Author: Alyssa

State Parks in the Flathead Valley

Montana is truly a place of marvel! From the untamed wilderness to the local entertainment that it has to offer. There is always something to do in this wonderful state or an adventure you can enjoy with friends and family! Montana’s state parks are absolutely something everyone should get out and experience, whether it's for a hike, stroll, or to just go enjoy a picnic on a beautiful sunny day. Here are some of Montana’s state parks located in and around the Flathead Valley and some information about them.

Lone Pine State Park

300 Lone Pine Rd, Kalispell MT

Lone Pine State Park located southwest side of Kalispell was originally donated to the state in 1941 to help teach the benefits of conservation and is managed by Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks. This park totals 270 acres and 7.5 miles of trails that are used for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. The lowest elevation point is 2,959 ft with the highest elevation point at 3,396ft.

Wayfarers State Park

8600 Montana Hwy 35, Bigfork MT

Wayfarers State park located one-half mile south of Bigfork offers a wonderful location on 67 acres for daytime activities with 30 campsites and a boat ramp. Whether you are just wanting to relax along the shores of the beautiful Flathead lake or utilize the boat ramp for getting out on the Flathead lake to fish or just to get out and enjoy the water. This is defiantly a stop you will want to make! The elevation is 2,923 ft.

Whitefish Lake State Park

1615 W Lakeshore Dr, Whitefish MT

Whitefish Lake is located 2 miles northwest of Whitefish with 10 acres of public recreation. This lovely area offers swimming, boating, fishing, and sites for hike-in and bike-in camping along with tent and RV camping. The elevation is 3,031 ft. Established in 2014.

West Shore State Park

17768 US-93, Lakeside MT

West Shore State Park is a recreational area of 129 acres on Flathead Lake, just 5 miles south of Lakeside. With beautiful views of Flathead Lake, this state park offers camping, swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. This area is a wonderful spot for a day trip with family and friends. Elevation at 3,022ft.

Les Mason State Park

2650 E Lakeshore Dr, Whitefish Mt

This state park is a total of 8 acres with 585-foot sand and gravel beach, only 4 miles north of Whitefish and located off of Whitefish Lake. It is an amazing area to take day trips to for swimming, canoeing, picnicking, and also short walks on the trails. Elevation 3,041 ft.

Big Arm State Park

28031 Big Arm State Park Rd, Big Arm, MT 59901

Off the western shores of Flathead Lake, Big Arm State Park is a wonderful place for fishing, boating, and swimming, with RV and tent camping. This state park also has Yurts available! Elevation 2,943 ft.

Yellow Bay / Flathead Lake State Park

Location 23861 Montana Hwy 35, Bigfork, MT 59911

12 miles South of Bigfork, Yellow Bay State Park occupies 15 acres of the eastern shore of Flathead lake. This recreational area offers boating, fishing, camping, swimming, and plenty of wildlife to view.

Wild Horse Island State Park

Big Arm/ Island on Flathead Lake

This island located on Flathead Lake at 2,160 acres and elevation of 2,900 ft is home to bighorn sheep, mule deer, birds, and a hand full of wild horses. This unique destination is a landmark in the Kootenai Indian history, its been reported that they used to pasture horses on the island to prevent them from getting stolen. The only access to the island is by boat. It is a day-use state park only, with no camping, and no pets, it is also a frequent stop for bears. If you have a chance to make it out to this island, I would definitely take it!

Finley Point State Park

Polsen, MT

Another wonderful location to get out and enjoy the southern end of Flathead Lake just ten miles east of the community of Big Arm. It has an RV and ten camping along with boat camping slips. With beautiful views of the lake, you can take the family out for the day or for a weekend camping trip!