Montana’s lakes, which range from enormous reservoirs to pools of water sculpted by glaciers, exemplify the untamed and untamed landscape of the state. There are several of the best lakes in Montana’s mountainous western half, close to major cities like Missoula, Bozeman, and Helena. Fort Peck Lake, Best Lakes in Montana, is in the state’s eastern region.
Seeley Lake, Whitefish Lake, and Flathead Lake are a few of the lakes that highlight the breathtaking scenery of western Montana. These lakeside vacation spots offer nearby camping, hotels, dining options, and boat rentals. Some more accessible but rustic lakes in west Montana are Browns Lake, Dickey Lake, and Holland Lake.
Glacier boasts two breathtaking lakes: St. Mary Lake on the east and Lake McDonald on the west. Avalanche Lake, accessible only by hiking, camping, is another noteworthy lake in Glacier National Park.
Boating, fishing, swimming, and enjoying the state’s picturesque beauty are popular lake activities. See our collection of Montana’s greatest lakes for other suggestions on places to spend a day by the water.
1. Flathead Lake
There are many things to do near Flathead Lake, which is, by surface area, the biggest natural lake west of the Mississippi River. Flathead Lake’s crystal-clear waters are reachable via Highway 35 or Highway 93. The two freeways circle and connect to the entire body of water. Along the shore of Flathead Lake are several public access locations, including six sections of Flathead Lake State Park. Adjacent to the shore are some of Montana’s best campgrounds.
On Flathead Lake, boating of all kinds is welcome. Along the shore are marinas, lodging options, and restaurants in the communities of Bigfork and Polson. One of the most famous lodging options on Flathead Lake is the Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge. Mountain Lake Lodge offers breathtaking sunsets, views of the Mission Mountains, and rooms close to the water.
The largest island in the lake is the unusual Wild Horse Island State Park, a well-liked destination for nature lovers and hikers. It takes more than an hour to drive from Missoula, the closest large city in Montana, to Flathead Lake.
2. Whitefish Lake
The proximity of Whitefish Lake to Whitefish Mountain Resort’s ski slopes offers yet another incentive to visit the northern Montana city of Whitefish. The lake, about 5.2 square miles, is well-liked for swimming, boating, and fishing. But beware, cannonball enthusiasts—this glacially carved lake is surprisingly frigid for most of the year.
Whitefish Lake State Park offers overnight camping, boat rentals, and a boat ramp on the southwest shore. Located on the lake’s southern shore, Whitefish City Beach is a well-liked swimming destination during the summer months. One of the greatest lake resorts in the area is The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, which provides breathtaking lake vistas and a classic Western feel.
3. St. Mary Lake
One of the highlights of many visitors to Glacier National Park is the scenery seen while traveling the 10-mile length of St. Mary Lake. Elk, bighorn sheep, and bears find great habitat in the forested area surrounding the lake at the foot of striking mountain peaks. Wildflowers bloom all over the park during the warmer months, giving St. Mary Lake an even more picturesque appearance.
Throughout the summer, St. Mary Lake offers guided boat cruises. You can pick up the free Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle and learn more about the park at the nearby St. Mary Visitor Center. The region is also home to several hiking trails, and two of Glacier’s greatest campgrounds are close to the coast.
The second-biggest lake in Glacier National Park is called St. Mary Lake. There’s even more surface area and a pebbly shore to explore on Lake McDonald, its western counterpart. A 4.5-mile round-trip hike leads to Avalanche Lake, one of Glacier’s most popular hiking destinations.
4. Seeley Lake
In western Montana, Seeley Lake is surrounded by striking mountain ranges in the Seeley-Swan Valley and is approximately an hour’s drive from Missoula. Situated next to the vast Bob Marshall Wilderness, the lake spans more than 1,000 acres. Seeley Lake, as a whole, serves as a gateway to Glacier National Park. however, is a destination unto itself, a well-liked location for boating, fishing, and admiring the picturesque coastline.
Seeley Lake offers great places to stay near the water, public boat ramps, and boat rentals. Three separate campgrounds are run by the forest service close to the coast. The Seeley Lake Campground has 29 campsites, a swimming area, and a beach. The Lodges on Seeley Lake and Seeley Lake Lodge are excellent places to stay.
The Clearwater River Valley is home to a chain of lakes that includes twelve lakes, including Seeley Lake. Rainy Lake, Placid Lake, and Salmon Lake are other bodies of water that make up the Clearwater Chain of Lakes. The 83 highway makes it possible to reach many of these lakes. Others, such as Clearwater Lake, necessitate using forest roads.
5. Holland Lake
Holland Lake is a breathtaking alpine lake in the Flathead National Forest on Highway 83, north of Seeley Lake. The Forest Service maintains a well-liked day-use area and campground at Flathead Lake. Hiking along the lakeshore to see Holland Falls’ spray is part of one of Montana’s best hiking trails. Seeley Lake is a popular spot for salmon and trout fishing, especially during the week when there is less boat traffic.
Holland Lake Lodge, located on the lake’s north shore, is a well-liked destination for lodging and the venue of major events, such as weddings.
6. Fort Peck Lake
The largest lake in Montana is called Fort Peck Lake, and it was formed when the Missouri River was dammed in eastern Montana. This enormous artificial reservoir has over 1,500 miles of shoreline and is about 134 miles long. Numerous activities like swimming, boating, and fishing are popular at Fort Peck Lake.
The expansive National Wildlife Refuge of Charles M. Russell encircles the lake. The complex offers numerous chances to hike, camp, and explore this officially recognized wildlife refuge.
7. Avalanche Lake
The only way to get to the well-known body of water in Glacier National Park, Avalanche Lake, is by hiking trail.
Depending on where along the shoreline visitors turn around, the trip to the lake and back is five to six miles round trip, with an elevation gain of less than 600 feet. Despite being a moderate distance, this makes the lake route in the park one of the easiest to hike.
This is also an ideal depiction of Glacier’s vast landscapes, with the erect mountain peaks at the lake’s back end. The west shoreline is lined with informal hangouts that make great places to take a break and enjoy the mountain views before returning to the trailhead.
Though primarily a spectator experience, Avalanche Lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You can quickly dip in the icy water when the weather is warm enough.
8. Dickey Lake
This 800-acre lake is located in the Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana, surrounded by a dense forest of fir and larch trees. Hiking and camping along the shore are other popular activities there.
The North Dickey Lake Campground has 23 spots for tent and RV camping. A grassy swimming beach and day-use area are on the opposite side of the lake; swimming is at the swimmer’s risk.
9. Browns Lake
Browns Lake is a well-liked fishing lake in the center of the Blackfoot River basin. The easiest way to access this 550-square-acre lake is from the western Montanan village of Ovando.
On the eastern shore, public access is maintained. A modest campground with space for RVs, bathrooms, and a boat ramp are among the amenities. Browns Lake’s water has a wide variety of trout, including enormous rainbow trout.
10. Tally Lake
Tally Lake is Montana’s deepest natural lake. Located in the Flathead National Forest west of Whitefish. Tally Lake, which has a maximum depth of 445 feet, is encircled by tree-covered mountainsides.
Hiking the many paths, boating, and fishing are popular at Tally Lake. The Tally Lake Campground, which has a public boat launch and beachside picnic area, is run by the Forest Service. Though it’s always chilly, the water is pleasant on a hot summer’s day.
