Water Activities
The Flathead National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunities on the water. If your taste for adventure is wet, check out our wide range of great locations!
Lakes
Larger lakes that offer a variety of water activities include Holland Lake, Swan Lake, Lindbergh Lake, the Hungry Horse Reservoir, Tally Lake, Upper Stillwater Lake, and Big Salmon Lake in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Many lakes have boat launches, docks, and camping near-by.
The Flathead National Forest also boasts hundreds of beautiful, alpine lakes including Sylvia Lake, Red Meadow Lake, Moose Lake, Lupine Lake, and many in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area, the Mission Mountain, Great Bear and Bob Marshall Wilderness areas. These lakes offer recreation opportunities from summer swimming to quiet paddling near camping sites and picnic areas.
Flathead Wild and Scenic River
Floating the three forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River is a popular activity. The North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork have different origins and personalities, until they merge to form the main Flathead River. The three forks offer opportunities for day floats, thrilling whitewater stretches, and permitted guided trips for single-day and overnight experiences. Party size limits differ on different stretches of the river. Find brochures and regulations to help your float be a success on our Wild & Scenic Rivers page.
Boating - Motorized
The Flathead National Forest’s several large lakes and reservoirs offer opportunities for motorized boats of all types. Motorized boats are prohibited in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area and within all designated Wilderness areas. Different stretches of the three forks of the Flathead River have varying regulations regarding motorized boats. Please refer to the River Regulations page (link?) for details.
Boating - Non-Motorized
The North Fork, Middle Fork, and portions of the South Fork of the Flathead River are within the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and are used for floating excursions. No permits are required for floating use. There are several commercial outfitters that offer float trips.
All lakes and streams on the Flathead National Forest are open to non-motorized boating activities.
Swimming
Swimming is popular at the Tally Lake Campground beach area, the Hungry Horse Reservoir developed sites, Lion Lake (North and South), Ashley Lake Boat Launch and Day Use Site, Holland Lake Day Use and Swan Lake Day Use Sites. Please note there are no life guards at any site. Be safe and don't swim alone. Some Day Use Sites may require a fee depending on the season.
- Look before you leap. Always check water conditions and depth before jumping or swimming. Underwater conditions can change quickly, putting hazards like tree branches or rocks in your path that were not there before.
- Beware diving into any natural body of water. It is never safe to jump from rock cliffs, ledges, and man-made structures.
- Swim at designated swimming beaches.
- There is no lifeguard on duty.
- Swim at your own risk.
- Do not recreate in or around boat ramps/launches.
Waterskiing
Water skiing occurs on most of the larger lakes located on the Flathead National Forest. The lakes or reservoirs listed here all have boat launches that are designed to accommodate larger ski boats.
Swan Lake District
- Holland Lake Campground
- Swan Lake Day Use
- Lindbergh Lake Campground
Hungry Horse District
- Hungry Horse Reservoir - boating access at Doris Boat, Emery Bay, Abbott Bay, Murray Bay, Lost Johnny Camp.
Tally Lake District
- Tally Lake Campground
- Ashley Lake Boat Access
Search for Water Activities Opportunities
Abbot Bay Boating Site
Ashley Lake Boat Launch and Day Use
Ashley Lake North Campground
Ashley Lake South Campground
Bear Creek River Access Boating Site
Big Creek River Access Boating Site
Billy Garret Memorial Bridge Access
Canadian Border River Access Boating Site
Canyon Creek Boating Site
Cascadilla Flat River Access Boating Site