At Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell, you can take in the gorgeous vistas of the Flathead Valley and Flathead Lake in MT. SPECIAL DIRECTIONS Flathead Lake is located in the northwest region of Montana. Although its not deep enough to record a Secchi depth vertically, research by New Zealands National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) found that the horizontal clarity of the countrys Blue Lake is typically between 230 and 262 feet. This 1,140 hectare lake is a popular recreational lake that sits at an elevation of 1,932 metres above sea level. Kalispell, MT 59901. Once here, there are numerous hiking trials that run along the shore of the lake as well as to other nearby bodies of water. It does not store any personal data. With plenty of public access sites that provide boat ramps, camping sites, electricity, and utilities, there is no wonder why Flathead is one of the best lakes in Montana. Theres still a little time to add it to your summer bucket list! These are the clearest lakes in the U.S. and world. Also the largest freshwater lake in Montana, Flathead Lake is the clearest lake in Montana and one of the clearest lakes in the entire world. This lake is not easy to access and requires physical effort to get there. If youve spent any time on its banks or swimming in its waters, youll definitely agree that it contains some of the cleanest water in MT. Share on Facebook; Flathead Lake. Because of the towering mountains that encircle the lake, it gets very little sunlight. Grab your paddleboard, put your boat in the water in Somers, fish for trout, hike, Although there is a fair amount of private property around the perimeter of, Located on the east side of Glacier National Park along the, Personal motorized and non-motorized watercrafts are allowed on St. Mary Lake with public boat launch past Going-to-the-Sun at certain times of year. What are the top trails in Montana to add to my bucket list? Seeley Lake is an hour's drive from Missoula in western Montana, framed by the dramatic mountain ranges of the Seeley-Swan Valley. A viral post claimed Montanas Flathead Lake is the clearest lake in the world. Additionally, this lake offers excellent fishing. The fishing here is excellent, although you can only expect to catch fairly small rainbow trout. Although generally lakes of Avalanche Lakes size and elevation do not have fish, Avalanche Lake is known for its Yellowstone cutthroat trout and is a popular fishing spot for anglers all over the world. In addition to the fishing opportunities for you, you can also float on the river in a canoe or raft. Being so close to the national park influences the waters transparency because limited people contribute to water pollution. Not every lake has that ability. The Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge is a notable place to stay on Flathead Lake. Rainbow Point is the largest campground on the lake, offering four loops. Each loop contains approximately 20 campsites. 2. The rich river valleys are also a major draw, as are its massive amount of lakes. The entire community of Seeley Lake is also a gateway to Glacier National Park. Known as a popular day-hike destination, Iceberg Lake is a 4.8 mile hike from Swiftcurrent Auto Camp Historic District in Glacier Park. You may want to wait until mid-June to make the trip, though -- the snow tends to stick around, at least in parts, through May. Two of the most popular campgrounds near Hebgen Lake are Rainbow Point and Cherry Creek. Unique to Montana lakes, Lake Elmo has a 200 square foot, fenced in dog park. To say Montana has a lot of lakes would be a bit of an understatement, as there are at least 3,223 named lakes and reservoirs here (and probably many more we arent aware of). The largest natural lake by surface area west of the Mississippi River, the area around Flathead Lake offers visitors numerous things to do. Home Travel Guides United States Montana (MT) 15 Best Lakes in Montana. Love Montana? Click here to sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter for a weekly peek at the best destinations throughout the country to inspire your next adventures. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Due to its beauty and accessibility, the trail and lake may be highly trafficked. While the clearest lake in Montana gets thousands of visitors each year, there aren't many Montanans that live by the lake year-round. Communities including Bigfork and Polson also line the shore with restaurants, lodging, and marinas. 6. The spectacular scenery is reason enough to visit Iceberg Lake, which lies in the Glacier National Park at an elevation of 1,857 metres. This man-made lake has bounced back with tourist traffic ever since. Common activities at the lake include hiking, camping, boating, and fishing for trout and walleye. For more ideas on where to go for a day by the water, see our list of the best lakes in Montana. This lake has over 1,520 miles of shoreline, which is longer than the California coast, making it an absolute dream for those who love to fish. Let me know your favorite in the comments! It is easily accessible by road, making it a great option for tourists that want to get their feet wet. WebPhoto Use Policy. A common fish in Flathead Lake is the bull trout, which is native to the lake. Once youve reached the end of the trail, youll find Avalanche Lake trail at the base of Bearhat Mountain, which rises almost 4800 feet above the lake towards the northeast. The warm temperature of Echo Lake makes it a popular destination for motor boaters. Many of the destinations I write about are the homes or sacred areas of Indigenous Peoples of North America. As one of the more clear lakes in Montana, some of the most common lake activities on Whitefish Lake include non-motorized recreation. Those that would prefer to stay in more comfortable accommodations will easily find lakeside cabins for rent. Bowman Lake does allow motorized boats, as long as the motors have 10 horsepower or less. Others like Clearwater Lake require travel on forest roads. The views while driving along the 10-mile-long St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park are a defining sight of many visits to the park. Or, it can be a unique standalone place to visit. Browns Lake is a popular fishing lake in the middle of the Blackfoot River watershed. Its absolutely one of the, Due to its beauty and accessibility, the trail and lake may be highly trafficked. Saint Mary Lake is a haven for nature lovers that not only want to take in the scenery, but also want to catch a glimpse of some wildlife. When visiting, 15 Fantastic Bozeman Hotels Perfect for Your Montana Adventure, 18 Ghost Towns in Montana You Have to Make Sure to Visit, The Ultimate Guide to Glacier National Park Rafting, The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park (2023), Nevada City, Montana: What You Need to Know (2023), Bannack State Park in Montana: What You Need to Know (2023), The Ultimate Glacier National Park Itinerary | Alex on the Map, The Ultimate Montana Road Trip Guide | Alex on the Map. Source: Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB / shutterstock, Source: Claudio Del Luongo / shutterstock, Source: Images by Dr. Alan Lipkin / shutterstock, Source: Laurens Hoddenbagh / shutterstock, Source: Hugo Brizard - YouGoPhoto / shutterstock, 15 Best Things to Do in Filey (Yorkshire, England), Canyon Ferry Lake; Lewis and Clark & Broadwater Counties, Georgetown Lake; Granite & Deer Lodge Counties, Fort Peck Lake; Valley, Petroleum, Fergus, Garfield, Phillips & McCone Counties. Take a hike from Camp Paxon to meet Gus, the worlds largest western larch tree, or plan a gorgeous 4.5 mile round trip hike to Morrell Falls where youll see true Western Montana forests. There are countless family activities at Lake Koocanusa, including boating, fishing, lakeshore camping, and picnicking. More to Explore in Montana: There's a lot to explore in Big Sky Country, and the state's best hiking trails can lead you down some memorable paths. Many of these lakes are accessible via Highway 83. Gates of the Mountains. Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. Although parts of the hike can be a bit strenuous and challenging, most people will be able to handle the climb, even beginner hikers. Just south of Eureka, MT, Dickey Lake is a wonderful spot for recreating, with hiking and biking trails, a boat launch, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Iceberg Lake is only accessible by hiking along the 15.6 kilometre long Iceberg Lake Trailhead. The lake is surrounded by numerous mountain peaks, with the Yellowstone National Park just to the east of it. Gardner Lake Trail Is One Of The Greatest Mountain Hiking Trails In Montana For Beginners, Visit Missoula, Montana, The Place That Inspired A River Runs Through It, Some People Drive For Hours Just To Soak In Chico Hot Springs Healing Waters in Montana, The Beach-Themed Restaurant In Montana Where It Feels Like Summer All Year Long, Visit Meadow Lake Resort, A Beautiful Mountain Resort In Montana, This Picturesque Montana City Right On The River Is A Nature Lovers Dream Come True, The Haunted Hot Springs Resort In Montana That Will Delight You In Every Way, This One Beautiful Montana Lake Has A Beach That Rivals The Coast. With countless amenities and the ability to recreate in a multitude of ways, Lake Elmo is a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. But even if you don't walk all the way around, you should definitely walk down and get an up-close-and-personal view. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The Most Remote Lake In Montana Is Also The Most Peaceful. This crystal clear lake in Montana has close to 185 miles of shoreline, with several state parks bordering its shores. 3. Glacier National Park. Jan 28, 2017 - Image uploaded by Satan's little girl. Take The Longest Float Trip In Montana This Summer On A Montana Whitewater Tour, This Underrated Trail In Montana Leads To A Hidden Turquoise Lake, The Amazing Lakeside Beach Every Montanan Will Want To Visit, Here Are 13 Montana Swimming Holes That Will Make Your Summer Epic, If You Didnt Know About These 8 Swimming Holes In Montana, Theyre A Must Visit, Wade Lake Is A Secret Tropical Lake In Montana Where The Water Is A Mesmerizing Blue, The Most Remote Lake In Montana Is Also The Most Peaceful, These 7 Montana Forest Trails Will Bring Out Your Adventurous Side. Montana Thats false. The clearest lake on earth is thought to be New Zealands Blue Lake. This trail is great for walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 15 Best Lakes in Montana. Want more information on Montana? The crystal clear turquoise lake is fed by the Sierra Nevada Range and actually sits at an elevation of 6,225 feet (1,900 meters) above sea level. Some of the sites have yurts and RV hook-ups, others are for tents only. It also offers other recreational activities, including boating, hiking and wildlife viewing. The Clearest Lakes in the US The fishing is also good here, and its a great destination for a day hike. 4. Canyon Ferry Lake boasts a 122 kilometre shoreline that is home to boat ramps, day-use areas, camping grounds and marinas. Share on Facebook; It has a campsite, restrooms, and some great spots to swim. hidden gems in Montana. Plan your day at, Flathead is the place to be for all Western Montanans in the summertime. It's actually divided into smaller state parks, like Big Arm and Wayfarers. The dam was built in the 1920s, but many Montanans still don't know it exists. Known as the most crystal clear lake in Montana, Seeley Lake allows motorized and non-motorized recreation for all to enjoy with fishing, water skiing, and canoeing the top activities of recreationists. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This man-made lake sits in Southwest Montana at the bottom of Hebgen Peak, just west of Yellowstone National Park. Animals In The Clearest Lake in Montana Bull Trout. I also recommend checking out Flathead Lake State Park if you need a free launch! A smaller lake residing in the Flathead Valley, Echo Lake is located five miles from Bigfork, MT, and roughly 25 miles from Kalispell, MT. Each campsite can accommodate a full-size camper and one or two vehicles. Its western counterpart, Lake McDonald, has even more surface area and a pebbly shore to explore. Five miles north of Hebgen Lake, Quake Lake offers a chance to see the longstanding effects of the 1959 earthquake. Not only is it breathtaking and peaceful, but youll be able to see a hydroelectric dam in action. Flathead Lake is known for its clean and clear water and is often cited as one of the cleanest lakes of its size and type in the world. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! This large lake up north is 564 acres. Lake Ouachita. Situated along the mainline of the Flathead River, this is one of the cleanest lakes in the world for its type and size. Whatever the reason, the lake is amazing, and you can enjoy it to the fullest at Flathead Lake State Park. At Canyon Ferry, there are three marina concessions, Goose Bay Marina,Yacht Basin Marina, and Kims Marina. Avalanche Lake is mostly a spectating experience, but the dramatic mountain scene delivers. Flathead Lake, Montana -- Crystal Clear Waters, Monster Some of the best include: Mystic Lake, Fishtail: Considered the clearest lake in Montana, Mystic Lake is the deepest lake in the Beartooth Avalanche Lake: This beauty can be reached via the Trail of the Cedars at Glacier National Park. In fact, the state is home to over 3,000 lakes and reservoirs. In the northwestern part of the state, you have Glacier National Park to explore by foot or car with camping also available. Some other tall mountains in Montana include: What is the most dangerous hike in Montana? The forest service also operates several campgrounds in the region. Over in Glacier National Park, the Iceberg Lake Trail is another bucket-list-worthy hike. Montana Love Montana? These lakes are also popular for boating, water sports, and fishing, and each has a campground. If youre visiting Montana in hopes of incredible fishing, then Georgetown Lake should be at the very top of your list. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains public access on the eastern shore. Pinterest Several hiking trails also explore the area, and two of the best campgrounds in Glacier are located near the shore. These sites include picnic areas, boat ramps, swimming beaches, and campgrounds that support tent and RV camping. Clearest Lake in Montana Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time. The water is icy cold, and on hot enough days, it's perfect for a quick dip. One of the best hiking trails in Montana traverses near the shore of the lake to reveal the spray of Holland Falls. The upright mountain peaks at the back end of the lake also make this a picture-perfect representation of Glacier's massive landscapes. It is not even the purest lake in the United States. Clear Lake In Montana The fourth-largest state has a ton of outdoor fun to offer residents and visitors. Also sitting within the Glacier National Park, Avalanche Lake was formed by meltwater from Sperry Glacier, which it still receives water from today. With views of the Swan Range and the Jewel Basin, Echo Lake is a relaxing and beautiful place to enjoy Montana. A lush forest of larch and fir trees surrounds this 800-acre lake within Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana. Much of Echo Lakes 25 kilometre shoreline is dotted with private lakefront properties, many of which are vacation rentals. My name is Alex and Im here to help you have the outdoors adventure of a lifetime! Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. And if youre interested, there is plenty more to read about Flathead Lake in MT. There are numerous cabins and campgrounds in the area, making this a perfect spot for your next vacation. Once youve reached Bowman Lake via a six mile drive on an unpaved road, youll find incredible views, a picnic area, and day hiking opportunities. Lake In Montana This is the largest lake in Glacier and it is home to beautiful, colorful pebbles that make it wholly, wonderfully unique! These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Flathead Lake is a natural lake in northwest Montana. Several impromptu hangout spots line the west shoreline, offering excellent places to rest and enjoy the alpine landscape before heading back to the trailhead. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Cannonball enthusiasts beware, though, this glacially carved lake remains shockingly cold throughout most of the year. Day trippers can also use the campground as a spot for a picnic lunch or for access to the lake for going fishing. In fact, it is the parks largest lake at 2,761 hectare. Water is replenished to the lake thanks to the Grinnell Glacier, which sits in the heart of the national park.
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