Outdoor Recreation Archives | Page 2 of 7 | 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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Visiting Montana’s Glacier National Park in 2024? 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 entrance […]

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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

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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Discovery Starts Here

Swan Lake

Fishing, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Water Sports

The Swan, as it’s referred to by locals, is a scenic corridor along Highway 83 southeast of Kalispell. Within this narrow heavily forested valley are numerous lakes, abundant recreation, and majestic views of the Mission Mountains and the Swan Range. ...
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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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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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Flathead Lake

Fishing, Flathead Lake, Water Sports

Thousands of years ago, the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes of Glacier National Park pushed their way down into the modern-day Flathead Valley and sculpted Flathead Lake. The largest natural freshwater lake in the West, Flathead Lake sits in northwest Montana and is a sprawling blue jewel at the base of the Swan and Mission mountain ranges. Encompassing nearly 200 square miles, the la...
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Hidden Lake

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

The Hidden Lake Trail is a must-do trail in Glacier National Park accessed from Logan’s Pass (the highest driving point in the park. Be sure to check out the current road status to see if the full length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open). Wildlife is abundant with epic views, a boardwalk to the over look (2.7 mile) with the option to hike down to Hidden Lake (5.3 miles). ...
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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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Kootenai Falls

Hiking

Kootenai Falls is a waterfall on the Kootenai River located just off U.S. Route 2. It is the largest undammed waterfall in the state and one of the largest waterfalls in the United States by flow rate. The falls are accessed by a hiking trail from the parking area next to the highway. ...
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Great Northern Resort

Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Glacier National Park, Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Tours & Sightseeing, Water Sports

At Great Northern Resort we offer a complete Montana experience, with guided scenic, whitewater and fishing trips, fully equipped rental cabins and customized itineraries for the whole family. ...
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Montana Horse Works

Farm Experiences, Horseback Riding, Indoor Activities, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides

Natural Horsemanship Instruction for all ages. Practical and non competitive setting with Western and English discipline’s, trail rides, boarding, leasing, private venue, and therapy. ...
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Sea Me Paddle Kayaking Tours

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

SMP offers an extremely unique paddling experience on glorious Flathead Lake!!! Take advantage of the existing guided trips, rental kayaks or create your own trip. ...
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