Millions of acres of wilderness feed Flathead Lake, the centerpiece and gravitational culmination of the Crown of the Continent ecosystem. This shimmering gem has 185 miles of shoreline, enough to sustain a constellation of distinct communities, each with its own personality and its own relationship to the water. Over 15,000 year-round residents have built a distinctly Montana lakeside life in the bays and ports around the lake. Many more flock here during the summer high season, but on the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, there’s more than enough room for everyone’s jet skis, giant inflatable flamingos, Dragon Boats, and more.
On the northeast shoulder, you’ll find Bigfork, a community where a highly successful summer tourism sector supports a vibrant fine dining and arts culture. Take the scenic route along the east side of the lake and stop in Woods Bay at the lakeside margarita- slinging Raven or the “classy casual” Bonfire for lunch. But save some room for a stop at the famous Flathead cherry orchards for dessert. At the foot of the lake is Polson, the seat of Lake County and the hub of the Mission Valley’s agricultural industry. Catch an indie flick at the Polson International Film Festival, or a summer concert at Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino. Running weekly errands here might lead to a dip in the lake or dinner at Oak’s Korean Kitchen, so bring your bathing suit and appetite.
Head back up the west side, passing through Big Arm, Elmo, Dayton, and Rollins: small communities with big views of the Swan and Mission Mountains. Living here, your camera roll will be full of alpenglow, and of the moon rising over this dramatic horizon. Sister towns, Lakeside and Somers, on the northwest shoulder deliver prime lake access in the summer and a prized powder stash in the winter. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, right in the backyard, is known for sheltered powder on its northerly slopes, lovely stands of pine and larch, and, of course, gorgeous views of the lake—the thing that brings everyone together. After a day on the water or hill, there’s no better place to raise a glass than Tamarack Brewing Company, which has been a fixture of the Lakeside community for nearly 20 years. Every town around this lake thinks it has the best views and closest community. Truth is, they’re all right.
Read more about Flathead Lake in our PureWest Magazine, page 50-53.
.webp)