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground. If you continue to travel south into the Mission Valley hiking trails are available for you to enjoy. Located in the northwest corner of the state of Montana, 7 miles (11 km) south of Kalispell, it is approximately 30 miles (48 km) long and 16 miles (26 km) wide, covering 197 square miles (510 km ). Glacier National Park from Missoula VIP Jeep Day Tour. Pristine water quality is held in high esteem here, and anything that might impact the watersheds (mining, other runoff, etc.) Access, problems? Get answers to your questions about Glacier National Park. See more ideas about flathead lake, lake, montana. Two scenic highways parallel the lake. The famous Flathead cherries are not usually ripe until late July or early August, and they are famous for good reason. Try the park at the golf course in Polson for good family fun. The sunset view is equally beautiful coming or going to GNP. For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere, a 2003 Flathead Lake, Montana. This is certainly not an area where humans have left nothing but footprints. That being said, watching sunsets from the east shore is wonderful. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western US (by surface area) outside of Alaska. The Flathead Valley is Montana's premier golf destination with ten courses - some ranked among the nation's top fifty. Flathead Lake lies in the shadows of Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain ski resort to the north. In addition to hiking trails, there are ample campgrounds, both public and private around the Flathead Lake. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Great Vacation Spot for Couples and Families! This is certainly not an area where humans have left nothing but footprints. The east side has a single lane road in both directions. BEST CAMPGROUND in Glacier National Park?? Driving time from Glacier to Banff/Lake Louise? It is a similar size as Minnesota's Mille Lacs Lake, but smaller than Red Lake. Even the name suggests a story. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. 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. 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. If you are driving at sunset - the views from that side of the lake are very beautiful. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Just the name – Wild Horse Island – sends the imagination soaring. Welcome to the Flathead Lake Vacation Guide. The largest, natural, freshwater lake this side of the Mississippi Flathead Lake contains 200-square miles of water and is ringed by 185 miles of shoreline. Why/Why not? You can stop in Polson irregardless of whether you chose to drive the east or west side, since Polson is the town at the south end of the lake. Flathead Lake lies in the shadows of Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain ski resort to the north. Travelling away from GNP I think the east side has a better view. Where exactly? The clarity of this massive lake’s water is world-renowned, a trait we attribute to its low nutrient levels (phosphorus and nitrogen), which leads to a lack of algae. From 93, turn on Lutheran Camp Road which is between mile markers 94 and 95. Re: East or west flathead lake. A power outage is affecting over 1,000 residents Thursday night along the west side of Flathead Lake. The west side is a faster road, so if you want an easy drive - that would be the better road to take. Visiting Glacier in an RV? They named the boat the Kee-O-Mee, after Ben’s great- grandfather’s houseboat in 1928 by the same name. Oct 23, 2018 - Explore S Gulledge's board "Flathead Lake " on Pinterest. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-48077117', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Missoula area what is the most scenic and the best route. On average, there are 151 sunny days per year in Flathead County. How to "Ask a Question" on the Glacier or Other TA Forums? The sun reflects across the whole width of the lake and is beautiful as it dips behind the mountains. The east side has a single lane road in both directions. At the south end of the lake is the town of Polson, MT offering grocery shopping at Safeway and Walmart. The mountains you will have a view of are NOT the Rocky Mountains - but beautiful to watch the sun dip behind them. The east side is beautiful with near constant views of the lake and MANY cherry stands to stop and purchase at. 100% — 3 Reviews. 100% — 1 Review. There are many cherry trees on that side of the lake, and the road is closer to the lake. Beautiful lake, water is the prettiest color. Precipitation is rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground. The east shore is bordered by Montana Highway 35 and the west side of the lake is accessible from US … Best in shoulder seasons. What’s been a good fishery in Flathead Lake just seems to get better. Flathead Lake is a scenic wonder - such clear lovely water with many diverse vistas depending on if you drive by the East Shore or West. On Thursday, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks commission unanimously approved the purchase of almost 15 acres to become the Montebello Fishing Access Site on the west side of Flathead Lake a mile east of Dayton along U.S. Highway 93. The second largest lake in the Glacier National Park, Saint Mary … Whitefish Lake State Park. Glacier National Park early September-Weather? Don't Miss It! Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Within the Flathead National Forest, the forest service offers a day-use area at Flathead Lake and a popular campground to spend the night.One of the best hiking trails in Montana traverses near the shore of the lake to reveal the spray of Holland Falls. The Flathead and Swan rivers, both of which run through Bigfork, feed fresh water into Flathead Lake year-round. Cherry Orchards, Vineyards and More! See All Glacier National Park Conversations. Recreationists must purchase a tribal recreation permit. Flathead County gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 126 days per year. East or West Flathead lake. The views while driving along the 10-mile-long St. Mary Lake in Glacier National … Flathead Lake, at the south end of the valley, is a summer fishing, boating and swimming paradise. What all is there to do In the Flathead Valley/Flathead Lake Areas? Lake Mary Ronan State Park. Half Day Glacier National Park Scenic Float, Full Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Trip, Glacier National Park from Missoula VIP Jeep Day Tour, http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html, Planning for a Glacier NP trip 30 Aug-6 Sep 21, Towing Trailers - Looking for Suggestions. Flathead Lake was first described by explorer David Thompson as “A fine sheet of water”. If you can get a place to stay right on the lake, it will be that much better. If you want to push on further, take Highway 35 north around the east side of the lake to Bigfork where plush accommodations, diverse culinary feats, and a multitude of galleries await you. When is the best time to go To Glacier National Park? 2021 + Hints For BOOKING LODGING In/near Glacier. If you cruise up the lake to Big Fork, there are public docks to tie up to right next to the downtown area. Flathead Lake State Park - Big Arm Unit. Why is it Important? The speed limit on the east shore is 55 mph, and PLEASE stick to it, to be courteous to the locals, and to enjoy the journey. Polson) appears to be flatter and less scenic (at least when viewed from the road). Some fish are tagged and released by CSKT employees in … Updated for 2021. Easy to Moderate Hikes. On a nice day - it would be worth it to find a place to pull over and enjoy. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you continue to travel south into the Mission Valley hiking trails are available for you to enjoy. North of Seeley Lake on Highway 83, Holland Lake is a stunning alpine body of water filled with things to do throughout the day. I live near Flathead Lake and it is a dominant feature in this part of the world. The camp is located on the west side of Flathead Lake, along Highway 93, 15 miles south of Kalispell. Hungry Horse Reservoir. Two scenic highways parallel the lake. Related: What are the most popular tours in Glacier National Park? That is where you'll chose the west or east side. On the east shore at the midway point you'll find Yellow Bay State Park which is a lovely place to stop for a picnic or for a swim. Great town filled with gift shops, art galleries, restaurants and theater (with a host of plays by local actors). Flathead Lake State Park Has Some Of The Clearest Water In Montana We may not have ocean beaches here in Montana, but we have something even better: the legendary Flathead Lake. Flathead Lake Biological Station, located on the lake’s east side, is the second-oldest research station in the U.S. Perched on the peninsula of Yellow Bay, the biological station consists of 60 buildings on 80 acres, all devoted to the study of freshwater ecosystems including Flathead Lake. Driving around Montana, I came upon this lake. The vacation guide is the accumulation of 25 years of living, hiking, camping and vacationing on Flathead Lake. But if driving at dusk, regardless, it is deer thirty. Lake Tahoe has more water than Flathead because it is significantly deeper (nearly 1650 ft vs. 380 ft). I live near Flathead Lake and it is a dominant feature in this part of the world. ... 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