Outdoor Recreation Archives | Kalispell

Outdoor Recreation

Things to Do

With jaw-dropping views, Kalispell is a hub for outdoor recreation, with abundant trails for hiking and rivers for adventuring.

Montana’s outdoors have been summoning adventurers, explorers and travelers for years. With wide-open spaces that practically beg to be explored, it’s easy to get into the heart of the outdoors from Kalispell. Anchoring the region is Glacier National Park. Within its 1 million acres you’ll find hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, not to mention stunning views of glacial-carved terrain, snow-capped mountains and wildlife. And while the park tends to get much of the spotlight when it comes to playing outside, rest assured that it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Bikers, hikers and horseback riders can explore to their heart’s content at Herron Park on the Foy’s to Blacktail Trail or in the Flathead National Forest.

Cyclists will love the Parkline Trail – which runs through downtown Kalispell – and the Great Northern Trail. On the water activities include fishing, kayaking, boating, sailing and more, with abundant opportunities on nearby lakes and rivers, including the various forks of the Flathead River, Flathead Lake, Hungry Horse Reservoir and Foy’s Lake. Winter adventurers will find endless terrain for a range of snow-fueled activities, from heart-pumping cross-country skiing to adrenaline-rushing snowmobiling tours. Combine that with downhill skiing and snowboarding at two area resorts and you’ve got a real-life winter wonderland serenely set in the wilds of Montana.

WINTER BEYOND THE SLOPES

Around here, the cure for cabin fever is stepping into northwest Montana’s winter wonderland and exploring it to the fullest. In Kalispell, that means skiing at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area and Whitefish Mountain Resort, which is ranked as the #3 ski area in North America according to the SKI Magazine readers’ poll. Winter around Kalispell […]

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Visiting Montana’s Glacier National Park in 2024? Here’s What You Need to Know

Kalispell’s backyard national park, Glacier National Park, is one of the state’s must-visit destinations. With 1 million acres of glacial-carved terrain, the park is open year-round and is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. From downtown Kalispell, Glacier National Park is a scenic 32 miles from the park’s west entrance […]

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Northwest Montana’s Trails & Routes: Discover Year-Round Adventures

Surrounded by mountains and set in a lush valley, Kalispell is a trail-lover’s dream destination. Many of northwest Montana’s trails are multi-use, which means they can be used for hiking, trail running, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, depending on the season. In and around Kalispell you’ll find thousands of miles of trails […]

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Meet the Waters of Northwest Montana, Where You Can Fish, Raft and Sail

Kalispell and northwest Montana are surrounded by incredible lakes, rivers and streams. South of Kalispell, you’ll find Flathead Lake and the Swan River. To the northeast, you’ll quickly come upon the Middle, North and South forks of the Flathead River. Farther northwest are the massive waters of Lake Koocanusa and a variety of mountain streams. […]

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Discovery Starts Here

Flathead National Forest

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing

Located in the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana, surrounding Kalispell, lies the expansive 2.4-million acre Flathead National Forest. Boasting a wealth of lakes, rugged wilderness, wild rivers, and over 2,000 miles of trails, this forest is a quintessential natural gem of the American West. From campgrounds to ski areas, the Flathead National Forest offers year-round beauty and abundant recrea...
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Parkline Trail

Biking, Downtown, Hiking

The Kalispell Parkline Linear Park and Trail is fully accessible. This 100% paved trail winds through downtown Kalispell, offering a multi-use, dog-friendly path for walkers, bikers, and runners alike. Equipped with crosswalks and automatic crossing signals, the trail seamlessly connects throughout town and links up with the Great Northern Historical Trail. As you traverse the trail, take in the s...
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Buffalo Hill Golf Club

Food & Drink, Golf, Local Fare, Outdoor Recreation, Restaurants

Buffalo Hill Golf Course is located in Northwest Montana’s Flathead valley. Montana golf at its finest, Buffalo Hill is the most popular course in the Flathead Valley (Flathead Valley Montana voted one of the top fifty destinations in the world). The beauty and charm of the Championship 18 along with the scenic splendor and panoramic views of the Flathead Valley and the northwest Rocky Mount...
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Foy’s to Blacktail Trails

Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, MT State Parks, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Snowshoeing

Less than 10 minutes from Kalispell, Herron Park is a mountain bikers’ / hikers’ / cross-country skiers’ gateway to a vast trail system, Foy’s to Blacktail Trails, through timberlands extending south toward Blacktail Mountain. ...
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Swan Lake

Fishing, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Water Sports

The Swan, as it’s referred to by locals, is a scenic corridor along Highway 83 southeast of Kalispell. Within this narrow heavily forested valley are numerous lakes, abundant recreation, and majestic views of the Mission Mountains and the Swan Range. ...
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Bibler Gardens

Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Gardens, Places to Go, Tours & Sightseeing

Enjoy a colorful, guided or self-guided stroll at beautiful Bibler Gardens where hundreds of thousands of tulips and daffodils bloom each May as well as lush gardens into the fall. Designated for special events or by appointment. ...
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The Clubhouse Lounge

Food & Drink, Golf, Local Fare, Places to Go, Restaurants

The Clubhouse Lounge offering 4 indoor Trackman golf simulator bays with lounge seating, beer, wine and food. ...
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Lone Pine Trails

Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, MT State Parks, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

A short drive from downtown Kalispell, The Lone Pine Trails provides solitude and beautiful views of the Flathead Valley with over 7.5 miles of trail to hike or bike on. All trails are dog-friendly. ...
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Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours

Flathead Lake, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Tours & Sightseeing, Water Sports

SMP offers an extremely unique paddling experience on glorious Flathead Lake!!! Take advantage of the existing guided trips, rental kayaks or create your own trip. ...
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Somers Bay State Park

Fishing, Flathead Lake, Outdoor Recreation, Water Sports

The park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy approximately half a mile of lakeshore access. It consists of a spacious sandy beach, which is accessible during the autumn through spring seasons when Flathead Lake is not at full capacity. Towards the west, there is a rocky shoreline, while the southern and central areas of the park are characterized by expansive wetlands and riparian zones. Inla...
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