The “Flathead,” as locals call the valley, lies just west of the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains, amid the Swan, Mission, Salish and Whitefish ranges of Northwest Montana. In the middle lies the blue jewel of Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
Flathead Lake is also among the cleanest large lakes – perfect for sailing, cruising, kayaking, swimming, and fishing for trophy-size trout, yellow perch and whitefish. In spring, the fluffy white blooms of the cherry orchards along the shorelines promise luscious fruit in July and August.

Wild Horse Island, Flathead Lake’s largest island, is a wildlife refuge for more than 75 species of birds along with deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, mountain lions and bears.

A surprisingly mild climate invites you outside all year. Typical winter temperatures are in the 20s and 30s. Summer temperatures usually range from the 70s to low 90s.