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.

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. The region is home to hundreds of miles of trails that take users through tree-covered […]

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Winter in Kalispell, Montana: From the Slopes to Snow-Kissed Streets

A snow-lover’s dream can come true in the mountain town of Kalispell, Montana. With hundreds of inches of snow that cover our mountain ranges to the magic that comes from strolling through downtown, winter in Montana has abundant things to do and places to explore.  In winter, downhill skiing and snowboarding tend to get lots […]

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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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If You’re Visiting Montana’s Glacier National Park in 2023, 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 […]

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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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Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Outdoor Recreation

With 22 miles of paved trails, the Great Northern Rails to Trails extends from the town of Somers on the north shore of Flathead Lake, through downtown Kalispell then west to Kila. Soak in epic views – including the Swan, Mission, Salish and Whitefish mountains – along the way, while taking time to enjoy the five murals painted on tunnels along the trail system. All, or part of the rou...
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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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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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Mount Aeneas

Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

Explore the Jewel Basin with epic views from Mount Aeneas. If you are in search of spotting a mountain goat, Mount Aeneas is known for wildlife (always give wildlife their space), epic views and wildflowers. ...
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Foy’s to Blacktail Trails

Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, MT State Parks, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Snowshoeing

Less than 10 minutes from Kalispell, Herron Park is a mountain bikers’ / hikers’ / cross-country skiers’ gateway to a vast trail system, Foy’s to Blacktail Trails, through timberlands extending south toward Blacktail Mountain. ...
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Pig Farm – Farm to Market Road Area

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Snowshoeing

An elaborate network of single track through woods and meadows, easy enough for casual day-trippers but able to throw down the gauntlet to weekend warriors. There aren’t trail markers, so bring a healthy sense of direction — or your GPS. We recommend AllTrails or Trailforks. ...
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Blacktail Mountain Trail

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports

Escape the crowds on Blacktail Mountain Trail, a 7.6 multi-use loop trail, that is dog-friendly. The trail includes forest service roads and single track with views of the Flathead Valley and Flathead Lake. ...
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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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Lone Pine Trails

Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, MT State Parks, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go

A short drive from downtown Kalispell, The Lone Pine Trail provides solitude and beautiful views of the Flathead Valley on a nice 2.9-mile hike or bike ride that is dog-friendly. ...
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