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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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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Blacktail Mountain | Skiing & Snowboarding

Cross-country skiing, Flathead National Forest, Food & Drink, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Restaurants, Scenic Drive, Scenic Drives & Rides, Skiing/Snowboarding, Tours & Sightseeing, Winter Sports

Everyone starts at the top at Blacktail Mountain, a family-friendly ski and snowboard destination overlooking Flathead Lake near Lakeside, Montana. With its unique upside-down layout, guests park at the summit lodge and ski down the mountain before riding the lifts back up. The result? Spectacular views from the very start of the day. With 1,440 feet of vertical drop, more than 1,000 acres of surr...
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Red Eagle Aviation

Outdoor Recreation, Scenic Drive, Scenic Drives & Rides, Tours & Sightseeing

Red Eagle Aviation is your source for adventure from scenic tours in Glacier National Park to backcountry destinations for rafting or hiking. Want to learn to fly? Let Red Eagle take you to new heights! Red Eagle Aviation has been soaring above Western Montana for over 40 years. A one-stop shop for all things aviation, from exhilarating adventures to expert instruction. ...
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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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Swan Mountain Outfitters

Fishing, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Learning Experiences, Outdoor Recreation, Outfitters and Guides, Places to Go, Scenic Drives & Rides, Snowmobiling, Tours & Sightseeing, Winter Sports

Swan Mountain Outfitters is a premier, full service outfitter. We offer guided hunts, fishing/float trips, horseback rides, pack trips, llama treks, moped rentals & snowmobile tours in northwest MT. ...
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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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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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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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Blacktail Mountain | Summer Adventures

Biking, Flathead National Forest, Hiking, Outdoor Recreation, Places to Go, Scenic Drive, Scenic Drives & Rides, Shopping, Tours & Sightseeing

Trade pavement for mountain trails with summer off-road adventures at Blacktail Mountain near Lakeside, Montana. Rent a Can-Am side-by-side and explore the scenic backcountry above Flathead Lake, with convenient access to the Blacktail Wild Bill OHV Trail. This established trail system offers a mix of forested routes, rugged terrain, and mountain views, with opportunities for both scenic explorati...
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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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