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Flathead Lake Overlook

The Flathead Lake Overlook at Flathead Lake State Park (Wayfarers Unit) in Bigfork, Montana is an easy 0.2-mile out-and-back walk that leads to beautiful views of the turquoise waters of Flathead Lake.

Exploring Flathead Lake

This very short walk leads from the boat launch area near the shore of Flathead Lake and follows a series of stone steps up a short hill. From the hill, there are several benches that sit along the short cliffs above Flathead Lake -- this route follows the unmarked "trail" of benches out to several different viewpoints above the lake. Flathead Lake has some of the most pristine and clear water in Montana and thus it reflects a stunning turquoise hue, especially during sunny days when the light hits the water just right. This very short out-and-back walk leads visitors out to take in the views of the water and Flathead Lake's surrounding mountains. Be sure to take a seat on one of the benches if you wish to spend extra time here to soak in the scenery. Be forewarned though, the wind can get pretty strong on the shoreline here.

Parking

Visitors will find parking at the coordinates provided, located near the boat launch for the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park. There's plenty of parking available at this very quiet park.

Pets

Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
Explore 1 trail near Bigfork, MT

Know Before You Go

  • A short, easy 0.2-mile walk in Bigfork, MT offers beautiful turquoise lake and mountain views.
  • The "trail" features benches at several viewpoints overlooking Flathead Lake.
  • Located in Flathead Lake State Park (Wayfarers Unit), with ample parking and dog-friendly (leashed) policies.
Interactive topographic map for Flathead Lake Overlook located in Bigfork, MT. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
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Distance
0.2 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Out-and-Back
Est. Time
6 min
Elev. Gain
32'
Rating
4.0
Added
September 20, 2024
Updated
December 20, 2024

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
31'
Ascent
32'
Descent
32'
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Features

Vista / Lookout Point
Dogs

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    48.053869, -114.08323
  2. Main Trailhead

    48.053663, -114.083348
  3. Bench sits along Flathead Lake with a view of the water

    48.053464, -114.083503
    Bench sits along Flathead Lake with a view of the water
  4. Turquoise waters of Flathead Lake

    48.053408, -114.083839
    Turquoise waters of Flathead Lake

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

Trip Reports (Reviews)

Rated 4.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating.

Ready to help fellow hikers? Add a trip report to share your experience and provide valuable insights for other hikers!

0.2 miles / 0.3 km
September 20, 2024
Quick walk to views of Flathead Lake -- no one else was around. Great change of pace from exploring Glacier National Park
Hiking
No community routes found. To add your own hike as a Community Route for this Trail guide, leave a Trip Report with an attached GPX file.

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