Tucked into the northwest corner of Montana, the Flathead Valley lies next to the rugged grandeur of Glacier National Park and the western edge of several million acres of designated wilderness. The centerpiece is Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. The protection of the mountains and the moderation thermal effect of the lake produces a surprisingly mild climate for an area so far north.
The Flathead Valley is made up of many unique communities, including Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Lakeside, that offer educational opportunities, visual and performing arts, and a variety of cultural activities. Kalispell is the center of the Flathead Valley and serves as the retail and business center of Northwest Montana.
Flathead Valley Communities
Kalispell
Modern buildings blend with historic in Kalispell, the valley's retail and financial center. Art is everywhere. Huckleberry, a 2000 pound carved bear, greets visitors at the corner of Main and Center Streets. The city has more than 20 parks. Some surround historic structures while others were created for today's active sports. Where buffalo once grazed, golfers now play the challenging layout of Buffalo Hill Golf Course.
Whitefish
For the recreation-minded, Whitefish has it all. Nestled at the base of the Big Mountain, Whitefish is minutes from a winter sports paradise with world-class skiing, snowboarding and a host of winter activities. In the summer, the Big Mountain welcomes bikers and hikers. And the summit provides outstanding views of the mountains of Glacier National Park. Whitefish Lake welcomes anglers, boaters and paddlers and the sandy shores of City Beach are perfect for a family outing. Fishermen can try their luck in the Whitefish River or tackle on the three forks of the famous Flathead River.
Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls, often called "The Gateway to Glacier" is the last major town on U.S. Highway 2 before Glacier National Park from the West and the beginning of the North Fork Road alternative to Glacier Park through the Camas Creek entrance. Columbia Falls is also the first town on the main Flathead River after the Middle Fork, South Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River combine, making it a major stepping off point for rafting trips and a stepping on point for main Flathead River excursions. Summertime activities include Heritage Days, golf at Meadow Lake Golf Resort, fishing, rafting, summer outdoor concerts, hiking, biking and more. Wintertime activities include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, winter backpacking and hiking, and is 15 minutes away from Big Mountain Ski Resort.
Bigfork
Nestled on the shores of Flathead Lake, with forest and mountains forming the perfect backdrop, Bigfork knows how to put on a show. Every holiday season, the village is decked out in colored lights, fresh-cut greenery and trees and hundreds of bright red bows. Add the Art Walk, concerts, parades, children's party, sleigh rides and shops creamed with holiday gifts and it's enough to make Scrooge smile. Come spring, the waters of the Swan River rush into Flathead Lake, bringing kayakers from around the world to compete in the annual Whitewater Festival. The Swan River Nature Trail becomes a perfect viewing area to spot daring competitors trying to tame the class V rapids. Pick a season. Or visit often. You'll discover why they say that Bigfork is "far from the commonplace".
Polson and the West Shore
Before roads were built along Flathead Lake, Port Polson was the transportation hub for travelers from the south. The steamers are gone, but Polson is still a perfect starting point for a Flathead Lake tour. Start with some history at the Polson-Flathead Historical Museum. Play a round of lakeside golf at the Polson Country Club. Cruise the lake, try whitewater rafting or take in the view of Kerr Dam. Keep you camera handy. This is a wildlife protection area, so keep an eye out for eagles, osprey and migrating waterfowl.
Glacier National Park
The Flathead Valley is the magnificent gateway to the west entrance of Glacier National Park, a park so naturally beautiful it is known as the "Crown Jewel of the Continent". Glacier was established largely through the influence of railroad magnate James J. Hill, who envisioned a North American tourist destination, comparable to the Swiss Alps, for travelers on his Great Northern Railway.
Visitors to Glacier National Park enjoy the park's 1 million acres of lakes, sweeping valleys and glacier carved mountains. Glacier is 40 miles wide from east to west, and 50 miles long north to south. A complete suite of wildlife that includes wolves, grizzly bears, lynx and other natural predators sets Glacier apart from nearly every other national park. Glacier has 272 bird species, 63 different mammals, 23 fish species, five types of amphibians and three types of reptiles. The park has a rich variety of flora as well. There are 1,270 vascular plant varieties, 880 mosses and lichens, 130 non-native plant species and 20 tree species.
Winter Sports
Winter's snow softens the edges of the craggy peaks, smoothes out some of the valley hills, and provides a soft blanket on which to play! The Big Mountain and Blacktail Mountain Ski Areas are promise of great powder, acres of groomed trails, fantastic views, great rates, and no lines! Tour the spectacular area on cross-country skis or snowshoes. There are hundreds of trails in Glacier National Park, the Flathead National Forest, and throughout the valley. For a peak experience, tour the valley on a snowmobile. There are mountain top rides through snow ghosts and hundreds of miles of groomed trails winding through pristine alpine forests.
Outdoor Recreation
Surrounded by national parks, forests, and protected lands, the Flathead Valley is a gateway to a wilderness area the size of Vermont. It's all within easy reach with option for every age and ability. The opportunity for recreation is endless.
It's easy to explore the Flathead Valley on two wheels. There are hundreds of miles of trails to explore while in Flathead Valley.
There's nothing better than exploring the natural splendor and the spectacular beauty of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park on foot. Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road serves as a 52-mile trailhead for more than 700 miles of groomed hiking trails. But that's not all. From nature trails to national and state forests, the Flathead Valley offers hiking options for every age and ability. Enjoy seeing snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, lush forests, and a bounty of wildlife while you explore the great outdoors on your Flathead Valley hiking adventure. Don't forget your camera ? you'll want to take a piece of this majestic area home with you.
Fishermen love the Flathead Valley! Flathead Lake and the three forks of the Flathead River are well known. But there are also smaller lakes and streams just waiting for your boat, fly or lure.
With nine public courses offering challenging layouts and unique golfing experiences, it's no wonder visitors to Montana's Flathead Valley often bring golf clubs along with fishing poles and camping gear. Named to Golf Digest's top "50 Golf Destinations" in the world based on courses, service, transportation, setting, quality accommodations, travel to and around the destination, and value, Flathead Valley golf has it all.
Hike the backcountry, camp, fish, raft, bike, climb, ride horses, boat or just plain sightsee. You won't find a better place to enjoy outdoor recreation anywhere.
