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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Winter in Kalispell, Montana: Vacation Ski Package at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

Book a two-night stay at a Kalispell hotel and receive two adult lift tickets to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. Don’t wait, plan your winter vacation today!

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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

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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Discovery Starts Here

Flathead National Forest

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing

Located in the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana, surrounding Kalispell, lies the expansive 2.4-million acre Flathead National Forest. Boasting a wealth of lakes, rugged wilderness, wild rivers, and over 2,000 miles of trails, this forest is a quintessential natural gem of the American West. From campgrounds to ski areas, the Flathead National Forest offers year-round beauty and abundant recrea...
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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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Strawberry Lake

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

Tucked into the Jewel Basin, Strawberry Lake is a 6-mile multi-use trail with a steep climb and switchbacks that provides amazing views, wildflowers, an alpine lake and fishing opportunities. ...
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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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Western Larch and Cliff Trail Loop

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

The Western Larch and Cliff Trail at Lone Pine State Park is a family and dog friendly 2.8-mile loop through a forest with an overlook of beautiful mountain vistas. ...
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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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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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Jewel Basin

Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Hiking

Jewel Basin area offers 15,349 acres of wilderness that includes 27 lakes and 35 miles of trails. Trails are easy to access at the parking lot, Camp Misery. ...
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Parkline Trail

Biking, Downtown, Hiking

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Flathead River

Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Water Sports

The Flathead River is made up of the North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork with beautiful views of Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Great Bear Wilderness. The river allows for a variety of recreation such as rafting, fishing and floating. ...
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