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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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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Pine Grove Pond

Fishing, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

Pine Grove Pond is a family-friendly 5-acre pond that is 3 miles northeast of Kalispell. It has three accessible fishing piers and a picnic shelter, as well as a paved path around the pond. Fish species include rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. ...
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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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Trail of the Cedars

Glacier National Park, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

One of Discover Kalispell’s all time favorite trails in Glacier National Park that is family and ADA friendly. This 0.9-mile trail shows off Glacier National Park’s oldest trees, a beautiful waterfall, wildflowers and views of the towering peaks of Glacier above you. ...
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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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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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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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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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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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Glacier Park Boat Company

Glacier National Park, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Scenic Drives & Rides, Tours & Sightseeing, Water Sports

The Glacier Park Boat Company has been providing unforgettable experiences on the pristine lakes of Glacier National Park since 1938. Whether you choose to ride in the historic wooden boats or explore by kayak, you’ll discover the unparalleled views and tranquility that can only be experienced from the water. ...
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