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.
Lots of parking available with 30 campsites (6 are tent only sites). The beach is sandy and wooded providing lots of shade in the hot summer sun. No concessions available so bring your own food and drink. Other facilities include a large pavilion with 5 picnic tables and 8 power outlets, indoor bathroom with flush toilets and 1 pit-toilet by the boat launch, 18 picnic tables, 3 trash cans with aluminum recycling, and coin showers.
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!
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.
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 at least 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 at least 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.
Lots of parking available with 30 campsites (6 are tent only sites). The beach is sandy and wooded providing lots of shade in the hot summer sun. No concessions available so bring your own food and drink. Other facilities include a large pavilion with 5 picnic tables and 8 power outlets, indoor bathroom with flush toilets and 1 pit-toilet by the boat launch, 18 picnic tables, 3 trash cans with aluminum recycling, and coin showers.
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!
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.
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!
