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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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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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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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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Parkline Trail

Biking, Downtown, Hiking

The Kalispell Parkline Linear Park and Trail is fully accessible. This 100% paved trail winds through downtown Kalispell, offering a multi-use, dog-friendly path for walkers, bikers, and runners alike. Equipped with crosswalks and automatic crossing signals, the trail seamlessly connects throughout town and links up with the Great Northern Historical Trail. As you traverse the trail, take in the s...
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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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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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Somers Bay 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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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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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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