Top 5 Things You Can’t Miss
- Wild Horse Island State Park lies south of Glacier National Park and is home to a variety of wildlife, such as five resident horses, a world-record bighorn sheep, and balding eagles.
- The 2,160-acre Island can be reached by kayaking or taking a boat over the largest freshwater lake of the Western U.S.
- Activities on the island, in addition to wildlife watching, include hiking along a scenic 3-mile loop as well as picnicking and taking in beautiful views.
- Flathead Lake Lodge, a dude ranch with equestrian theme, offers horseback riding.
- The Sitting Duck features local flavors. It serves huckleberry chicken wing, as well as huckleberry sliders and pork.
Wild horses roam the southwest arm Flathead Lake in Montana. Just south of Glacier National ParkThe aptly-named Wild Horse Island State Park is home to a herd that includes five resident horses, as well as countless bighorn sheep, bald and mule deer.
Folklore has it that members of the Salish, Kootenai and other tribes of Native Americans brought the horses into the park as a way to protect them against theft. Justin Flake of Sea Me Paddle says, “The Salish would swim their horses across Flathead Lake to stash them there on the island.”
In the 1970s, the 2,160-acre island became a state park, which now presents a quieter—yet well-maintained—alternative to nearby Glacier. Wild Horse Island is a lot like a trip to a national park. The journey itself is as much fun as the destination. Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater body of water in western United States, extends about 200 square kilometers. Visitors to Wild Horse Island will have to cross a portion of that crystal-clear water by boat.
Wild Horse Island offers a variety of options, including guided kayak tours, shuttle pontoons, and boat rentals. You can choose from a variety of activities once you arrive on the island. This includes observing the wildlife roaming freely and enjoying ponderosa-pine views for a picnic.
How to Get There
Roughly 35 minutes from Kalispell—a popular gateway to both Glacier and Wild Horse Island—Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) operates direct, year-round flights to major cities, including Denver, Seattle, and Las Vegas. You can also fly via Missoula Montana Airport, which is located less than two-hours south. If you are flying from either hub, be sure to book a rental vehicle. Uber and shuttles have limited capacity.
Before you go, know what to expect
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The northern region is a great place to live. Montana, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes” isn’t a cliché but a guiding principle. Layer up to accommodate the weather and your activities.
You do need to pack some things for [Wild Horse Island] because you’re going to want to be in quick-dry material—whatever you dress in when you’re on the lake—and then change into hiking shoes,” explains Flake.
Unless you’re a seasoned paddler or familiar with the lake, Flake also urges kayakers to paddle with an experienced guide—and get a head start on the day. “The best day to go would be the first thing in morning, before it gets too warm,” says Flake. “That’s the time when animals are at their most active.”
You’ll also find a bathroom on the island. According to the experts, people tend to stay on land for three hours. Big Arm Boat Rentals and RidesMatthew Sisler is the name of the company, but journey times can vary. The two-mile one-way kayak trip may take around an hour. Sisler’s thrice daily shuttles reduce the ride time to about 20 minutes.
How much are state park fees? The kiosk in the island is a great place for guests from out-of-state to deposit their luggage. nominal amount Sisler says that the boxes are placed at the trailhead, where people get off their boats.
When is the best time to visit?
Wild Horse Island is open all year round, but Flake recommends spring and fall. September extends the warm temperatures, while the arrowleaf Balsamroot blooms in spring, turning the island yellow. Sisler says that if you want to go swimming, then save your trip until July or August. Winter is when the lake freezes.
What to Do in Best Things to See
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Find all 5 horses
Flake says that it’s not surprising for a horse-themed park to have the most popular activity be wildlife viewing. Currently, five horses—all female—reside on the island and tend to congregate around the southern tip. The state park keeps track of the five horses and usually they live in a place called Driftwood Point, says Sisler. He recommends that visitors stay away from them and not pet them.
Hike the island trail.
You can take a hike on the main trail of the island, which starts at the northwest corner Skeeko Bay. The trail takes hikers through a three-mile moderate loop with different views of the Mission Mountains.
Marvel at massive bighorn sheep.
Sisler emphasizes that while the island is known for its horses, the stars are “the world’s biggest bighorn sheep,” a statement he made. record-breaking size. “It is better to leave the trails and go up the mountains where the big sheep live,” he says.
Bring out the binoculars.
Along with its four-legged residents, the island also attracts songbirds, woodpeckers, falcons and ospreys. On the northern coast, you can even see a bald-eagle nesting site. Sisler said, “It is amazing to watch the bald-eagles pick up fish to feed their young.”
Picnic with panorama
If you plan to picnic in the park, make sure to prepare ahead. Flake provides kayakers with a bagged lunch, though you can—and should—stop at Glacier Perks Coffee House Pack a huckleberry-scone to take with you.
Where to Stay
Flathead Lake Lodge
Sherman Lodge
Five-bedroom apartment is comfortable and cozy. Sherman Lodge The hotel is located in downtown Kalispell. Book the Sherman Loft if you are traveling with children. It includes a full kitchen and four beds.
Flathead Lake Lodge
All in for the win dude ranch experience All-inclusive Flathead Lake Lodge. If you want to embrace the island’s equine motif, then try horseback riding along the trails at the lodge.
State Park Campgrounds
Wild Horse Island, a day use park, does not allow camping. However, it is camper-friendly state parks encircle Flathead Lake. “The Big Arm State Park unit … is the most accessible and easiest campground,” says Sisler. It’s a popular campground, so you might need to book a bit in advance if you don’t tent camp.
Where to Eat
The Sitting Duck
The Sitting Duck
The eastern side of Flathead Lake. The Sitting Duck Serving all types of northwest Montana’s trademarked huckleberries. From smoked huckleberry huckleberry wings to huckleberry huckleberry sliders. You’ll also enjoy a scenic drive through lavender fields and cherry trees on the way to the restaurant.
Big Mountain Ciderworks
Just north of the Lake Big Mountain Ciderworks draws from its apple and pear orchard; the restaurant specializes in ciders, which range from dry to semisweet—and pair best with an apple bacon grilled cheese.
DeSoto Grill
Kalispell, the largest city in northwest Montana, has a thriving culinary scene. It boasts both historic institutions, such as Wild West Pizzeria, Moose’s SaloonYou can find more modern cafes such as Ceres Bakery. BBQ joint DeSoto Grill It’s a place that falls somewhere between. They serve classic Americana dishes, but with a Montana update. The owner of the restaurant was inspired to create the peanut butter and Huckleberry Pork Belly by a vision.
