Here at Flathead Lake Lodge, we’ve hung our hats in Bigfork, Montana, since 1945. While there are several guest ranches throughout the United States that offer traditional Western experiences – like horseback trail rides – we’re the only place that combines a traditional dude ranch experience with a lake vacation. Our nearly 2,000 acres of Montana sit on the shore of Flathead Lake, which is the largest natural freshwater lake in the West. With our location on the lake, our guests have easy access to abundant water activities, from sailing to water sports and boat cruises.
And as Flathead Lake can play a large role in your ranch vacation (if you want it to), here are five things to know about our ranch’s backyard, Flathead Lake.
1. It was carved by ancient glaciers.
Just like Glacier National Park was named for ancient glaciers that created its hanging valleys and jagged peaks, Flathead Lake was also carved out by massive glaciers that moved through the area known today as the Flathead Valley. What they left behind: a lake with an average depth of around 165 feet and a deep point that is just under 371. It’s 27 miles long and 15 miles long.
2. Flathead Lake rarely freezes.
With its massive depth, length, width and constantly moving water, the lake rarely freezes in its entirety. However, it still does! 2019 was the last time the lake was completely frozen.
3. You can sail in Montana on Flathead Lake.
While sailboats may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Montana, when you drive around Flathead Lake you’ll see sailboats cruising its waters. Due to the lake’s size and location, it creates its own ecosystem which includes winds that lend well to sailing. Here at the ranch, we’re fortunate to have two historic Q-class racing sloops – the Questa and Nor’Easter – from the late 1920s. Captain Scott is at the helm of our sailboats; see him in action here.
4. The water is CLEAN.
One of the reasons our sailboats are in such amazing shape is because of the lake’s clean waters. Fed be glacial melt and snow runoff from the Flathead and Swan rivers in Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, the lake fully flushes its water approximately every 2.5 years. In comparison, the waters of Lake Tahoe take 650 years to fully flush.
5. It has dozens of islands.
Due to its size, it’s no surprise that Flathead Lake is home to a variety of islands. Some are public lands, while others are privately owned. The largest island on the lake is Wild Horse Island. In addition to some private properties, the island has a day-use state park. Wild Horse Island State Park encompasses 2,160 acres and has hiking trails, a beach and – you guessed it – a herd of wild horses. It’s accessible by boat or kayak.
If you’re ready to come play on our lakeside guest ranch, let us know. You can also learn more here or call our office at 406-837-4391.
Happy trails,
Chase