What do you like to do when you visit Whitefish? Some people prefer to ski all winter, while others use it as a “home base” for their summer outdoor adventures. The good news is, there’s no wrong answer. Whitefish, and particularly Whitefish Lake, is a year-round travel destination. If you’ve never considered this gorgeous Montana lake for your off-season adventures, it’s time to take another look.

Whitefish Lake is a pristine freshwater lake in Flathead County.
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It was named in the 1880s for the abundant mountain whitefish that swim in its waters.
The lake is quite large, measuring about a mile wide and seven miles long.
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Conveniently, the resort town of Whitefish lies just beyond its borders.
Whitefish Lake State Park is part of the Whitefish hiking and biking trail system, and it's such a perfect base camp for outdoor adventures.
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On warm summer days, the lake water here looks so pristine and aqua blue.
Fishing is a top pastime here, as Whitefish Lake has populations of lake trout that rival that of nearby Flathead Lake.
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Large bull trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and northern pike are popular catches, making it one of the most popular lakes in Montana.

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In the summertime, the lake is a hotbed for all kinds of water sports.
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For starters, there's lots of boating, wakeboarding...
...and people love to watch from the shores of Whitefish City Beach.
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Grab the family and spread out a beach towel here to relax on a hot summer day. You just might feel like you're at the ocean. It is simply magical!
Many people think the lake is deserted in the wintertime. But believe it or not, it's actually a great time to visit.
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First, the view across the frozen lake is absolutely mesmerizing, and you can enjoy it as you snowshoe or cross country ski. Also, the lake tends to freeze solid in January, at which time a small part of the lake is sectioned off for ice skating.
In short, Whitefish Lake is simply incredible any time of year.
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If it's been a while since you've had a lake day, consider this your sign to plan a wonderful lake vacation.

Have you ever been to Whitefish Lake in Montana? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that it is one of the best lakes in Montana? In your opinion, what is the best lake in Montana? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

To hone in more on the beach area here, read this article and learn why it just might rival a Caribbean beach.

If you’re still in the mood for more Big Sky adventures, take a look at this video:

 

 

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More to Explore

More Montana Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 16, 2023

Where can we find other lakes in Montana?

  • Cliff Lake is a popular place for kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing.
  • Lake Como is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, boating, waterskiing, fishing, and more.
  • Lake McDonald was carved out by Ice Age glaciers and is now Glacier National Park's biggest lake.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other stunning lakes in Montana.

Where can we find resorts in Montana?

  • The Big Sky Resort in Big Sky offers a wide array of year-round activities, in addition to dining, shopping, pools, hot tubs, fitness areas, and more.
  • Sage Lodge in Pray offers premium rooms as well as fully appointed cabins including living and dining areas, full kitchens, and other amenities.
  • Fairmont Hot Springs Resort in Anaconda is a popular destination in part for its oversized Olympic swimming pools, mineral-soaking pools, and fantastic ambiance and views.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fantastic resorts in Montana.

Where can we find short hiking trails in Montana?

  • The Redrock Falls Trail in Glacier National Park is a 3.5-mile hike and features a waterfall along the way.
  • The Sacagawea Peak Trail near Bozeman is short but does have some steep inclines and switchbacks.
  • The Triple Tree Trail in Gallatin National Forest is one of the easiest hikes in Montana and is particularly popular during wildflower season.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful and short hiking trails in Montana.

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Whitefish Lake, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA