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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Gear Rentals in Kalispell

One of the best ways to make the most of your vacation in Kalispell and northwest Montana is to get outside and explore at your own pace. With mountain trails, sparkling lakes, rushing rivers and wide-open spaces in every direction, you don’t need to pack every piece of outdoor gear to enjoy the adventure. Local […]

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Northern Pines Golf Club

Golf, Outdoor Recreation

Crafted from the breathtaking scenery of the Flathead Valley, this exquisite golf course features two distinct sets of nine holes, each thoughtfully shaped by contrasting terrains. The front nine embraces the undulating charm of Scottish links-style golf, while the peaceful back nine meanders alongside the Stillwater River, presenting captivating elevation changes. Renowned for its design, the cou...
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Wild Montana

Hiking, Outdoor Recreation

Since our first Wilderness Walk in 1960, thousands have joined our volunteer leaders on outings in every corner of the state. What started with 14 hikers in the Crazy Mountains has grown into a summer-long celebration for hundreds of participants to share their love for the wildlands that make Montana so special. There’s something for everyone, and you’re invited to be a part of it. Since 1958...
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Glacier Institute

Glacier National Park, Hiking, Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Snowshoeing, Tours & Sightseeing

Don’t risk wasting your trip to Glacier National Park and not making the most of every moment. The potential is there to make lifelong memories, let us provide those experiences. The Glacier Institute. ...
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Avalanche Lake

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

Avalanche Lake is a 6-mile family friendly hike! Pack a lunch and enjoy a hike through the dense forest to a high alpine lake tucked in a basin with jagged peaks and rushing waterfalls. ...
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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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Great Northern Powder Guides

Flathead National Forest, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Skiing/Snowboarding, Tours & Sightseeing, Winter Sports

Explore the legendary backcountry of Flathead National Forest with Great Northern Powder Guides. Their custom snowcats will take you deep into the untouched terrain of the Northern Rocky Mountains, offering pillow drops, steep lines, and epic tree runs. Experience the powder days of your dreams with expert guides and a crew of like-minded skiers and riders, all fueled by camaraderie and the vibran...
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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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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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Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo

Arts & Culture, Arts and Artisans, Food & Drink, Food Truck, Horseback Riding, Local Fare, Outdoor Recreation, Performing Arts, Places to Go, Shopping, Tours & Sightseeing

Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo brings the heritage, culture, and community spirit of Northwest Montana to Kalispell each August. With more than 100 years of tradition, this annual event features three nights of PRCA Rodeo action, major concerts, carnival rides, classic fair food, and entertainment for all ages. Explore more than 6,000 exhibits highlighting local creativity and skill, from quil...
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Wheaton’s Cycle

Biking, Downtown, Outdoor Recreation, Shopping, Winter Sports

Wheaton’s is the finest and boldest professional bicycle shop in the Flathead valley, and has been ever since Frank Wheaton first opened his bike repair shop in Kalispell in 1918. Sales, service and rentals. ...
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