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18 Great Things to Do in Bigfork, Montana (With Tours & Free Activities)

Mark Barnett
Last Updated: February 28th, 2023

Bigfork attracts many visitors that fall for its lively culture and close proximity to nature. Even though Bigfork is a comparatively small town in Montana it offers an abundance of activities.

In this article, we will take a look a the best things to do in Bigfork both indoor and outdoor, as well as free events and tours!

Fun Things to Do in Bigfork Montana

The 15 Best Things to Do in Bigfork, Montana

1. Go For a Hike

Bigfork is a great place for hiking trails. Put your boots on and head for places like The Wild Mile Trail, which forms part of the Swan River Trail. This hike takes you along by the river rapids and includes some impressive vistas of the “Wild Mile” where Swan River and Flathead Lake join together.

The hike is a couple of miles one way and longer to get back. You’ll encounter various paths along this route that lead right down to the river, but if you don’t want to take those routes you’ll still be able to enjoy some pretty impressive scenery from higher up.

The Jewel Basin Hiking Trail is a route leading through some amazing forest scenarios, serene lakes, and a fair share of stunning mountain vistas. The main trail leads you past Camp Misery. Parking is available here but is not so easy to find on weekends and during peak seasons when the areas get pretty busy.

hike near big fork

2. Go Kayaking on Flathead Lake

We mentioned kayak rentals earlier so let’s delve a bit deeper into one of the most popular Flathead Lake activities. You’ll actually be able to rent kayaks in all of the regions close to the lake if you’d rather go it alone than take a tour. They are available from anything as little as a few hours up to a whole week.

Flathead Lake Marine Trail is a good place to start, and it comprises various waterways and stopping points around the lake that include some of the best aspects of the lake.

The trail has so many different routes that it is ideal for anyone from beginners to experienced kayakers. If you are already a dab hand in a kayak you might prefer to challenge yourself with some of the routes that go through rocky water.

These stretches are generally less shielded from the elements, while the routes closer to shore are somewhat calmer and more manageable.

The good thing about the Flathead Lake Marine Trail in terms of kayaking is that it has different access points for kayaks and other hand and wind-powered vessels, so it is basically off-limits to anything with a motor, making the experience that much more enjoyable.

Getting involved in either a single or even a multi-day paddle is a top way to experience the authentic natural beauty of Flathead Lake.

go kayaking on flathead lake

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