Things to do in Montana, United States: The Best Bodies of Water

September 12, 2021 Roseanne Arnett

No matter where you look in Montana, you’ll find unspoiled nature, charming small towns and relaxing hospitality. Explore Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, then hit the road to discover more natural wonders. You can hike, bike or horseback ride through rugged mountain landscapes, fly-fish blue ribbon trout streams, paddle scenic rivers and lakes, or spend winter days carving fresh powder at ski resorts — then end your day wandering a vibrant main street or relaxing in a cozy lodge.
Restaurants in Montana

1. Hidden Lake

Near Logan Pass, West Glacier, MT http://www.hikinginglacier.com/hidden-lake.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 713 reviews

Hidden Lake

A superb fishing lake where catching 20-inch fish is common.

Reviewed By dilly4j

This is a very crowded hike but the views and wildlife make this trail worth it. Most of the hike is uphill on boardwalks and the views, streams, snow, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and occasionally a grizzly make this hike really cool.

2. Red Rock Lakes

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Part of the National Wildlife Refuge system, these lakes offer many birdwatching opportunities.

3. Swiftcurrent Falls

Glacier National Park, MT
Excellent
79%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 304 reviews

Swiftcurrent Falls

A scenic lake.

Reviewed By roamawaywithus - Bismarck, United States

A super pretty area to stop and check out the lodge, history, eat, or take a boat tour! We took a boat tour and hike to upper Grinnell Lake & Grinnell Glacier it was truly an unbelievable trip. The boat staff was very knowledgeable and more than accommodating. The lodge was a perfect place to eat and rest and just take in the views of the Lake!!!

4. Iceberg Lake

Glacier National Park, MT http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/ranger-led-activities.htm
Excellent
93%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 103 reviews

Iceberg Lake

This spectacular lake, bordered on three sides by mountains and located 1,000 feet above the trailhead, has patches of ice even in the warmest months.

Reviewed By U617RFnicoles - Gettysburg, United States

Our family of six took this hike on the first day of our trip to Glacier National Park. The first part of the hike is rather taxing but once you get past that part, it levels out. This is a 10 mile hike round trip so you will want to make sure you have plenty of water, lunch food/snacks, and bug repellent. Hiking poles would have been helpful but we bought them after this hike. We saw several moose on the way to the lake. When you get to the Iceberg Lake, it is gorgeous! Beautiful pictures! Take your shoes off, and dip your feet into the freezing cold water after your long hike. Have lunch on the rocks by the lake. Enjoy every minute!

5. Paradise Valley

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Paradise Valley

The Paradise Valley is a long and broad valley north of Yellowstone National Park through which flows the Yellowstone River.

6. Yellowstone River

North Rim Drive, Yellowstone National Park, WY, West Yellowstone, MT http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 716 reviews

Yellowstone River

Reviewed By Scelly_P - Maple Grove, United States

The Yellowstone River is absolutely breathtaking you have to take time to go to the upper and lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to see the Yellowstone falls.

7. Flathead Lake

Polson, MT https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/lake/flathead-lake.html
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 365 reviews

Flathead Lake

Reviewed By SgtMom2 - Fayetteville, United States

This was one of the prettiest places I have ever visited. The water is cold and amazingly clear. The views all around are gorgeous. There is a paved highway all around the lake with many places to stop and sightsee. We had a great afternoon flying a kite at a lakeside park.

8. Gatiss Gardens

4790 Mt Highway 35, Kalispell, MT 59901-8206 http://www.gatissgardens.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Gatiss Gardens

9. Bowman Lake

North Fork, Glacier National Park, MT +1 406-888-7800 http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

Bowman Lake

This lake lies just west of the Livingston Range of mountains in Montana and just south of the Canadian border in the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

Reviewed By MichaelK1887 - Smyrna, United States

We had a long wait to get through to the long dirt road to get there, but it was a beautiful lake and view. We hiked around part of the lake and saw a couple of deer along the way. We also saw a couple of black bears along the dirt road to and from the lake so it was a worthwhile trip from Polebridge.

10. Fort Peck Reservoir

Fort Peck, MT http://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/lake/fort-peck-lake-reservoir-and-recreation-area.html
Excellent
67%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Fort Peck Reservoir

This superb fishing reservoir measures 140 miles long and is considered the largest in Montana.

Reviewed By Llpotz - Jackson, United States

Once you get to Jordan, MT, the reservoir is 25 miles north on a dirt road and let me tell you - it is worth every bump and jiggle! Water, water, 134 MILES of water!!! This is the 5th largest artificial lake in the USA. Has a cute little marina and lots of camp sites (although, there was still so much water, there were a few still under water). The landscape is stunning and oh, did I mention, this is where one of the most complete T-REX specimens was discovered - soon to be displayed in the Smithsonian? Heard the fishing was pretty good with many different species of fish but alas, we did not have our poles! Would love to come back and camp for a couple of days!!

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