Montana is renowned for its many natural and impressive water features. From huge glacier-carved bodies of water to rivers, reservoirs, and waterfalls, some of the best lakes in Montana are nothing short of breath-taking.
Montana is an expansive and rugged terrain surrounded by the mountainous wilds of nature of the state. So it is no surprise that many of the best lakes in Montana are to be found up in the mountains in the western region.
That said, the largest lake in Montana, Fort Peck Lake, is actually in the eastern part of the state, but lakes are also prevalent in and around towns and cities such as Helena, Bozeman, and Missoula.
The sheer pristine and picturesque beauty typical of western Montana lakes often comes accompanied by features like campgrounds, lodging, restaurants, and boat rentals. The majority of these lakes are easily-accessible and many have a fantastic rustic feel to them.
Glacier National Park is another natural expanse in Montana that is home to some of the best lakes, as is Yellowstone. In these regions, many of the most popular outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming are centered on and around the lakes. So let’s take a deeper delve, in no particular order, into some of Montana’s best lakes.
The 10 Best Lakes in Montana
- Flathead Lake
- Whitefish Lake
- Holland Lake
- Seeley Lake
- Mystic Lake
- Hebgen Lake
- Lake McDonald
- Mary Lake
- Avalanche Lake
- Fort Peck Lake
Map of Montana Lakes
1. Flathead Lake
The surface area of Flathead Lake is the largest expanse of natural water west of the Mississippi River. This popular Montana Lake covers close to 200 square miles and is the place where you’ll find large numbers of Western Montanans during the summer.
You can access the lake from various points around the shore, including some of Flathead Lake State Park. This is a popular camping area and it is possible to set up close to the shore in some sections.
Flathead is unsurprisingly something of a focal point of all kinds of boating activities and other water sports, and some stretches of the shore are lined with restaurants, various types of lodging, and marinas.
A stay close to the lake includes its fair share of amazing sunsets and views of the Mission Mountains. The lake also has many islands, and the somewhat unique Wild Horse Island State Park is the largest.
2. Whitefish Lake
Not too far from the equally attractive and renowned ski slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort, this lake covers just over 5 square miles. Whitefish Lake is one of the most scenic Montana lakes in the region, and some areas have sandy beach stretches with designated swimming areas, surrounded by gazebos and picnic tables.
The lake is also something of a hot spot for fishing and boating, and on the southwest shore of the lake along the Whitefish Lake State Park stretch you will find boat ramps and rentals, along with various campsites.
Along the south shore of the lake is Whitefish City Beach, which is one of the most popular spots to go swimming in the summer – even though like most lakes in the region the water in this one is somewhat on the cold side.
You’ll find plenty of amazing lake resorts around the Whitefish Lake region featuring the Western charm and stunning views typical of the area.
3. Holland Lake
Holland Lake is a visually stunning, alpine body of water located in the Flathead National Forest. The lake covers around 400 acres, and its scenic appeal is added to by the surrounding Swan Mountains.
The impressive surrounding 3-mile terrain is considered to be one of the best hiking trails in Montana, and it ends up near the shore of the lake. Hikers then continue to have their minds (and their cameras) blown when they happen across the spray of Holland Falls at the end.
Holland Lake is a popular destination for locals looking for either relaxation or adventure. Boating and other water activities like kayaking and water-skiing are all popular on this picturesque lake, and it is also a decent spot for fly fishing for salmon and trout.
Overnight options are a possibility around the lake and you can find lodges and campgrounds to suit.
4. Seeley Lake
Just an hour’s drive from Missoula you can find the impressive mountain ranges of the Seeley-Swan Valley, where Seeley Lake is located. This is another western Montana lake covering around 1,000 acres. Seeley L