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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Lake Koocanusa

Fishing, Water Sports

Lake Koocanusa is resides in Montana and British Columbia, Canada stretching over 90 miles long. The name ‘Koocanusa’ is made up of the first three letters of Kootenai, Canada, and USA. ...
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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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Glacier National Park

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Fishing, Glacier National Park, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Snowshoeing, Water Sports

Located 32 miles from Kalispell is Glacier National Park. Fondly referred to as the Crown of the Continent, the park has 1 million acres of glacier-sculpted landscapes, including waterfalls, high alpine lakes, streams, snow-covered mountains and 734 miles of trails. There are many areas of the park, including the North Fork, Lake McDonald, Cut Bank Creek, Goat Haunt, Two Medicine and Many Glacier...
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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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Big Sky Fishing Charters: home of Howes, A-Able & MoFisch Charters

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

WATER RECREATION FLATHEAD LAKE: Big Sky Fishing Charters: home of Howes, A-Able, & MoFisch Charters has six boats available for fishing year round around the Flathead Valley. We offer Full and Half day fishing trips for groups 1 up to 15 people. All boats have covered areas, heat, enclosed cabins & restrooms. We also have a 4 hour tour Jun.-Sept. Big Sky Fishing Charters also offers a fou...
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Glacier Guides and Montana Raft

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

Glacier Guides and Montana Raft is an eco-conscious company based in West Glacier, Montana offering whitewater rafting, scenic floating, hiking, biking, backpacking, fishing, equipment sales and rentals, and lodging. We also operate the quiet, cozy Glacier Guides Lodge at the west entrance to Glacier National Park, and have a charming Guest House available for family escapes. We strive to provide ...
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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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Montana Kayak Academy

Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Water Sports

The Montana Kayak Academy (MKA) provides professional educational opportunities led by certified instructors for individuals of all ages who want to learn the fundamentals of whitewater kayaking. MKA also offers gear rentals for your next river adventure in Northwest Montana! Don’t miss the Bigfork Whitewater Festival, which takes place every Memorial Day weekend in Bigfork, and join this hi...
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Family picnic and fun on a pebble beach at Somers Beach State Park

Somers Beach 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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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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