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.

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

When it comes to sailing, playing and fishing in Montana, there is no better place than Kalispell. The heart of Montana, Kalispell is 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 […]

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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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Winter Beyond the Slopes

From Heart-Pumping Activities to Ice Skating, Here’s How to Play in Kalispell, Montana Around here, the cure for cabin fever is embracing winter fully. In northwest Montana, that means skiing at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area and Whitefish Mountain Resort (which regularly ranks in the top resorts from SKI Magazine). Off the slopes, there are plenty […]

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Gear Rentals in Kalispell

One of the best ways to make the most of your vacation in Kalispell and northwest Montana is to get outside and explore at your own pace. With mountain trails, sparkling lakes, rushing rivers and wide-open spaces in every direction, you don’t need to pack every piece of outdoor gear to enjoy the adventure. Local […]

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Whitefish Outfitters & Tours

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Scenic Drive, Scenic Drives & Rides, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Tours & Sightseeing, Water Sports, Winter Sports

Whitefish Outfitters & Tours provides year-round, private, guided experiences for an unforgettable Montana adventure. Their guides have decades of experience exploring the mountains, valleys, lakes, and trails in Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley. Your family or group will marvel at the beauty of Glacier National Park and seek adventure in the Flathead National Forest. Enjoy daily ...
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Clydesdale Outpost

Farm Experiences, Horseback Riding, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Scenic Drives & Rides, Tours & Sightseeing

Clydesdale Outpost is a year-round boutique guest ranch experience with luxury cabins, Clydesdale horse activities and events. ...
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Hungry Horse Reservoir

Biking, Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Snowmobiling, Water Sports

Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir are located 20 miles northeast of Kalispell. At 564 feet high, the dam is one of the largest concrete arch dams in the U.S. and its morning-glory spillway is the highest in the world. The reservoir is 34 miles long and surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Be sure to check out their visitor center! ...
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Glacier Outfitters

Biking, Fishing, Glacier National Park, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Tours & Sightseeing, Water Sports

Glacier Outfitters is located inside the airport and inside Glacier National Park at Apgar Village. We Rent Bikes, Boats, Bear Spray, Fishing + Camping/Hiking Gear. ...
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Whitefish Mountain Resort

Biking, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Skiing/Snowboarding

Whitefish Mountain Resort, formerly known as Big Mountain, is a world class resort with more than 3,000 acres of terrain. Visible from downtown Kalispell, the slopes beckon skiers and snowboarders of every skill level and interest. The mountain features 2,353 feet of vertical drop spread out over more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain served by 14 lifts. During the summer months the resort offer...
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Strawberry Lake

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

Tucked into the Jewel Basin, Strawberry Lake is a 6-mile multi-use trail with a steep climb and switchbacks that provides amazing views, wildflowers, an alpine lake and fishing opportunities. ...
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Pig Farm – Farm to Market Road Area

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Snowshoeing

An elaborate network of single track through woods and meadows, easy enough for casual day-trippers but able to throw down the gauntlet to weekend warriors. There aren’t trail markers, so bring a healthy sense of direction — or your GPS. We recommend AllTrails or Trailforks. ...
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Sportsman & Ski Haus

North End, Outdoor Recreation, Shopping

We’re big on family here at the Sportsman & Ski Haus in Kalispell and Whitefish. As an employee-owned company, we consider our customers part of our extended family. When you come to us for a product or a service, we want you to be satisfied. It’s an old concept . . . treating one another fairly and with honesty. If something’s not performing, holding up, or fitting as you believe it...
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Jewel Basin

Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Hiking

Jewel Basin area offers 15,349 acres of wilderness that includes 27 lakes and 35 miles of trails. Trails are easy to access at the parking lot, Camp Misery. ...
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Blacktail Mountain | Skiing & Snowboarding

Cross-country skiing, Flathead National Forest, Food & Drink, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Restaurants, Scenic Drive, Scenic Drives & Rides, Skiing/Snowboarding, Tours & Sightseeing, Winter Sports

Everyone starts at the top at Blacktail Mountain, a family-friendly ski and snowboard destination overlooking Flathead Lake near Lakeside, Montana. With its unique upside-down layout, guests park at the summit lodge and ski down the mountain before riding the lifts back up. The result? Spectacular views from the very start of the day. With 1,440 feet of vertical drop, more than 1,000 acres of surr...
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