You Haven't Lived Until You've Experienced This One Incredible Lake In Montana
By Jessica Wick|Published September 13, 2017
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Jessica Wick
Author
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
With its 200 square miles and 185 miles of shoreline, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states. And as one of Montana’s most famous destinations (for locals and tourists alike), it’s safe to say it’s one of the Treasure State’s finest gems.
But if you’re a Montanan and you’ve never been, you’re not alone. It may seem as if everyone on Earth has visited Flathead, but there are plenty of people who haven’t. If you’re one of them, here’s why you should start planning a trip for next summer (or go this weekend before fall weather really begins).
First, Flathead Lake is extraordinarily beautiful.
The lake is bordered by two highways perfect for scenic drives. Highway 35 runs along the shore on the east side, and Highway 93 borders its western side.
The water in the lake is known for being crystal clear.
Flathead Lake's water is so clear, you can often see to the bottom when you're out floating or boating. You've probably seen photos of the lake that look photoshopped - and in fact, some of those photos have landed on Scopes.com after one of them went viral. But the photos are real, and the lake water is pristine.
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This is one of our most impressive natural wonders.
Scientists estimate that prior to the melting of the glaciers, the water level of Flathead Lake was at one time 500 feet higher than it is today. To put it mildly, that's a lot of water.
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This is also the only lake in Montana to have its own monster.
Nessie, the Flathead Lake Monster, is described as a large eel-shaped creature, round with a wavy body like a snake. The first documented sighting was in 1889, and Nessie has been spotted once or twice a year ever since.
