Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake in Montana, North America's largest freshwater ice-free lake, offers crystal-clear water and year-round recreation.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Pacific Northwest |
| Subregion | Northern Rockies |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Lake County |
| District | Flathead Basin |
| Postal Code | 59901 |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 48.308 |
| Longitude | -114.159 |
| Maps |
9:34 PM LOCAL TIMEFlathead Lake is a massive natural lake in northwest Montana, formed by glacial and geological processes. Spanning roughly 1863 km², it flows into the Flathead River and is fed by snowfall from the nearby Salish Mountains and smaller tributaries. The lake is renowned for its exceptionally clear water, which often exceeds 20 meters of visibility, and its relatively gentle southern and eastern shores, making it ideal for boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation. Surrounding communities like Bigfork, Polson, and Kalispell provide access points, amenities, and cultural attractions; meanwhile, parks, marinas, and resorts cluster along its shorelines. Whether you're paddleboarding on calm mornings, fishing for lake trout and whitefish, or exploring nearby trailheads and state parks, Flathead Lake offers a majestic and accessible alpine waterbody with year-round appeal.
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