Flathead Lake in northwest Montana is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi; slightly larger than Lake Tahoe at 27.3 mi. long, 15.5 mi. wide, and max depth of 370.7 ft.
As one of the cleanest in the world, Flathead Lake is perfect for OPEN WATER SWIMMING! No sharks, no jellyfish, and no lane lanes...just clear, clean, and crisp water!
Salish Point is located on the lake's southern shore in Polson, MT. The park offers a very large, roped off swimming area between two fishing docks (about 250m apart) and stretching 30m out from the beach. In addition to a nice area for open water swimming, kids can be found during the summer months jumping and playing on the intermediate docks located within the swimming area.
Unless you like your water COLD, the effective swimming season is June through September. Average water temps in June are in the 60s, 70s in July and August, and then back down again in September.
Summer air temperatures average in the mid-70s to mid-80s.
Bathrooms are available and parking is easy. There are no available concessions, so bring your own food and beverages.
Swim Guide shares the best information we have at the moment you ask for it. Always obey signs at the beach or advisories from official government agencies. Stay alert and check for other swimming hazards such as dangerous currents and tides. Please report your pollution concerns so Affiliates can help keep other beach-goers safe.
Beach conditions change constantly, and it is never wise to swim in open water up to 48-hours after a heavy rain. Please use caution!
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread.
- Passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time
Historical Status
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread.
- Passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time
- Historical Status
Flathead Lake in northwest Montana is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi; slightly larger than Lake Tahoe at 27.3 mi. long, 15.5 mi. wide, and max depth of 370.7 ft.
As one of the cleanest in the world, Flathead Lake is perfect for OPEN WATER SWIMMING! No sharks, no jellyfish, and no lane lanes...just clear, clean, and crisp water!
Salish Point is located on the lake's southern shore in Polson, MT. The park offers a very large, roped off swimming area between two fishing docks (about 250m apart) and stretching 30m out from the beach. In addition to a nice area for open water swimming, kids can be found during the summer months jumping and playing on the intermediate docks located within the swimming area.
Unless you like your water COLD, the effective swimming season is June through September. Average water temps in June are in the 60s, 70s in July and August, and then back down again in September.
Summer air temperatures average in the mid-70s to mid-80s.
Bathrooms are available and parking is easy. There are no available concessions, so bring your own food and beverages.
Swim Guide shares the best information we have at the moment you ask for it. Always obey signs at the beach or advisories from official government agencies. Stay alert and check for other swimming hazards such as dangerous currents and tides. Please report your pollution concerns so Affiliates can help keep other beach-goers safe.
Beach conditions change constantly, and it is never wise to swim in open water up to 48-hours after a heavy rain. Please use caution!
