Your Ultimate Guide to a Lakeside, Montana Summer Vacation

Summer in Montana's Flathead Valley is nothing short of magical. If you're looking for the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, lakeside relaxation, and small-town charm, Lakeside, Montana should be at the top of your list. Here's everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable summer stay.

Why Lakeside, Montana?

Tucked along the western shore of Flathead Lake—the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi—Lakeside is a quiet gateway to some of Montana's most spectacular scenery. With Glacier National Park just 45 minutes north and the charming village of Bigfork a short drive around the lake, you're perfectly positioned for a summer packed with adventure or pure relaxation.

The town itself is refreshingly unhurried. No stoplights, no crowds—just crystal-clear water, towering pines, and the kind of big sky sunsets that make you forget about everything waiting back home.

Things to Do on Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is the centerpiece of any Lakeside summer trip, and the activities are endless:

• Boat rentals & pontoon cruises — Several marinas in Lakeside and nearby Somers offer half-day and full-day rentals. There's nothing quite like cruising the 200 square miles of pristine water with the Mission Mountains as your backdrop.
• Cherry picking at Flathead Lake orchards — The east shore is famous for its cherry orchards. Visit in July for peak season and pick your own Flathead cherries—they're legendary for a reason.
• Paddleboarding & kayaking — The calm morning waters are perfect for SUP and kayak exploration. Rent gear in town or bring your own.
• Swimming at Wayfarers State Park — Just south of Bigfork, this park offers sandy beaches and some of the warmest swimming spots on the lake.
• Fishing — Flathead Lake is home to lake trout, whitefish, yellow perch, and bull trout. A guided fishing trip is a must for anglers.
• Wild Horse Island State Park — Accessible only by boat, this island is home to wild horses, bighorn sheep, and incredible hiking trails with panoramic lake views.

Outdoor Adventures Beyond the Lake

Glacier National Park

The crown jewel of Montana is less than an hour's drive from Lakeside. The Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens fully by early July and is one of the most scenic drives in North America. Plan for a full day to hike trails like Highline Trail, Avalanche Lake, or Hidden Lake Overlook. In 2025, the park saw over 3.1 million visitors—arrive early to beat the crowds.

Jewel Basin Hiking Area

For those who want world-class hiking without Glacier's crowds, Jewel Basin is a local favorite. Located east of Bigfork, this 15,349-acre wilderness area features 35 miles of trails winding through alpine meadows and past 27 pristine mountain lakes. The Mount Aeneas trail offers sweeping views of Flathead Lake and the Swan Range.

Whitewater Rafting

The Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River offer thrilling Class II–IV rapids. Several outfitters in the area run half-day and full-day trips that are perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Golf

The Flathead Valley is home to several excellent courses. Eagle Bend Golf Club in Bigfork is a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course consistently ranked among Montana's best. Wilderness Club near Eureka and Buffalo Hill Golf Club in Kalispell are also outstanding options.

Mountain Biking

The Whitefish Trail system offers over 40 miles of purpose-built singletrack, and Whitefish Mountain Resort opens its lift-served bike park for summer. Closer to Lakeside, the Herron Park trails and Foy's to Blacktail trail system provide excellent riding for all skill levels.

Where to Eat & Drink

The Flathead Valley's food scene has exploded in recent years. Here are the spots the locals love:

In & Around Lakeside

• Tamarack Brewing Company (Lakeside) — A local institution. Great craft beer, solid pub fare, and a patio with lake views. The huckleberry blonde ale is a must-try.
• Frenchy's Bar & Grill (Lakeside) — Casual lakeside dining with burgers, steaks, and the kind of no-frills atmosphere that makes Montana feel like home.
• Flathead Lake Brewing Co. (Woods Bay) — Another excellent local brewery with a beautiful taproom and rotating food trucks.

Bigfork

• ShowThyme — Fine dining in a charming downtown space. Creative seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients. Make a reservation.
• Flathead Lake Cheese — Artisan cheeses, charcuterie boards, and Montana-made goods. Perfect for picnic provisions.
• Swan River Brewing — Relaxed atmosphere, great pizza, and excellent craft beer. Family-friendly with a spacious outdoor area.
• Bigfork Summer Playhouse — Pair dinner with a show. This acclaimed community theater has been running Broadway-quality musicals since 1960.

Kalispell & Whitefish

• Café Kandahar (Whitefish) — Award-winning fine dining at the base of Whitefish Mountain Resort. Chef Andy Blanton's tasting menus are legendary.
• Wasabi Sushi Bar & Ginger Grill (Whitefish) — Surprisingly excellent sushi in the mountains. A Whitefish staple.
• Craggy Range Bar & Grill (Whitefish) — Great burgers, Montana elk dishes, and a lively après-adventure vibe.
• Hop's Downtown Grill (Kalispell) — Farm-to-table dining in a beautifully restored downtown building. The bison short ribs are outstanding.
• DeSoto Grill (Kalispell) — Southern-inspired comfort food with Montana flair. Don't skip the smoked wings.

Don't Miss

• Huckleberry everything — Montana's signature berry is everywhere in summer. Grab huckleberry ice cream, jam, or pie from roadside stands and local shops.
• Flathead Valley farmers markets — Kalispell (Saturday), Whitefish (Tuesday), and Bigfork (Wednesday) all run excellent summer markets with local produce, crafts, and food vendors.

Day Trips Worth Taking

• National Bison Range — About 1.5 hours south, this wildlife refuge is home to 350+ bison plus elk, pronghorn, and deer. The scenic drive through the range is unforgettable.
• Bob Marshall Wilderness — For serious backcountry adventurers, "The Bob" offers over 1.5 million acres of pristine wilderness accessible from trailheads east of Kalispell.
• Seeley Lake & Holland Lake — Beautiful mountain lakes about 1.5 hours south along the scenic Highway 83 corridor. Holland Lake Falls is a short, rewarding hike.

When to Book

Summer in Montana runs hot from mid-June through early September, with July and August being peak season. Flathead Lake water temperatures reach their warmest (65–70°F) in late July and August. Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier typically opens fully by early July, though exact dates vary by snowpack.

Pro tip: The best availability goes fast. If you're planning a summer 2026 trip, booking by early spring ensures you get your preferred dates—especially for larger group properties that accommodate families and reunion-sized gatherings.