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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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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The Whitefish Trail

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

The Whitefish Trail is a non-motorized multi-use trail system consisting of 15 trailheads and over 47 miles of natural trail surfaces from scenic overlooks. For ADA accessible terrain, check out the Reservoir Trailhead, Holbrook Overlook Trailhead and Swift Creek Trailhead. Minutes from downtown Whitefish, the Reservoir Trailhead has 500 feet of ADA accessible trails, as well as an interpretive/pi...
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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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Dream Adaptive Recreation

Biking, Flathead National Forest, Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Skiing/Snowboarding, Tours & Sightseeing, Water Sports

Dream Adaptive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has been serving the community for over 30 years. Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing year-round adaptive outdoor fun. ...
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Somers Fishing Access Site

Fishing, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

Somers Fishing Access Site is a family-friendly site that is 9 miles south of Kalispell on Flathead Lake. It has an ADA Fishing Pier and ramp. Fish species include lake trout and whitefish. ...
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Depot Park

Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Gardens, Places to Go

A great spot in downtown Kalispell for a picnic lunch, to catch some live music in the summer. ...
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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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Lone Pine State Park

Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, MT State Parks, Snowshoeing

The Lone Pine State Park boasts an extensive network of trails spanning a total of 7.5 miles, catering to various outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. Encompassing an area of 279 acres, the site of the park spans elevations between 2,959 feet and 3,644 feet. During the winter season, visitors can rent snowshoes at a nominal fee of $5 per person or ...
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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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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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