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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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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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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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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The Whitefish Trail

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

The Whitefish Trail is a non-motorized multi-use trail system consisting of 15 trailheads and over 47 miles of natural trail surfaces from scenic overlooks. For ADA accessible terrain, check out the Reservoir Trailhead, Holbrook Overlook Trailhead and Swift Creek Trailhead. Minutes from downtown Whitefish, the Reservoir Trailhead has 500 feet of ADA accessible trails, as well as an interpretive/pi...
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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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Wild Horse Island State Park

Fishing, Flathead Lake, Hiking, MT State Parks, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Water Sports

Wild Horse Island is a day-use only island on Flathead Lake. Option to kayak, paddleboard or take a boat tour to the island. ...
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Wild Trout Adventures

Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Tours & Sightseeing

Wild Trout Adventures is your source for fly fishing around Glacier National Park. We’re located in the middle of some of North America’s finest fly fishing rivers with the famous Flathead River and Swan River just minutes away. Wild Trout Adventures offers guiding fly fishing services on these incredible rivers along with numerous permit-only mountain lakes. ...
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Dream Haven Guest Ranch

Horseback Riding, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Scenic Drives & Rides, Tours & Sightseeing

We are a small horse getaway in Northwest Montana. Join us for year round horseback adventures, trail rides, arena lessons, and home cooked meals. Where Small Dreams Become Big Memories. ...
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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 Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana 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 t...
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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 Trails provides solitude and beautiful views of the Flathead Valley with over 7.5 miles of trail to hike or bike on. All trails are dog-friendly. ...
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