Whitefish Lake in Montana is a large freshwater lake in the state with plenty to offer to visitors.
A shimmering lake that is seven miles long and surrounded by nature and a sandy beach. It’s the ideal spot for those seeking adventure or a retreat in nature.
Mountains overlook the lake, making for gorgeous views. There are many activities that tourists can engage in both on or near the lake, as Whitefish Lake is located in a town with several lodges, restaurants, and bars.
Many visitors decide to visit both the lake and the famous Glacier National Park, as they are only thirty minutes away.
A lake is a popular place for both tourists and locals, as there are plenty of things to do at the lake. Some popular activities include kayaking, boating, fishing, and paddleboarding.
The lake is also situated near the famous Lodge at Whitefish which offers a marina that offers rentals on boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes.
Visitors can also purchase drinks and snacks there. With plenty of activities to do at the lake and a variety of great places to eat in stay in town, Whitefish is an excellent getaway.
Things To Do At Whitefish Lake
There are tons of options when it comes to what to do at Whitefish Lake. Many visitors opt to take or rent a boat or kayak to Whitefish, as the lake offers plenty of space to explore.
Waterskiing and tubing are also popular activities at the lake, making it a great place for adventurous visitors and adrenaline seekers.
The lake is also a popular spot with fishers, as there is a lot of fish in the lake. If you’d prefer to not pack or rent any equipment to enjoy the lake, it is also safe and fun to just swim in the lake!
Boating at the Lake
The lake is an ideal place to visit if you’re looking to go boating, as the lake is wide and spacious. There are two concrete boat launches at the lake, City Beach Boat and Whitefish Lake State Park.
The Lodge at Whitefish also offers a marina that has day and overnight slips available. There are no boat restrictions at the lake.
For visitors who prefer not to worry about bringing a boat, there are rentals available at The Lodge at Whitefish. Or if you’d prefer to not worry about even driving the boat yourself, The Lodge at Whitefish also offers private one-and-a-half-hour boat tours.
Visitors can also utilize The Lodge at Whitefish to refill on gas, rent tubes, and waterskis, and relax with a drink and snacks at the Tiki Bar. Tourists can also even relax with a massage at the spa before returning to boating if they would like.
Overall, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the lake by boat. Although motorized boats are quite popular at the lake, visitors can also enjoy the lake by kayak or canoe. There are even visitors who go on paddleboards at the lake!
Waterskiing and Jetskiing at Whitefish Lake
Whitefish Lake is the perfect place for the adrenaline junkie, with plenty of excellent opportunities for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. The lake is not windy too often, making it a great place to catch air.
It’s no surprise then that the lake has become a popular place to visit for those seeking a place to do tricks.
If you don’t have room to pack much or just simply don’t have your own equipment, The Lodge at Whitefish offers waterski, jet ski, wakeboard, and tube rentals. There are also several shops nearby that offer rentals as well including Whitefish Marine and FlyBoard of Montana.
Since there are no boating restrictions, you can choose to catch air in a variety of ways at the lake and there are plenty of affordable rental options available.
For those who are nervous about waterskiing and wakeboarding, but still want to ride some waves, tubing is a great alternative.
Tubing is allowed at Whitefish Lake and is a comfortable activity that requires little to no skill to enjoy. It’s also a great activity for kids, so everyone can enjoy catching waves if you bring your family to the lake.
Fishing at the Lake
Fishing at Whitefish is considered excellent by most visitors. The lake offers a variety of fish including, lake trout, mountain whitefish, bull trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and northern pike.
The most popular fish are lake trout and mountain whitefish and both can be quite large in size. Many of the lake trout are over twenty pounds.
Most fishers choose to fish by boat, as it is easier at the lake, but you can also fish by the shore. There are plenty of ways to fish at the lake, though tolling is the most popular at the lake. There are also a few good places to cast and fly fishing is available.
Fishing at the lake is available year-round. The lake freezes over in the winter, but many fishers consider this to be a positive, as the lake is also a great spot for ice fishing.
Regardless of how you prefer to fish, Whitefish Lake is a great place to visit if you wish to catch trout.
Can You Swim at the Lake?
You can swim at Whitefish Lake! For visitors who would like to a dip in the lake, it’s best to go in the summer as temperatures are the warmest then.
The best place to go swimming is at Whitefish City Beach, where there is a sandy beach. There is a designated swimming area there and also picnic tables and gazebos available. There is also a shaded grass area if you’d prefer to avoid the sun well not swimming.
Please note, that dogs are NOT allowed at Whitefish City beach.
Whitefish Lake State Park also offers a designated swimming area, although it is shallower and a bit rocky. However, there is a small dog-only beach in this area, if you’d prefer to bring your pet.
Visitors recommend bringing earplugs here, as there are trains that go by that are quite noisy.
Finally, visitors who stay overnight at The Lodge at Whitefish can also enjoy the private beach there. This beach has chairs and a small designated swimming area.
Camping, Cabin Rentals, and Hotels Near Whitefish Lake
There are plenty of places at or near Whitefish Lake where tourists can stay. You can even opt for a more luxurious and truly private experience, as there are plenty of lakeside townhouses and cabin rentals.
Whether you prefer to camp or relax at a hotel, you’ll be able to find a place that you like at Whitefish Lake.
If you want to save money and want a more rustic experience there are campgrounds at the Whitefish State Park by the lake. There are twenty-five sites available and most can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. There is also a hike and bike campsite.
The campsite includes flush toilets, showers, and trash removal. There are also picnic tables, food storage lockers, and fire rings available at each campsite. It costs $14 to $18 to camp here, depending on when you come.
For those seeking a more luxurious option, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is a great option. The Lodge at Whitefish offers traditional suites, condominiums, and luxury homes.
This is place is by far the best option for those who want to stay in a hotel but also not drive as The Lodge at Whitefish is right by the lake. The lodge costs anywhere from $300 to $400 a night.
There are also a variety of places offering cabin rentals. Echtra Cabin is one such place, offering a luxurious cabin with a great view and a six-person hot tub. It’s an expensive place coming in around $1000 a night, so it’s best for large groups.
Whether you decide to stay in a hotel or camp, you’ll likely have a great time as there is plenty to do at the lake.