The peacefulness of Montana’s splendor is in full display along the Flathead River near the aptly named town of Paradise. Keep an eye out for the fly-by of an American Bald Eagle over the sandbar in the opening scene of this video!
The Flathead River begins its journey in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park and flows into Montana’s Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. The river continues through the valleys of western Montana and empties into the Clark Fork River near Paradise, Montana.
The iridescent blue-green waters of the Flathead River contains "rock flower," fine-grained particles of rock. This glacial silt is picked up by the river and its tributaries producing the turquoise color that we see along highway 200 between Dixon and Paradise.
Mother Nature has worked long and hard to create these spectacular scenes, so be sure to stop and appreciate all that western Montana has to offer!
It might be getting colder, but that doesn't keep most Montanans indoors. Even for those who'd rather pass on chilly weather, this stunning excursion is the perfect day trip for whenever you next plan to brave the great outdoors. In a state with as much natural beauty as ours, it says something when a destination earns a superlative of any kind. Not only is Flathead Lake the state's most pristine lake, it's frequently called the “clearest lake in the world." So pack a thermos of something warm, throw on your hiking shoes, or mark this adventure on your calendar for next summer!
I'll come clean — no pun intended — Flathead Lake isn't technically the world's clearest body of water. That said, it's still considered the cleanest and clearest in Montana, an impressive achievement given the reputation of Big Sky Country for near-immaculate landscapes. Called člq̓etkʷ in the Salish language, and yawuʔnik̓ ʔa·kuq̓nuk by the Kootenai, this majestic attraction embodies a rich tapestry of local histories and the legacy of now-distant geological events.
Nestled at the southern end of the Rocky Mountain Trench, Flathead Lake comprises 185 miles of shoreline and plunges to depths of over 370 feet. Incredibly, it represents what remains of an ancient body of water called Lake Missoula. Though it was contained for thousands of years by a massive glacier, Missoula broke its icy barrier at the end of the last Ice Age. The resulting deluge tore across Washington and Oregon before reaching the Pacific, leaving behind rugged hills and valleys still visible in those states' eastern regions today.
Flathead Lake is naturally fed by the nearby Flathead River but grew slightly larger with the construction of the nearby Kerr Dam in 1930. Uniquely, this dam has been owned and operated by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes since 2015. Through the stewardship of their governments and other local municipalities, Flathead Lake has remained one of the cleanest lakes in the populated world.
There are numerous trails at Flathead Lake State Park, some of which climb into the nearby hills, providing visitors with staggering views of the water. Weather permitting, outdoor enthusiasts may also explore the area by boat. If you're interested in birdwatching, I always recommend kayaking, which is less disruptive to local species. Just watch out for the Flathead Lake Monster, an eel-shaped creature the length of a school bus who's been spotted in the water since 1889. Nicknamed "Flossie" by the locals, she's unlikely to cause you trouble, but her company will keep you vigilant nonetheless.
If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, I can't think of a better option than a day at Flathead Lake. Known as the state's cleanest lake, this gorgeous destination boasts jaw-dropping history, gorgeous hikes, and — if the rumors are true — a lake monster!
The Most Remote Lake In Montana Is Also The Most Peaceful
Kintla Lake in Glacier National Park is one of Montana's most remote and beautiful lakes, ideal for experienced adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty.
To say Montana has a lot of lakes would be a bit of an understatement, as there are at least 3,223 named lakes and reservoirs here (and probably many more we aren't aware of). So, while it's impossible to truly know which of our lakes is the most remote, Kintla Lake is perhaps the most remote lake in Montana we're aware of at this particular time. After all, the adjacent campground is Montana's most remote-front country campground, and only the most experienced outdoor adventurers should attempt to explore it.
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That being said, if you do make it out to this lake, you'll fall in love right away. This part of the state remains quiet, peaceful, and largely unspoiled ... and that's just how we like it.
Kintla Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Montana and is located in the uppermost northwest section of Glacier National Park.
This section is known as the North Fork and is accessed via one of Montana’s oldest roads. The lake and campground itself are around 40 miles from the West entrance and the Canadian border.
Getting here by car isn't easy, even in the summertime—the drive is very slow and bumpy, consisting of a lot of dirt roads.
The scenery, however, is remarkable. Also, you'll get to pass through Polebridge, so you can stop at the Polebridge Mercantile and stock up on snacks. Note that the store is open seasonally so check its website for days and hours.
Kintla Lake is about eight miles long, making it the fourth-largest lake in the park.
Kintla Lake Campground sits right on the lake, and since it's so remote, it's rarely full. Just be prepared to bring everything you'll need if you plan to camp, as amenities are extremely limited.
If you canoe or kayak, you'll absolutely love this lake.
There's something about being far from civilization that makes you appreciate this natural beauty even more. You'll be happy with the forced digital detox.
Kintla Lake, one of the most pristine natural lakes in Montana, is surrounded by towering mountains, giving it an even more secluded appearance.
This is a little piece of heaven on Earth. If you go, make sure to respect our beautiful land and leave no trace.
Lake Kintla is one of the clearest lakes in Montana, making it even more worth visiting. Have you made the trip to the most remote lake in Montana? If you have, we'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments. And, if you have any tips or tricks for making a visit fantastic, please share. I'd love to read about them! And, as always, be sure you're well-prepared for any outdoor excursion. Purchasing good quality gear from a trusted outfitter is always a good idea.
