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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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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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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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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Flathead National Forest

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Services, 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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Clydesdale Outpost

Farm Experiences, Horseback Riding, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Scenic Drives & Rides, Tours & Sightseeing

Clydesdale Outpost is a year-round boutique guest ranch experience with luxury cabins, Clydesdale horse activities and events. ...
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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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Big Sky Fishing Charters: home of Howes, A-Able & MoFisch Charters

Fishing, Flathead Lake, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Tours & Sightseeing, Water Sports

WATER RECREATION FLATHEAD LAKE: Big Sky Fishing Charters: home of Howes, A-Able, & MoFisch Charters has six boats available for fishing year round around the Flathead Valley. We offer Full and Half day fishing trips for groups 1 up to 15 people. All boats have covered areas, heat, enclosed cabins & restrooms. We also have a 4 hour tour Jun.-Sept. Big Sky Fishing Charters also offers a fou...
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Blacktail Mountain Ski Area

Biking, Cross-country skiing, Food & Drink, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Restaurants, Scenic Drive, Skiing/Snowboarding, Tours & Sightseeing, Winter Sports

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, located 28 miles southwest of Kalispell. This north-facing area features more than 1,000 acres of mostly intermediate runs, plus several miles of groomed Nordic skiing, perfect for a winter skiing biathlon. Blacktail Mountain is affordable and family-friendly with a cozy lodge for fireside lunch breaks and a full bar and grill on the upper level for après ski. The slo...
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Somers Park

Fishing, Flathead Lake, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Water Sports

Family-friendly waterside destination for picnics and swimming. ...
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The Highline Trail

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

The Highline Trail, a 11.8-mile hike that can be enjoy for just a few miles to experience the epic views or enjoy the entire length of the trail. A great local tip is to plan a shuttle from the top to bottom of the trail. Warning: this trail traverses along a mountain face with some sections providing cables to hold onto. ...
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