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

Swan River Nature Trail

Biking

Bigfork’s 2-mile long gravel trail looks down upon the Wild Mile of the Swan River. Take Montana 35 in to Bigfork, turn on Grand Drive and go past Electric Avenue and the Bigfork Inn. The trailhead’s at the top of the short hill. ...
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Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo

Arts & Culture, Arts and Artisans, Food & Drink, Food Truck, Horseback Riding, Local Fare, Outdoor Recreation, Performing Arts, Places to Go, Shopping, Tours & Sightseeing

Experience the excitement, heritage, and culture of NW Montana. The NW Montana Fair & Rodeo comes alive each year in August featuring three nights of PRCA Rodeo action and showcasing the very best. ...
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Flathead Lake

Fishing, Flathead Lake, Water Sports

Thousands of years ago, the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes of Glacier National Park pushed their way down into the modern-day Flathead Valley and sculpted Flathead Lake. The largest natural freshwater lake in the West, Flathead Lake sits in northwest Montana and is a sprawling blue jewel at the base of the Swan and Mission mountain ranges. Encompassing nearly 200 square miles, the la...
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Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Food & Drink, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Restaurants, Scenic Drive, Skiing/Snowboarding, Tours & Sightseeing, Winter Sports

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, located 28 miles southwest of Kalispell. This north-facing area features more than 1,000 acres of mostly intermediate runs, plus several miles of groomed Nordic skiing, perfect for a winter skiing biathlon. Blacktail Mountain is affordable and family-friendly with a cozy lodge for fireside lunch breaks and a full bar and grill on the upper level for après ski. The slo...
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Spencer Mountain

Biking, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

A mountain bikers paradise with 15 miles of trail with features. Mutli-use trail for hikers and horse back riders as well. ...
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Dream Haven Guest Ranch

Horseback Riding, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Scenic Drives & Rides, Tours & Sightseeing

We are a small horse getaway in Northwest Montana. Join us for year round horseback adventures, trail rides, arena lessons, and home cooked meals. Where Small Dreams Become Big Memories. ...
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Columbia Mountain

Biking, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

Columbia Mountain Trail is a multi-use trail. Good for shorter hikers with a few waterfalls along the first 4 miles, or an all day 12-mile adventure to the top of the peak over looking the Flathead Valley and Hungry Horse Reservoir. Enjoy hiking through lush forest to the high alpine. ...
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Creston National Fish Hatchery

Hiking, Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Tours & Sightseeing

The Creston National Fish Hatchery works to improve recreational fishing and to restore aquatic species that are at risk. Visitors are welcome to visit the Hatchery to view the fish production process. Self-guided tours are welcomed and encouraged. Guided tours are available upon advanced request. Trails include interpretive signs and are handicap accessible. There is a handicap accessible trail t...
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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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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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