Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
Montana is famous for its stunning national parks, excellent outdoor activities, and being home to some of the best lakes in the world.
Discover the top lakes in Montana to visit to embark on your next outdoor adventure. Fly-fishing, camping, mountain biking, and wakeboarding are all popular activities in these stunning destinations.
Lake Elmo
Lake Elmo is located in the largest city in Montana, Billings. This lake is the perfect place for anyone looking to get some peace and quiet, as it does not allow any motorized vehicles on the water.
Along with fly fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winter, there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family here. You can hike several nature trails around the lake, mountain bike, and even take your dog to a beachfront dog park for some off-leash exercise.
Avalanche Lake
A favorite among visitors in Glacier National Park, Avalanche Lake offers stunning views from the trailhead around a two-mile loop.
This epic location has plenty of waterfalls, craggy mountain cliffs, and serene natural surroundings. This lake is an excellent destination to hike to through the national park. Although lakes this small usually don’t have any fish, Avalanche Lake is famous for having Yellowstone cutthroat trout and is a popular spot for well-seasoned fishermen.
Flathead Lake
With over 185 miles of shoreline, Flathead Lake is one of Montana’s best tourist attractions. Flathead State Park boasts plenty of outdoor activities for anyone in your group.
This lake allows motorized water vehicles, which makes it one of the best places to rent a boat or a jet ski to have a serious amount of fun.
Whitefish Lake
Whitefish Lake State Park is an excellent destination for anyone looking for plenty of amenities. Boat ramps, camping hookups, and boat rentals are all available here, making this lake the perfect place to stop for an excellent outdoor experience.
This stunning lake sits at an elevation of about 3,000 feet high up in the beautiful Montana wilderness. It’s a top pick for Western charm and gorgeous mountain views.
Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is an entirely unique place. Many people come here just to see the colorful pebbles that fill the shores of the water.
Many people who frequent Montana’s lakes and national parks say Lake McDonald is the most visually stunning place to visit. If you only have time for one lake on our list, consider visiting this one for the full Montana experience.
Hebgen Lake
Hebgen Lake sits in southwest Montana, close to Yellowstone National Park. Only a two-hour drive from the busy city of Bozeman, this lake has been a popular vacation for locals and visitors alike.
The lake is man-made and is the perfect place for water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, and more.
Lake Koocanusa
Lake Koocanusa is a vast reservoir that runs for more than 90 miles and reaches all the way into British Columbia. You can tour the Libby Dam to learn more about water preservation in the state.
The lake is perfect for water sports, outdoor activities, and multi-day camping trips. Although it’s a vast lake, you can space out between other guests at the lake, so it’s the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the busy crowds.
Seeley Lake
Only an hour away from the popular town of Missoula sits Seeley Lake. Situated inside dramatic mountains and craggy cliffs, this lake is a wonderful destination for anyone looking for fly fishing with a view.
The lake is also a popular place for camping, swimming, and boating. With 29 campsites, this busy lake is well-situated to hold plenty of visitors.
Canyon Ferry Lake
Canyon Ferry Lake is one of the most popular lakes near the state capital of Helena. Fishermen enjoy coming to this lake for the healthy population of walleye and trout.
Three marinas at this lake make it the perfect place to launch your boat and enjoy any water spots while taking in the majesty of the surrounding natural atmosphere.
Bowman Lake
Bowman Lake is the third biggest lake in Glacier National Park. You can access this stunning location through the small town of Polebridge.
This lake makes the perfect day trip. You can hike around the lake in the woods, enjoy quiet picnic spots, and play fun outdoor games, all while enjoying the view of the lake. This area does now allow any motorized water vehicles, making it the perfect place for a low-key day trip.
Holland Lake
This lake is an amazing place to visit if you’re interested in alpine views. The lake sits in Flathead National Forest and is a popular campground for locals.
The 400-acre lake boasts several water sports as well as camping and fishing for salmon and trout. If you want to experience this lake with less traffic, consider visiting during the week.
8 Most Unique Places To Kayak In The US- Stunning Beauty
Looking for a unique and thrilling way to explore the natural beauty of the United States? Look no further! From the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico to the rugged beauty of the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, there’s something for every adventure seeker.
The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes In The US- Discovering America
This article highlights the most beautiful hikes in the US from California to Maine. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail on this list that will leave you awe-inspired. So, put on your hiking boots and get ready to explore the diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes of America’s most beautiful hiking destinations.
10 National Parks To Skip If You Have Young Children
This article is a must-read if you’re planning a national park trip with young children! Don’t get stuck in rugged terrain, limited water access, or super-long hiking distances with your kiddos! Learn about the challenges and potential dangers of visiting these parks with young children and plan your trip accordingly for a safe and enjoyable experience.