Montana’s lakes are some of the state’s hidden gems, often overshadowed by its towering peaks, unique wildlife, and flowing rivers. However, these lakes offer fantastic activities for the entire family and significantly enhance the state’s natural beauty.
Whenever I visit Montana, I make it a point to explore new lakes. They provide a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature before diving into more intense outdoor adventures. With over 3,000 lakes, Montana is ideal for lake vacations. Here are 15 accessible lakes that offer incredible activities:
Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park, is known for its epic surrounding peaks and colorful rocks on the lakebed. It’s a must-see with spots for picnics and boat rentals.
Flathead Lake, southwest of Glacier National Park, is famous for its clear waters and excellent fishing and camping opportunities. It’s perfect for swimming and family outings.
Whitefish Lake has cold waters and a popular city beach for summer fun. Located near the town of Whitefish and Glacier National Park, it’s excellent for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Seeley Lake, an hour northeast of Missoula and close to Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness, is ideal for boating, swimming, and camping.
St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park stretches for 10 miles. It offers scenic drives, guided boat tours, and is the starting point for iconic hikes.
Avalanche Lake, accessible only by a 2-mile hike, rewards you with stunning mountain views and wildlife sightings. Pack a lunch and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Fort Peck Lake, the largest lake in Montana, is a massive man-made reservoir surrounded by the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge. It’s perfect for boating, skiing, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
Tally Lake, the deepest in Montana, offers activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and camping, with stunning mountain views.
Dickey Lake, in the Kootenai National Forest, provides a secluded spot for peace, quiet, camping, and fishing.
Browns Lake, famous for large rainbow trout, is in the Blackfoot River valley near Ovando. It’s a fisherman’s paradise.
Hebgen Lake, close to West Yellowstone, attracts anglers with its populations of rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. It’s also great for boating and kayaking.
Lake Koocanusa, spanning 90 miles, is excellent for fishing and boating. The Yarnell Islands within the lake offer unique camping experiences.
Canyon Ferry Lake, a premier recreational destination, is perfect for skiing, boating, and kayaking with stunning mountain views.
Lake Elmo State Park in Billings is a convenient stop for stretching your legs and offers a fun day of fishing and walking.
Georgetown Lake, at over 6,000 feet in elevation, is surrounded by campgrounds and is ideal for kayaking and fishing.
Out of all these, Flathead Lake is my top choice due to its proximity to Glacier National Park and the variety of activities it offers. For families, Flathead Lake provides numerous kid-friendly activities, while Whitefish Lake is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. If you love off-the-beaten-path locations, Iceberg Lake in Glacier National Park is a top pick.
The best time to visit Montana is between June and September, with July and August being ideal for lake activities. The northwest part of Montana, near Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Kalispell, and West Glacier, boasts the best lakes. Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park has the clearest water, and Whitefish Lake is known for its white sand beach.
Swimming in Montana’s lakes is generally safe, with Flathead Lake being one of the safest and most suitable for various activities.
In short, Montana’s lakes cater to all kinds of visitors, whether you’re into fishing, boating, kayaking, or just lounging on the beach. Each lake offers stunning views and a chance to unwind amid nature. My favorites include Whitefish and Flathead Lake, but every lake on this list has its unique charm and is worth a visit for anyone seeking rest and relaxation.
Enjoy discovering Montana’s beautiful lakes!
