Flathead Lake

The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, at Bigfork's doorstep

Bigfork sits at the northeastern corner of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. The lake stretches 30 miles to the south and is so clear and cold that it remains excellent for swimming, kayaking, sailing, and fishing throughout the summer.

From Bigfork, the lake is immediately accessible — you can walk to the water in minutes from the village centre. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in town and at Wayfarers State Park, just south of the village. The lake supports a good population of lake trout and bull trout, and fishing guides operate out of Bigfork Marina.

Sailing is a genuine local tradition — Flathead Lake has reliable afternoon breezes and enough open water to make it one of the better sailing lakes in the inland Northwest. The Flathead Lake Sailing Association runs races throughout summer.

things to do sight swimming
A story
Flathead Lake sits in a glacially carved valley and is so large — 30 miles long and 15 miles wide — that it creates its own microclimate. The eastern shore, running south from Bigfork, is Montana's only fruit-growing region, and the wild cherries that ripen here in July have been famous since the first white settlers arrived. Roadside stands appear all along the lakeshore in cherry season, and the fruit is sold across Montana.