Montana’s Flathead Lake is a paradise for water recreation of all kinds. It’s the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River and has more than 180 miles of shoreline to explore. Two state parks located at the lake, Somers Beach State Park and Flathead Lake State Park — which features five park unit locations spread around the lake as well as five islands — provide easy recreational access, whether you’re dropping a line, taking a dip, lakeside camping or setting sail. Here’s everything you need to know about the state park lands on and around Flathead Lake:
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Somers Beach
Somers Beach State Park
Head to the north shore of Flathead Lake and you’ll find Somers Beach State Park. While summertime water levels make this seem like your typical bay, a vast sand beach is revealed when water levels lower during the colder months of the year. This is a birders’ paradise with more than 220 documented species having been spotted from the water’s edge. The day-use park is perfect for swimming, picnicking, walking and, of course, bird-watching.
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Big Arm
Flathead Lake State Park
Located 15 miles north of Polson on the lake’s western shore is the Big Arm unit. Surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and offering sweeping views of the Swan and Mission mountains, this waterfront oasis provides a lakeside escape with ample camping, hiking, swimming and fishing opportunities. The park also allows for easy access to nearby Wild Horse Island.
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Finley Point
Flathead Lake State Park
Hugging the southeastern shores of the lake is Finley Point, a secluded campground just 12 miles north of Polson. From tent camping to electric hookups and cabins, the park offers an array of overnight options, as well as several boat slips for prime access to Flathead Lake. For anglers, this is a popular spot to score lake trout and whitefish.
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Wayfarers
Flathead Lake State Park
The Wayfarers unit lies near Bigfork on the lake’s northeastern shore. This park is characterized by its dramatic, rocky cliffs that border the water, offering panoramic views of the Salish Mountains to the west. Made up of 30 campsites, including a dedicated hike-bike campsite with tent pads, this is the ideal stop for adventurers traveling on the nearby Continental Divide Trail.
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West Shore
Flathead Lake State Park
Just outside of Lakeside is the West Shore unit. As its name suggests, the unit’s western location provides stunning views of the Swan and Mission mountain ranges. For avid boaters, the park features a deep-water boat launch that is usually free from ice in winter. An on-site concessionaire offers rental equipment for day-use, including paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats, to explore the lake in the summertime.
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Yellow Bay
Flathead Lake State Park
On the lake’s eastern shore is Yellow Bay, a park encompassing Yellow Bay Creek and a gravel beach that is perfect for summertime relaxation. The park is situated among a stretch of Flathead cherry orchards, with easy access to the roadside stands that dot Highway 35. The bay also offers a deep-water boat launch for year-round boating.
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Flathead Lake Islands
Flathead Lake State Park
Made up of five islands — Wild Horse, Cedar, Bird, Douglas and Goose — the Flathead Lake Islands offer a unique perspective of the water. These secluded islands offer varying levels of resources, with designated campsites on Cedar and Bird islands and scenic, day-use activities on Wild Horse, Douglas and Goose islands. Note that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks does not provide charters to the islands, and transportation must be secured on your own.
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Wild Horse Island
Flathead Lake State Park
The largest of the Flathead Lake Islands, Wild Horse Island has long been a landmark for the Kootenai Indians, who were reported to have used it to keep their horses hidden from other nearby tribes. Along with a few remaining wild horses, you may see bighorn sheep, mule deer and a variety of birds when visiting. From walking through the unique landscape to fishing along the shores, this is an ideal day trip for those camping nearby. The state park lands on Wild Horse Island are day-use only and are only accessible by boat — visitors are asked to dock at one of the six designated landing sites around the perimeter of the island. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks does not provide transportation to Wild Horse Island.
Conservation Licenses and Tribal Permits
A conservation license is required when recreating on Montana’s public lands. For more information on where and when you need a license, check out our article. Big Arm, Finley Point, Wild Horse Island and Yellow Bay are located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, so tribal permits may be required based on the type of activities you plan to do, and tribal fishing licenses are required for the southern half of the lake. Make sure to consult csktribes.org to ensure you have the proper documentation prior to your arrival.
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