Water sports in the Flathead Valley
A perfect summer in the Flathead
While winters are cold in Montana, it can get really hot in the summer. To cool off, many enjoy water sports in the Flathead Valley and its many lakes and rivers.
Go for a swim in Whitefish Lake, float down the Flathead River, or sail from Bigfork. Taking a vacation in the Flathead Valley means enjoying a mountain get-away with access to the beach.
The lake, the beach, the rivers are to summer what skiing is to winter. They are an integral part of the Flathead experience and what makes this valley so incredible. Water sports in the Flathead Valley will give you a whole new perspective on the valley!
On the lakes
There is no shortage of lakes in the Flathead Valley. Whether it’s Whitefish, Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, or Flathead Lake. Take a boat and go tubing, wakesurfing, or water skiing! Rent paddles, a canoe, or a kayak and explore Lake McDonald and its incredible views of the park.
Looking for a more leisurely day? Drop by Burgertown and set up for the day at Wayfarers next to Bigfork. Sunbathe on the beach. Swim for a while to cool off. Want to see Flathead Lake and learn more about its famous monster? You can hop on a boat and take a tour of the lake. You can see many of the lake’s islands and perhaps observe some of the fish living in its clear water.
Along the rivers
Float the river!
Of all the water sports in the Flathead Valley, a lot of them take place on the rivers in the area. One of the most popular activities is simply floating down a river in a tube.
Take two cars and leave one at your arrival point, then ride back to your starting point. Inflate your tubes, pack some drinks in a sturdy bag so you don’t lose any trash on the way down. Tie the bag to one of your floaties to keep your drinks cool in the river! All you have to do is relax, and hopefully see some animals on the shore.
If you want to float down a river in a tube, the possibilities are almost endless. As long as you can park your car close by, you won’t have any problems. However, if you want to go down by boat, find out where you can launch it before you leave!
Go rafting!
Looking for a little more adrenaline? You’ll still be floating down the river. However, you may have less time to drink anything but some river water!
Grab your life jacket and paddles and head out to ride the rapids in your raft! Paddle down the Flathead River together on the calmer areas. Then feel the adrenaline rush in the white waters of the rapids.
A great activity to do with friends or family with the kids. Generally in Glacier National Park, you can go for a half-day or even on multi-day trips!