Flathead Lake, Moraine-dammed lake in Montana, United States.
Description
Flathead Lake is a moraine-dammed body of water in western Montana, set between forested ridges and open slopes. The water surface stretches for many kilometers, with shallow bays along some shores and deeper areas farther out.
History
Glaciers from the last ice age left a terminal moraine that sealed the basin and allowed the present water body to form. In the 19th century, European settlers reached the area and founded communities along the shores.
Culture
The name comes from the traditional inhabitants of the region, the Flathead peoples, whose history is tied to these waters. Today, boat docks, lakeside vacation homes, and small marinas shape the look of the shoreline.
Practical
Visitors reach the shore along several small roads leading to public boat ramps and campgrounds. Those arriving in summer will find swimming spots and launch points for boat trips.
Did you know?
Wild Horse Island sits in the middle of the water and hosts bighorn sheep that visitors can watch from boats. The island once served as a protected grazing area for horses kept safe from raids.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Lake County).
Montana offers a range of landscapes from the peaks of Glacier National Park to the central plains. The state has several mountain routes including the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Beartooth Highway, both exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation. Glacial lakes such as Flathead Lake and Lake McDonald...
Big Arm State Park
18.3 km
Wayfarers State Park
17.2 km
Lake Mary Ronan State Park
20.9 km
Finley Point State Park
16.4 km
Yellow Bay State Park
6 km
West Shore State Park
10.6 kmKootenai Lodge Historic District
16.4 km
Miracle of America Museum and Pioneer Village
24.6 km
Dayton State Bank
13.6 km
Big Arm School
18.4 km
Polson Feed Mill
23.8 kmFlathead Lake State Park - West Shore Unit
8.2 kmSacajawea Park
23.4 kmPainted Rocks
4.5 kmChief Cliff
17.2 kmTurtle Lake
26.1 kmLong Beach
15.1 kmBase Camp Bigfork
17.6 kmEagle Bend Golf Club
19.3 kmPolson Bay Championship Course
22.6 kmPolson Bay Olde Course
23 kmBigfork Summer Playhouse
18 kmBigfork Art & Cultural Center
18 kmRiecke's Bayside Gallery
18 kmLong Beach
15.1 kmFlathead Lake Scenic Overlook
25.6 kmScenic viewpoint
8.4 kmScenic viewpoint
8.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes