Flathead Lake: Beautiful and Full of Exciting Outdoor Activities

        

The 28-mile-long and 5-mile-wide Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater pool west of the Mississippi River. The lake is supplied with fresh water by the Swan River and by the Main Flathead River year-round. The Lake was formed thousands of years ago; it is estimated that its basin was carved by glaciers 10,000 years ago. Flathead Lake is picturesquely surrounded by dramatic mountains and wilderness areas - Swan Range to the east, the Salish Mountains to the south, Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park to the north. The lake has several small islands and one big one,  Wild Horse Island, which is also a state park.    

The gorgeous environmental surroundings of the area create unparalleled conditions for outdoor entertainment, guaranteed by every town, situated on the 160-mile long shoreline: swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating, para-sailing, jet- and water-skiing are all popular with visitors. Flathead Lake's shore is filled with tempting beaches, gorgeous state parks and picnic zones for summer laziness by the refreshing water. During springtime the east side of the lake is strewn with blossoming cherry trees; the earliest cherries can be savoured at the beginning of July. The western part of the lake is more urban, providing many options for shopping, the only winery in northwest Montana and a small ski resort.
   
The curious name of Flathead comes from the Salish (Flathead) Indians who dwelt in the southern parts of the lake, now the Flathead Indian Reservation.
   
The local residents call the valley Flathead. It is a natural starting point for those who want to visit the Glacier National Park or the ski areas of Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail. The valley enjoys a mild and pleasant climate all year round, thus attracting crowds of tourist who want to rush into summer fun activities or be captivated by the winter beauty of the region. Despite the expected low temperatures due to the close proximity to Canada, the valley enjoys the thermal influence of the lake and the natural shelter of the Mission mountains and Salish range.    

Anglers, who had the chance to fish on the shores of the lake or in the Feeder Rivers, share that they had had one of the most amazing fishing experiences in their lives. Bull and Cutthroat trout, huge Lake trout (Mackinaw), perch and whitefish are among the most plentiful fish species.