Things to do in Bigfork, Montana (MT): The Best Nature & Parks

July 20, 2021 Myesha Cogley

Bigfork is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Flathead County, Montana, United States. The population was 4,270 at the 2010 census, up from 1,421 at the 2000 census.
Restaurants in Bigfork

1. Jewel Basin Hiking Area

Bigfork, MT http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/flathead/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=77671&actid=51
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

Jewel Basin Hiking Area

Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States

With tens of thousands of acres and dozens of trails this is a hikers paradise. Located east of Kalispell, and past the Hungry Horse Dam, access in the winter becomes considerably more restricted. The use of a four wheel drive made this trip possible. We drove in about 8 miles or so on the west side of the dam to Jimmy Trail. The trail is fairly strenuous and the calf deep snow added to that. The trail ascends steeply in numerous places with almost no flat or plateau areas. The views through the trees are breathtaking and it was well worth the effort. This is a remote area and precautions are necessary. Bring supplies and at least bear spray, as bears, mountain lions and bobcats are present. Our hike was about three miles out and back. This time of year there is almost no vehicular or pedestrian traffic, though snow mobiles could be heard in the distance. On a sadder note the beetles have done an enormous amount of damage to the trees. So much more to do.

2. Echo Lake

Bigfork, MT http://www.echolakecafe.com/
Excellent
70%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Echo Lake

An excellent bass fishing lake.

3. Swan River

Bigfork, MT http://www.swanriverinn.com/
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Swan River

Home of the annual whitewater races.

Reviewed By architect28 - Arizona, United States

This is a wonderful river! My favorite thing to do is kayak down the river. However, it has so much to offer, from beauty to wildlife, to fishing, swimming, to the river road nature hike, to seasonal wild mile kayaking events and so much more!

4. Swan Lake

Bigfork, MT http://swanlakecabins.com/
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Swan Lake

A popular ice-skating lake during the winter.

Reviewed By architect28 - Arizona, United States

There are many lakes in the area, but Swan Lake is one of the best. There is a small fee to get in to the public access, but it is worth the money. Nice public beach area, picnic tables available and serene views.

5. Kootenai River

Bigfork, MT
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Kootenai River

Originating on the west slope of the Canadian Rockies and fed by glacier streams, this is one of the best dry fly trout rivers in the western United States.

6. Strawberry Lake Trail #5

Flathead National Forest, Bigfork, MT http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5324815.pdf
Excellent
50%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Strawberry Lake Trail #5

7. Wayfarers State Park

8600 Mt Highway 35, Bigfork, MT 59911-3708 +1 406-837-4196 http://stateparks.mt.gov/wayfarers/
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Wayfarers State Park

Reviewed By turbohauser

Went fishing there and had a nice hike in. Got some nice Lake Trout and fished from the rocks. What a beautiful park!

8. Swan River Nature Trail

Grand Dr., Bigfork, MT
Excellent
71%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Swan River Nature Trail

Reviewed By 763SANDRAB - Kalispell, United States

Lovely easy walk on a previous old gravel road. It is flat and shady so comfortable on a hot day. There are great vistas along the way of Swan River as you are about 30-40 feet up on a hill along the river. We saw women with strollers, families, dogs on leashes, couples and three people on bikes. It is 2 miles in and out. There is a bathroom halfway and three picnic tables along the way. The only caution would be: keep a close watch on any little children running loose as it would be easy for a child to tumble over the edge down a rocky cliff on the river side. There are no guardrails. You can access the trail from above The Bigfork Inn in the City of Bigfork and Park there or you can access it along the bridge over Swan River where kayakers frequently “ take out” - parking available either end.

9. Yellow Bay / Flathead Lake State Park

8600 Mt Highway 35, Bigfork, MT 59911-3708 +1 406-837-3041 http://stateparks.mt.gov/yellow-bay/
Excellent
20%
Good
60%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 5 reviews

Yellow Bay / Flathead Lake State Park

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