Top 15 Stunning Lakes to Visit in Montana

Montana is located within the Rocky Mountains and is characterized by its diverse landscape, featuring flatlands in the east and towering mountains in the west. It ranks as the fourth largest state in the USA yet remains one of its most sparsely populated due to its expansive terrain. The state is celebrated for its vast blue skies, earning it the title ‘Big Sky Country.’

Montana boasts three significant tourist attractions: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. These iconic sites collectively draw millions of visitors annually. The state’s rich river valleys and its extensive collection of over 3,000 lakes further enhance its allure. The following are the 15 most exceptional lakes in Montana.

1. Lake McDonald; Flathead County

The stunning landscape surrounding Lake McDonald establishes it as the premier lake in Montana, situated within Glacier National Park. It is the largest lake in the park, spanning 2,761 hectares.

Located at the western end of the national park, the lake sits at an elevation of 961 meters above sea level. The scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road runs along the lake’s eastern side, while the Lake McDonald Valley Trails follow its western shoreline.

Four campgrounds are situated within the Apgar Visitor Center at the southern end of the lake. While activities are limited to fishing and scenic boat tours, the breathtaking scenery is the principal attraction of this glacial lake.

2. Flathead Lake; Lake & Flathead Counties

Flathead Lake, covering 51,000 hectares, is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. It is located just southwest of Glacier National Park, offering stunning vistas.

Two scenic highways embrace the lake on both its eastern and western sides, while the southern half lies within the Kootenai and Confederated Salish Tribes Flathead Reservation. Notably, Flathead Lake is one of the cleanest lakes globally for its size.

Visitors flock to Flathead Lake to revel in the scenery or partake in activities such as picnicking, water skiing, sailing, fishing, and swimming. There are also numerous campgrounds along the lake’s 260-kilometer shoreline, alongside cabins and motels for accommodation.

3. Saint Mary Lake; Glacier County

As the second-largest lake in Glacier National Park, Saint Mary Lake is positioned northeast of Lake McDonald along the picturesque Going-to-the-Sun Road. Its waters are notably cold, attributed to its elevation of 1,367 meters.

Although recreational activities are absent on the lake itself, hiking trails are available along its southern and western shores. Two campgrounds are found along the shoreline of the 1,588-hectare lake, alongside a hotel and a visitor center.

Saint Mary Lake serves as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts wishing to appreciate the landscape and observe local wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and both black and grizzly bears.

4. Quake Lake; Madison & Gallatin Counties

Officially recognized as Earthquake Lake, Quake Lake emerged following an earthquake that struck the region on August 17, 1959. Today, it is a favored location for fishing, particularly for cutthroat and brown trout, which are routinely stocked.

In addition to fishing, the lake is well known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by numerous mountain peaks, with Yellowstone National Park located just to its east.

Situated within the Gallatin National Forest along the Madison River, Quake Lake features the Beaver Creek Campground on its northeastern edge, offering hiking, canoeing, swimming, picnicking, and birdwatching opportunities.

5. Swan Lake; Lake County

Swan Lake, located to the east of Flathead Lake at the northern end of Swan Valley, sits at an elevation of 1,000 meters and is enveloped by the Flathead National Forest.

A variety of campgrounds surround the lake, offering opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing. Additionally, those who prefer land-based activities can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, berry picking, and wildlife observation.

Tourists seeking more comfortable accommodations can easily find lakeside cabins for rent, as well as several lodges on the southeastern shore.

6. Avalanche Lake; Flathead County

Avalanche Lake, also located within Glacier National Park, was formed from meltwater of the Sperry Glacier, which still feeds it today. Access to the lake is restricted to those hiking the Trail of the Cedars.

The trek to Avalanche Lake covers approximately three kilometers, beginning on the Trail of the Cedars and continuing until reaching the Avalanche Lake Trail. En route, hikers are treated to a beautiful waterfall that has carved its path through the rock.

It is advisable to allocate an entire day for the visit, as the hike typically requires around half a day to complete. The trail is paved and accessible to all, making the journey worthwhile primarily for the captivating scenery.

7. Hebgen Lake; Gallatin County

This artificial lake is situated in Southwest Montana at the base of Hebgen Peak, just west of Yellowstone National Park. Covering 5,400 hectares, it was created by damming the Madison River.

Hebgen Lake is a top destination for still water fishing within the state. The area also offers a range of recreational activities including boating, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Two campsites exist along the lake’s 105-kilometer shoreline, complemented by numerous summer home developments. Additionally, various cabins are available for rent both along and near the lake.

8. Canyon Ferry Lake; Lewis and Clark & Broadwater Counties

Canyon Ferry Lake ranks as the third largest lake in Montana, spanning 14,200 hectares. It is located along the Missouri River and was created through the construction of the Canyon Ferry Dam.

This lake features a 122-kilometer shoreline, equipped with boat ramps, day-use areas, camping grounds, and marinas. Opportunities for swimming and fishing also abound.

In winter, Canyon Ferry Lake becomes a popular venue for iceboating, hosting numerous ice boat races and world speed record challenges.

9. Swiftcurrent Lake; Glacier County

Swiftcurrent Lake, located in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park, features the park’s largest hotel along its eastern shoreline, known as the Many Glacier Hotel.

This lake is breathtakingly beautiful, with mountains towering 910 meters above it. The lake receives replenishment from Grinnell Glacier, situated in the heart of the national park.

The Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail loops around the entire lake, beginning at either the Many Glacier Hotel or the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead. This flat trail provides the best opportunity to fully experience the lake’s majestic beauty and surrounding scenery.

10. Bowman Lake; Flathead County

Similar to other notable lakes in Montana, Bowman Lake is also located within Glacier National Park and is one of the lesser-visited lakes due to its remote location, which adds to its allure.

A tranquil and uncrowded campground exists at the southern tip of the lake, which day visitors can also utilize for picnicking or accessing the lake for fishing.

Access to Bowman Lake is via an unpaved road from the small town of Polebridge. Upon arrival, numerous hiking trails lead along the lake’s shore and to other nearby water bodies.

11. Georgetown Lake; Granite & Deer Lodge Counties

This 1,140-hectare lake is a favored spot for recreation, located at an elevation of 1,932 meters above sea level. Its accessibility by road makes it an ideal destination for visitors wishing to enjoy the outdoors.

Along the shoreline of Georgetown Lake, visitors can find picnic areas, campgrounds, and resorts, catering to both day-use guests and those looking for overnight stays.

Fishing is a particularly popular activity here, as the lake is classified as a Blue Ribbon fishery, recognized as Montana’s most bountiful lake.

12. Echo Lake; Flathead County

This quaint 277-hectare lake is situated in the Flathead Valley at an elevation of 914 meters above sea level, characterized by a picturesque view of the Beartooth Mountains and filled by warm spring water.

Due to its warmer temperatures, Echo Lake is a popular destination for motor boating. Summertime attracts many visitors who enjoy jet skiing as well.

Much of Echo Lake’s 25-kilometer shoreline is lined with private lakefront properties, many of which are vacation rentals. Furthermore, several excellent hiking trails can be found in the vicinity.

13. Lake Koocanusa; Lincoln County

Lake Koocanusa straddles the border between Montana and British Columbia, Canada, with a majority of the reservoir situated within Montana. Its name derives from the river and the two countries it encompasses, chosen through a reservoir naming competition.

The lake was created in 1972 by damming the Kootenay River; a collaborative project between the USA and Canada. It is accessible via the 108-kilometer Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway or by hiking along the Pacific Northwest Trail.

Lake Koocanusa is a primary destination for recreation, offering activities such as swimming, boating, picnicking, and fishing, complemented by several campgrounds located along the shoreline.

14. Iceberg Lake; Glacier County

Iceberg Lake, positioned in Glacier National Park at an elevation of 1,857 meters, showcases breathtaking scenery, with Iceberg Peak towering over 900 meters above the lake, accompanied by Mount Wilbur and the Continental Divide.

Access to Iceberg Lake requires hiking along the 15.6-kilometer Iceberg Lake Trailhead, which commences at the Swiftcurrent Auto Camp Historic District within the national park.

Due to the surrounding towering mountains, which restrict sunlight, the lake accumulates ice and snow on its surface and surrounding cliffs, resulting in picturesque scenery.

15. Fort Peck Lake; Valley, Petroleum, Fergus, Garfield, Phillips & McCone Counties

Fort Peck Lake is situated in the eastern prairie region of Montana, extending across six counties. It is recognized as the fifth-largest artificial lake in the United States, boasting a surface area of 99,000 hectares.

Surrounding the immense lake are 27 recreational areas offering diverse water sports. Hiking, picnicking, and camping are popular land-based activities that visitors can enjoy while exploring the area.

The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge encircles the entire lake, creating a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, coyotes, white-tailed deer, and the endangered black-footed ferret, pallid sturgeon, and mountain plover can be observed here.