The hike up to Hidden Lake is not an incredibly strenuous one, with boardwalk making up the majority of the trail. Those chilly temps temper plankton growth, which then allows visitors to see details at the bottom of the lakes, even as far down as 30 feet or so. This is the largest lake in Glacier and it is home to beautiful, colorful pebbles that make it wholly, wonderfully unique! And campgrounds that have a little something extra for the kids are not too hard to find throughout the state. In southwest Montana near West Yellowstone, Hebgen Lake is a two-hour drive from Bozeman and has a long history as a resort and vacation destination, although a devastating 1959 earthquake damaged many homes in the area. Grab your paddleboard, put your boat in the water in Somers, fish for trout, hike Wild Horse Island State Park, or wade into the warm waters of The Shallows near Bigfork, Montana. Gardner Lake Trail Is One Of The Greatest Mountain Hiking Trails In Montana For Beginners, Visit Missoula, Montana, The Place That Inspired A River Runs Through It, Some People Drive For Hours Just To Soak In Chico Hot Springs Healing Waters in Montana, The Beach-Themed Restaurant In Montana Where It Feels Like Summer All Year Long, Visit Meadow Lake Resort, A Beautiful Mountain Resort In Montana, This Picturesque Montana City Right On The River Is A Nature Lovers Dream Come True, The Haunted Hot Springs Resort In Montana That Will Delight You In Every Way, This One Beautiful Montana Lake Has A Beach That Rivals The Coast. And if youre looking to cast a line out in Montana, check out these awesome fishing spots. Some of the best campgrounds in Montana are also found close to the shore. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. And if you are still looking to cool off, try out some of these swimming holes, many of them some of the most beautiful lakes in Montana. For over 1,000 years, there have been reported sightings of the monster, which locals have named Flessie (inspired by Loch Ness's Nessie). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". A variety of trout is in the water of Browns Lake, including gigantic rainbow trout. Montana lake This refuge provides over one million acres of public land for fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, bird-watching, and other outdoor recreation, Highly sought after, Hebgen Lake has been called one of the premier stillwater fishing lakes in Montana. Learn more about the lodges offerings, However, if youre looking for other activities outside of fishing Fort Peck Lake, surrounding this lake is the Charles M. Russell (CMR) National Wildlife Refuge. This crystal clear lake in Montana has close to 185 miles of shoreline, with several state parks bordering its shores. Clearest Lake in Montana OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. While the clearest lake in Montana gets thousands of visitors each year, there aren't many Montanans that live by the lake year-round. It is around a three kilometre hike to Avalanche Lake, starting along the Trail of the Cedars and then hiking until the Avalanche Lake Trail. The most scenic places in Montana are all worth visiting. including boating, fishing, lakeshore camping, and picnicking. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The water remains frigid throughout the year, but feels nice on a hot summer day. Flathead Lake is known for its clean and clear water and is often cited as one of the cleanest lakes of its size and type in the world. The fishing is also good here, and its a great destination for a day hike. Love Montana? On the southwest shore, Whitefish Lake State Park has a boat ramp, boat rentals, and campsites to spend the night. There are also 55 state parks in MT. You wont want to miss these lakes in Montana on your Montana road trip! With plenty of public access sites that provide boat ramps, camping sites, electricity, and utilities, there is no wonder why Flathead is one of the best lakes in Montana. in Montana Just keep in mind, when visiting, there is a seven day stay limit. It is easily accessible by road, making it a great option for tourists that want to get their feet wet. 1. Its absolutely one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park worth checking out! Covering approximately 5.2 square miles, the lake is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. Flathead Lake in MT is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states. No, Flathead Lake does not boast the worlds cleanest water of all lakes. At 90 feet, it is one of the tallest free-flowing falls in the area. Get further details on Ennis Lake from. It's actually divided into smaller state parks, like Big Arm and Wayfarers. 2. If you find yourself near Kootenai Falls in Lincoln County, you are in for a real adventure. Camping is popular at the adjacent Swan Lake Campground. Most people access this stunning clear lake along the Colchuck Lake Trail. Its western counterpart, Lake McDonald, has even more surface area and a pebbly shore to explore. Alongside rooms near the water, Mountain Lake Lodge features stunning sunsets and views of the Mission Mountains. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 2. Swiftcurrent Lake lies within the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. the deepest lake in the Beartooth Mountains. Clearest Lake In addition to the fishing opportunities for you, you can also float on the river in a canoe or raft. Canyon Ferry Lake is the third largest lake in Montana, at 14,200 hectare. It's no secret that Montana is an outdoor explorer's dream come true. Flathead Lake State Park Has Some Of The Clearest Water In Montana We may not have ocean beaches here in Montana, but we have something even better: the legendary Flathead Lake. Lake In Montana The lakes water has a cold temperature, as it sits at an elevation of 1,367 metres. Learn more about recreating at, Formed by the vast Fort Peck Dam, Fort Peck Lake has 1,520 miles of shoreline. There's an impressive 200 square miles of water here! Continue reading to learn more about what makes this crystal-clear lake in Montana so special. These sites include picnic areas, boat ramps, swimming beaches, and campgrounds that support tent and RV camping. Cities in Montana: The attractions in state capital of Helena are a good first place to start exploring the history and nature of Montana. But even if you don't walk all the way around, you should definitely walk down and get an up-close-and-personal view. Flathead Lake. This man made lake located around 20 minutes west of West Yellowstone is a popular recreational lakeits worth it to add to your Yellowstone National Park itinerary if you have the time! The Seeley Lake Campground features a beach, swimming area, and 29 campsites. Iceberg Lake is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Glacier National Park. Seeley Lake has public boat ramps and boat rentals, as well as several great places to stay near the water. In Whitehall, there is Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Montanas first-ever state park, where you can explore a limestone cave. Snow, Crater, Waldo and Charlton lakes in the US and New Zealands Blue Lake all You can also camp here and choose from seven different hikes. Another notable lake in Glacier National Park is the hike-in-only Avalanche Lake. Known as a popular day-hike destination, Iceberg Lake is a 4.8 mile hike from Swiftcurrent Auto Camp Historic District in Glacier Park. Boasting two Montana State Parks, Salmon Lake State Park and Placid Lake State Park, there truly are limitless opportunities for Montana lovers. This lake has over 1,520 miles of shoreline, which is longer than the California coast, making it an absolute dream for those who love to fish. Whitefish City Beach Park has a nice sandy beach, designated swimming areas, docks, gazebos, and picnic tables. Due to its warm water, Echo Lake is a common place for personal watercrafts and water sports. Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time. A viral post claimed Montanas Flathead Lake is the clearest lake in the world. Mother Nature did something pretty spectacular here. There are also numerous camping grounds along the lakes 260 kilometre shoreline, as well cabins and motels. It lies along the Missouri River and was created with the construction of the Canyon Ferry Dam. Located 30 miles southwest of Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake has the clearest water in Montana. The clarity of this massive lakes water is world-renowned, a trait we attribute to its low nutrient levels (phosphorus and nitrogen), which leads to a lack of algae. The lake is surrounded by numerous mountain peaks, with the Yellowstone National Park just to the east of it. Facilities include a boat ramp, restrooms, and a small campground that can accommodate trailers. Here is what Explorers Away had to say about Lake McDonald, Lake McDonald is located in Glacier National Park, Montana. Traveling from the nearest big city in Montana, it's just over an hour's drive from Missoula to Flathead Lake. WebMAILING ADDRESS 490 N Meridian Rd. Clear Lake - Ribbon Lake Loop Lake Koocanusa is shared between Montana and British Columbia in neighbouring Canada, with slightly more than half of the reservoir sitting within the state. St. Mary Lake. Have you ever sunk your toes into this crystal clear lake in Montana? Clearest Lake in Montana This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Although parts of the hike can be a bit strenuous and challenging, most people will be able to handle the climb, even beginner hikers. Iceberg Lake is only accessible by hiking along the 15.6 kilometre long Iceberg Lake Trailhead. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 3. Theres still a little time to add it to your summer bucket list! Flathead Lake is pretty amazing. For the best views, check out the lake by hiking the Trail of the Cedars. Are there any swinging bridges in Montana? Communities including Bigfork and Polson also line the shore with restaurants, lodging, and marinas. The crystal clear turquoise lake is fed by the Sierra Nevada Range and actually sits at an elevation of 6,225 feet (1,900 meters) above sea level. Get all the details on, Mystic Lake is the deepest lake in the Beartooth Mountains, and it has a nice, large sandy beach to enjoy. Common activities at the lake include hiking, camping, boating, and fishing for trout and walleye. According to Flathead Lakers, a nonprofit that works to protect the water quality of the Flathead watershed, Secchi disk readings at Flathead Lake from 1977 to 2018 were typically between 30 and 50 feet. To learn more about how to Leave No Trace and respect these spots, I encourage you to visit nativegov.org. The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is one of the best lake resorts in the region and features historic Western charm and stunning views of the water. Hiking, picnicking, and camping are popular land-based activities that tourists can enjoy while visiting the lake. Best Lakes in Montana A day-use area with a grassy swimming beach is located on the other side of the lake; swimmers enter the water at their own risk. Located on the east side of Glacier National Park along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, St. Mary Lake is an absolute must when visiting lakes in Montana. One of the more popular lakes near Bozeman, Canyon Ferry Lake is located approximately an hour and a half north of the Gallatin Valley. Montana There are also a few camping grounds that sit around the lakes shoreline. For the ultimate exploration of the state's crown jewel, our guide to Glacier National Park can have you wanting to move to Montana in no time. People come to Flathead Lake to enjoy the scenery or to enjoy picnicking, water skiing, sailing, fishing or swimming. Lake Missoula covered most of the region about 13,000 years ago. Including lakeside accommodations, the top-rated campgrounds in Montana will have you pitching a tent or parking an RV in other wild places. Great views and even better fun awaits! Lake Ouachita. From the cleanest waters to the most untouched shorelines, here, youll find nine lakes with the clearest water in Arkansas. Other bodies of water in the Clearwater Chain of Lakes include Rainy Lake, Placid Lake, and Salmon Lake. These vacation lake destinations feature campgrounds, lodging, restaurants, and boat rentals close to the shore. The Most Remote Lake In Montana Is Also The Most Peaceful. A common fish in Flathead Lake is the bull trout, which is native to the lake. However, if youre looking for other activities outside of fishing Fort Peck Lake, surrounding this lake is the Charles M. Russell (CMR) National Wildlife Refuge. For even more gorgeous places to explore, check out our list of the most incredible natural wonders in Montana. This makes Lake Koocanusa a great place to escape the crowds. As one of the more clear lakes in Montana, some of the most common lake activities on Whitefish Lake include non-motorized recreation. Known for its views, crystal clear waters, and abundant wildlife, Hidden Lake is an absolute must when visiting lakes in Montana. You can learn more about boat tours through Glacier Park Boat Company here. Also a Montana State Park, Lake Elmo provides plenty of accommodations and access points for public use. A few factors are at play to create the colored rocks. Combined these three sites attract millions of tourists each year. Seeley Lake. With incredible views, gorgeous, clear water, and countless ways to recreate, Swan Lake is a must-see when visiting lakes in Montana. These lakes in Montana were part of my childhood and still remain a huge reason why I journey back there every summermy family has a lake home on Flathead and we have to make the most of it! This god park provides a water area along with plenty of space for your pooch to explore. The U.S. This results in ice and snow building up on the water and the surrounding cliff walls, with the result being picture perfect scenery. Some of the best include: Mystic Lake, Fishtail: Considered the clearest lake in Montana, Mystic Lake is the deepest lake in the Beartooth Avalanche Lake: This beauty can be reached via the Trail of the Cedars at Glacier National Park. The trailhead begins at the hydroelectric plant. There are plenty of relatively easy trails in Montana; however, some of the Treasure State's more difficult trails can be considered deadly. Three marinas are also available at Canyon Ferry Lake with boat rentals, gasoline, and groceries. A popular place to stay and host big events including weddings, Holland Lake Lodge is on the north shore of the lake. Once you make it to the overlook, pop in the glacier lake water for a swim, snap some shots of the local wildflowers, listen to the prairie dogs chirp to one another, and soak in all that is this spectacular area of Glacier Park before heading back towards the visitor center. Each campsite can accommodate a full-size camper and one or two vehicles. But, if you dont have your own personal boat or watercraft, you can still experience St. Mary and Glacier National Park from the water! Also the largest freshwater lake in Montana, Flathead Lake is the clearest lake in Montana and one of the clearest lakes in the entire world. Kalispell, MT 59901. Let us know in the comments below, and dont forget to share photos of your outdoor adventures in our Montana Nature Lovers Facebook group! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This man made lake located around 20 minutes west of West Yellowstone is a popular recreational lakeits worth it to add to your. The state of Montana is renowned for its stunning scenery, clean mountain air, and numerous national parks that are home to a wide variety of species. Its 9.7 miles out and back, and features bright-blue water dotted with icebergs, surrounded by cliff walls. Johnsrud Park, Missoula. Several impromptu hangout spots line the west shoreline, offering excellent places to rest and enjoy the alpine landscape before heading back to the trailhead. Were lucky to have such a stunning lake in our state, especially since its one of the top vacation destinations for Montanans. The Crown of the Continent in northern Montana, Glacier National Park, also has some of the best lakes to explore. 8 Gorgeous Beaches in Montana You Have To Check Out This Summer, Theres Almost Nothing In Life A Day On Montanas Bowman Lake Cant Cure, Montanas Most Refreshing Hike Will Lead You Straight To A Beautiful Swimming Hole, Soak Under The Stars At This Historic Hot Spring In Montana, Some People Call The Ten Lakes Scenic Area In Montana A Little Slice Of Paradise, 10 Gorgeous Lakes In Montana That You Must Check Out This Summer, Channel Your Inner Pioneer When You Spend The Night At This Covered Wagon Campground At Chico Hot Springs, Montana, This Hot Springs Resort In Montana Is Also A Golf Course And Its Fun For The Whole Family, Click here to sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter. Have you visited this lovely Montana landmark? There are also 7.5 miles of trails to hike, bike, or horseback ride as well as a volleyball court and archery range. The rich river valleys are also a major draw, as are its massive amount of lakes. The views while driving along the 10-mile-long St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park are a defining sight of many visits to the park. In fact, it holds numerous ice boat races as well as iceboat world speed record challenges. Number 1: Lake Tahoe, Cali/Nevada. Amazing lakes at Glacier include Lake McDonald on the west side and St. Mary Lake on the east side. It was named after the river and the two countries that it sits in by the winner if a reservoir naming contest. Another local and visitor favorite in Glacier National Park, Avalanche Lake is a two mile hike from the trailhead along the Trail of the Cedars. Johnsrud Park is a state fishing access site located on the Blackfoot River. Also sitting within the Glacier National Park, Avalanche Lake was formed by meltwater from Sperry Glacier, which it still receives water from today. If youre planning on non-motorized recreation, Bowman Lake is a beautiful, calm lake where canoers and kayakers can enjoy the recreational opportunities that Bowman Lake provides. In fact, it is rated as Montanas most abundant lake. Its absolutely one of the, Due to its beauty and accessibility, the trail and lake may be highly trafficked. Black Oak Lake is truly a sight to see. Where is the water in Montana the clearest? 1. The Forest Service offers a day-use area at Flathead Lake and a popular campground to spend the night. Saint Mary Lake is a haven for nature lovers that not only want to take in the scenery, but also want to catch a glimpse of some wildlife. The forest service operates the Tally Lake Campground, which features a public boat ramp and shoreline picnic area. An incredible location, this hike is an absolute must when visiting lakes in Montana. These lakes are also popular for boating, water sports, and fishing, and each has a campground. Click here to sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter for a weekly peek at the best destinations throughout the country to inspire your next adventures. There is a small campground at the south tip of the lake that is quiet and uncrowded. Camping in Montana is a great way to take in the outdoors with your whole family. But what really sets this lake apart from the 700-some lakes scattered throughout the park is the colorful array of pebbles that look as though theyve been individually painted and dropped into the lake. Visitmt.com. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. The Clearest Lakes in the US Created by an impoundment of the Missouri River in eastern Montana, Fort Peck Lake is the largest lake in Montana. Highly sought after, Hebgen Lake has been called one of the premier stillwater fishing lakes in Montana. 6. For more information on these dates, visit the National Park Services website here. Pinterest Although parts of the hike can be a bit strenuous and challenging, most people will be able to handle the climb, even beginner hikers. This formation of the lake and small runoff makes Echo Lake one of the warmest lakes in the Flathead Valley. Address: West Rosebud Lake Road, Fishtail, MT 59028. Flathead Lake. We may not have ocean beaches here in Montana, but we have something even better: the legendary Flathead Lake. Rainbow Point is the largest campground on the lake, offering four loops. Each loop contains approximately 20 campsites. Although generally lakes of Avalanche Lakes size and elevation do not have fish, Avalanche Lake is known for its Yellowstone cutthroat trout and is a popular fishing spot for anglers all over the world. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The upright mountain peaks at the back end of the lake also make this a picture-perfect representation of Glacier's massive landscapes. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Really, though, Mother Nature is the artist. 1. The absolute most beautiful lakes in Montana to visit, You wont want to miss these lakes in Montana on your, Surrounded by the Mission Mountains with over 187.6 total miles of water, there are no limits to activities and views on Flathead Lake. The entire community of Seeley Lake is also a gateway to Glacier National Park. The fishing here is excellent, although you can only expect to catch fairly small rainbow trout. Pinterest The 5,400 hectare lake was formed by the damming of the Madison River. Especially so because the Treasure State is home to two national parks. The forest service also operates several campgrounds in the region. When visiting, 15 Fantastic Bozeman Hotels Perfect for Your Montana Adventure, 18 Ghost Towns in Montana You Have to Make Sure to Visit, The Ultimate Guide to Glacier National Park Rafting, The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park (2023), Nevada City, Montana: What You Need to Know (2023), Bannack State Park in Montana: What You Need to Know (2023), The Ultimate Glacier National Park Itinerary | Alex on the Map, The Ultimate Montana Road Trip Guide | Alex on the Map. It's also a destination for shoreline activities like camping and hiking. The scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road skirts the east side of the lake, while one of the Lake McDonald Valley Trails sits along its west shoreline. It is a picturesque lake with the Beartooth Mountains as a backdrop that is filled by warm spring water. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Thank you! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Share on Facebook; Lake McDonald can be found at the west end of the national park at an elevation of 961 metres above sea level. The warm temperature of Echo Lake makes it a popular destination for motor boaters. Whitefish Lake is near the ski slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort and adds another reason to visit the city of Whitefish in northern Montana. Columbine Lake in the San Juan National Forest is the clearest lake in Colorado. The North Dickey Lake Campground features 23 sites for tent and RV camping. There are 27 recreation areas surrounding the massive lake that offer a wide range of water sports. To get to the falls, look for Trailhead #416. Flathead Lake is a natural lake in northwest Montana. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, bighorn sheep, coyotes, white-tailed deer can often be spotted, and the endangered black-footed ferret, pallid sturgeon and mountain plover can also sometimes be seen. Flathead Lake State Park Has The Clearest Water In Montana Some of the sites have yurts and RV hook-ups, others are for tents only. The Iceberg Peak towers over 900 metres above the lake, as does the Mount Wilbur and the Continental Divide. The second largest lake in the Glacier National Park, Saint Mary Lake sits to the northeast of Lake McDonald along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Not to mention that the Yellowstone entrance in Gardiner, Montana, is historic: it was the first-ever entrance to the first-ever national park in 1872. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. A viral post claimed Montanas Flathead Lake is the clearest lake in the world. At Canyon Ferry, there are three marina concessions, Goose Bay Marina,Yacht Basin Marina, and Kims Marina. The fourth-largest state has a ton of outdoor fun to offer residents and visitors. Montana This 64-acre lake is within Billings, the largest city in Montana, and is surrounded by a state park of its own name. What lake in Montana has the clearest water? ), including the ever-glorious Lake McDonald. In recent weeks, Flathead Lake has entered the public awareness as the result of a viral image showing the lakes crystal clear waters. Love Montana? The rugged and remote location of Lake Koocanusa, surrounded by Kootenai National Forest, also makes the area rich with wildlife. You'll receive your first newsletter soon!