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.

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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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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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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Paws to Play Dog Park

Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Gardens, Places to Go

Paws to Play Dog Park is a safe and natural off-leash park for dogs to run free and socialize with other dogs. Please be respectful, well-behaved canines only. ...
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The Bar W Guest Ranch

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

The Bar W Guest Ranch invites you to experience the true spirit of Western hospitality, year-round! Whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, the ranch is the perfect destination for all riding abilities. Nestled in the heart of Montana, the Bar W offers an array of thrilling Western activities, including exhilarating trail rides, charming wagon rides, engaging team penning, and exciting ske...
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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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Western Outdoor

Antiques & Vintage, Downtown, Outdoor Recreation, Shopping

Western Outdoor has over 8,000 square feet of western and outdoor wear shopping. Located next to Norm’s Soda Fountain, Western Outdoor boasts over 3,500 pairs of boots and over 1,500 Western and Casual Hats in stock as well as dozens of brands of popular shirts, coats and jeans for the entire family. One of the largest Western Stores in the Northwest, Western Outdoor is open seven days a wee...
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Woodland Park

Biking, Parks & Gardens, Water Sports

Woodland Park is a year-round local favorite with paved trails, play equipment, skate park, water park and a top-notch ice-rink equipped with stadium lights, comfortable locker rooms and benches for hockey games. The facility is open for public skating on most Saturdays and Sundays in the winter. ...
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Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company

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

Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company is the exclusive provider of tours featuring transparent and LED-lit kayaks, offering surreal views of Montana’s pristine waters. Located just outside the world-famous Glacier National Park, with the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop. ...
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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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True Water Fly Shop

Downtown, Fishing, Flathead Lake, Flathead National Forest, Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Shopping, Tours & Sightseeing

Full Service Fly Fishing Shop offering guided fishing trips, gear sales and Lodging. ...
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