Among the fifty states in America, Montana is one of the most overlooked and underrated destinations. Montana has much to offer tourists looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Chicago or New York City.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Spoon Lake is an ideal location. Located in a forested area of northwestern Montana, Spoon Lake is nestled between two mountain ranges. It draws visitors from across North America to its pristine waters.
It features breathtaking views of nearby mountains and easy access to fishing, hiking trails, waterfalls, and numerous campgrounds. Planning your trip to Spoon Lake beforehand will ensure that you have a fun-filled vacation ahead!
Why you Should Visit Spoon Lake, Montana
Spoon Lake is an ideal destination for visitors. For one thing, it’s not too close to any large cities, so you can relax and enjoy the quiet and solitude that the wilderness offers.
Spoon Lake can be easily accessed from several nearby towns or cities, but none of the nearest ones is less than three hours away.
This makes Spoon Lake an excellent weekend getaway for urbanites who want to enjoy nature without leaving civilization entirely behind. Plus, as mentioned before, fishing is absolutely phenomenal here.
For those who love being on or near water – whether they’re anglers themselves or they just appreciate beautiful scenery; this destination is a must-see.
Why is it called Spoon Lake?
Spoon Lake is named after a sizable spoon-shaped rock formation visible from most spots onshore. While many people visit Spoon to fish, you can also enjoy swimming, hiking, and boating here!
Those who’ve seen it have also said that Spoon Lake has some of the best scenery in Montana.
Things to Pack for a Day Trip
A day trip to Spoon Lake is definitely worth it! You’ll want to bring some snacks and some drinks with you. Pack a picnic basket or backpack full of delicious and nutritious treats.
Staying hydrated while you’re at Spoon Lake is very important – you don’t want to get heatstroke on your adventure!
Pack a water bottle, refillable if possible, so that you have easy access to fresh water no matter where you are. If you’re hiking in one of our state parks or forests near Spoon Lake, make sure to pack some proper footwear for all types of terrain.
A camera and binoculars are great additions as well!
How to get to Spoon Lake
The easiest way to get to Spoon Lake is by air. The nearest airport is in Helena, Montana, and it has daily flights in and out of Seattle. Spokane, Washington, is another good option if you cannot fly into Helena.
Once you land at either airport, you can rent a car or arrange transportation via taxi or shuttle service with one of your local hotels near Spoon Lake.
Hotel and Resorts
The Spoon Lake area in Montana offers some excellent lodging choices, all of them within easy driving distance of the Spoon Lake attractions you want to visit. Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to stay or prefer something a little more luxurious, it’s all available in the Spoon Lake area.
Whether you’re in town on business or just want to experience Spoon Lake’s beautiful scenery, these hotels will provide everything you need.
A variety of additional companies can be found within the immediate area as well, giving you an assortment of options to choose from when deciding how to spend your time while in Spoon Lake, Montana.
If you’re planning a trip to Spoon Lake, be sure to stay at one of these hotels, you won’t regret it!
If luxury and elegance are part of your checklist (and who doesn’t like that?) then perhaps hotels such as Cedar Creek Lodge or Moss Mountain Inn are the right options for you.
Wonderstone at Glacier enjoys an ideal location in regards to Spoon Lake, making it another good option for those who care about convenience above all else.
Suppose you simply need somewhere affordable to lay your head at night. In that case, hotel names with stars under them aren’t so important. This brings us back to Mini Golden Inns Motel. It has everything most people need including comfortable rooms, convenient amenities, and excellent customer reviews — at a price most people can afford!
Best restaurants
There are several excellent restaurants in and around Spoon Lake, Montana.
One of these is O’Brady’s, which specializes in Irish pub fare. They feature an excellent selection of craft beers on tap. Also featuring American favorites like chicken wings and onion rings, O’Brady’s is a local favorite.
The Spoon Lake Pizzeria has great thin-crust pizza at affordable prices. With an expansive gluten-free menu, everyone can find something to their liking here. They have fresh salads and dessert options as well.
For breakfast or lunch, you can’t go wrong with Egon’s Pancake Parlor. Their omelets are made to order and served hot off the grill – just how they should be!
It doesn’t matter what time of day you visit Egon’s; you’re sure to leave feeling satisfied with your choice of eatery in Spoon Lake.
Top 4 Activities to do at Spoon Lake Montana
Thinking of booking a vacation to Spoon Lake, Montana? This popular destination on Glacier National Park’s southern boundary offers travelers numerous activities, from swimming and camping to fishing and hiking.
Check out these five great activities at Spoon Lake Montana!
Swimming
No trip to Spoon Lake is complete without a swim. Simply go for a short hike (about a mile), grab your suit, hit some of our more secluded beaches, and jump right in!
There are plenty of campsites nearby that offer immediate access to swimming areas. During hot summer days, you’ll find most of the locals cooling off on the docks. There are no lifeguards here, so swim carefully!
Also, keep an eye out for sun safety – avoid getting burnt by applying sunscreen before swimming. Always wear a hat or other protective gear like sunglasses.
When you’re done swimming, be sure to rinse off with freshwater as lake water can carry all sorts of bacteria that can lead to skin infections or stomach problems like cramps and diarrhea.
Hiking in the wilderness
Getting out into nature has a way of reconnecting us with ourselves. The best part about hiking is that it’s such an accessible activity—all you need is a pair of sturdy shoes, a packed lunch, and some water, and you’re good to go.
No car? No problem! Public transportation in many areas makes it possible for everyone to enjoy these kinds of adventures.
Although certain trails may require special permits or licenses (think backcountry camping or fishing), being prepared in advance can ease any concerns while also making your experience more enjoyable.
Fishing with your family
There are many fishing opportunities around Spoon Lake, ranging from ice fishing in winter to fly fishing in summer. Be sure you bring your own tackle and plenty of food if you plan on staying for a while. You’ll want good waterproof shoes or boots and warm clothing.
There is a boat launch on each side of Williams Island, so don’t worry about transporting your boat far once you reach camp.
Once you’ve got everything set up and have enjoyed some time on land, be sure you get out there in the waters, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Enjoying an Evening Campfire
When enjoying an evening campfire at Spoon Lake, be sure to bring your marshmallows. Campfires are a favorite way for families and friends to make lasting memories, roast hot dogs and S’mores over a bed of coals, have a casual conversation with others, or just enjoy time alone in nature.
You can’t beat sitting around a fire on a cool evening after an exciting day hiking or fishing at Spoon Lake – just remember that if you plan on having a campfire, you’ll need appropriate firewood (there’s none for sale nearby), extra water, some food, and maybe even some extra clothing.
What kind of supplies you bring will depend on how long you plan to camp out at Spoon Lake.
Conclusion
Spoon Lake is located in a county of breathtaking natural wonders. It’s no wonder that tourists flock to its rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters each year, regardless of the season.
If you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a family visit, or just a personal day off, it would be hard to find a more picturesque place than Spoon Lake.
The area offers hiking trails, scenic drives, waterfalls, mountaintop views of turquoise lakes, and dramatic peaks. The entire region is ideal for exploring nature, enjoying time with your significant other, or simply relaxing with an exciting book by a picturesque waterfall.
So, take your friends and family – or even make friends along for company, and spend your next vacation at Spoon Lake Montana!