Flathead Lake drive

Road trip round the lake

It’s summertime in the Mission Valley and time to enjoy a good old-fashioned road trip around the lake.

Flathead Lake is considered the largest source of natural freshwater west of the Mississippi River, and its tranquil waters are among the cleanest and clearest in the world. The lake exists as a result of the flooding from prehistoric Glacial Lake Missoula during the ice age.

The trip can start and end in Polson by either choosing the east shore route along U.S. Highway 35 or the west shore route along U.S. Highway 93.

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Montana Highway 35 is a 45-minute stretch of winding road that hugs the lake’s eastern shoreline between the lakeside communities of Polson and Bigfork. This picturesque expanse of highway provides spectacular viewpoints.

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There are numerous turnoff areas along the way to snap photos and take a moment to ogle the gorgeously pristine waters.

The east shore route includes a variety of fee-based familyfriendly camping and picnicking opportunities, along with public fishing access sites and amenities that are maintained by both the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

The pebble-strewn beaches of Blue Bay, Yellow Bay and Wayfarers Park tempt stone-throwers to try their hand at rock skipping, while providing ideal spots to fish or dip a toe in.

The University of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station is located just north of the Yellow Bay State Park. The FLBS is an ecological research and education center. Visitors can stop in and ask questions or take a class when available. Check out their website for more information.

Fruit stands are set up along the east shore of the lake with locally grown and harvested Flathead Lake cherries, which are famous for their large size and sweet taste. Locally grown apples, plums and melons can be purchased directly from the growers. There are also some farms where you can handpick your own fruit.

Bigfork is a lake resort town that hosts many art galleries, a live theater, a 27-hole golf course, unique shops, sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Three miles outside of Bigfork, travelers can turn west onto U.S. Highway 82 to continue around Flathead Lake.

Along with views of the north end of the lake, this sevenmile stretch of road that connects U.S. Highway 35 with U.S. Highway 93 awards drivers with glimpses of the glacier-covered peaks of Glacier National Park in the far distance.

Once travelers reach the U.S. Highway 93 intersection, a turn north will lead to Kalispell, and a turn south will continue the trip around Flathead Lake. U.S. Highway 93 is a much busier and wider highway than U.S. Highway 35, which makes it an ideal travel route for trucks with trailers and large motorhomes.

Driving south on U.S. Highway 93, the next town you come to will be the community of Lakeside. Lakeside offers both locals and tourists a nice selection of restaurants and access points onto the lake. Just like the east side, the west route also offers visitors and locals alike a wide range of public fishing access sites, camping and picnicking opportunities. The 129-acre West Shore State Park and the 217-acre Big Arm State Park are two of the more popular westside campgrounds.

Travelers can stop in the waterfront communities of Rollins, Dayton, Elmo, and Big Arm. Jette Hill offers an impressive view and a long downhill descent back to Polson. A panoramic view of the lake can also be seen, along with the town of Polson and the jagged snowcapped peaks of the Mission Mountains.

The trip comes full circle with the crossing of the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge over the Flathead River.

Once in Polson, there are many shops for people to visit. A trip to a local restaurant or ice cream shop might be a nice way to end the trip. Story by Rob Zolman, photo by Nicole Tavenner / Valley Journal