Four-Legged Mutts at Flathead Lake, Montana
- Luie Boone
- Jun 28
- 5 min read
This vacation destination is a part of our second series of blog posts titled K9 Kind.
Flathead Lake—which is located in Northwest Montana—is the largest natural freshwater lake found west of the Mississippi River. Luie Boone says it isn’t just a paradise for people, it’s also a dream for dogs. With its clear waters, scenic trails, and friendly lakeside towns, it’s the perfect place to explore with your furry sidekick.
On the northwest shore, Somers and Lakeside offer calm beaches and parks where pups can splash and play. Somers is known for its relaxed vibe and scenic lake access, making it a favorite for quiet strolls and shoreline sniffing. Lakeside’s close to Blacktail Mountain, where dogs are welcome on many trails.
Further down the west side, you will find Rollins, Big Arm, and Elmo. This spots offer quiet roads and campsites, which is ideal for dogs who love the outdoors. Big Arm State Park is a favorite for dog-friendly camping and lakeside lounging.
Across the lake, the east shore is full of fruit orchards and peaceful parks. Luie Boone hopes there are some tasty fruits for him to enjoy at those orchards. Afterwards, he'll check out Bigfork, which is a charming town with dog-welcoming patios and trails nearby.
In Woods Bay, Yellow Bay, Finley Point, and Blue Bay, you can find cozy cabins, shady lake access, and picnic spots where your pup can relax right alongside you.
At the southern tip, Polson offers walkable lakefront paths and pet-friendly parks, which are perfect for leisurely strolls with your pup. The town’s vibrant downtown is also welcoming to dogs, with several cafés offering outdoor seating and water bowls for furry companions.
Nearby Pablo has open spaces for early morning strolls, where quiet trails offer a peaceful start to the day. It’s a great spot for dogs who enjoy a slower pace, with plenty of room to roam and sniff.
Just a short drive north, you will find Kalispell, Evergreen, and Whitefish. These spots round out the region with plenty of dog parks, groomers, patios, and trails. Kalispell boasts spacious off-leash areas and pet-friendly shops downtown, while Evergreen offers quieter neighborhoods perfect for long walks. Whitefish, with its lively mountain-town vibe, has trails that wind through forested hills.
Buckle up your adventure buddy and hit the road to discover the welcoming towns that surround Flathead Lake. Each one offers its own blend of scenic beauty, dog-friendly adventures, and places where tails wag as much as people smile!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Flathead Lake, Montana. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Emerald Island
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 2.5 baths and outdoor shower.
Photos courtesy of VRBO
It features the following amenities:
One acre private island
Use of a 14 ft aluminum boat with electric motor
Almost 1000 ft of water frontage & a private dock (Perfect for cannonballs!)
Huge deck with a cabana grill and bar
2 Tandem Kayaks
2 Single Kayaks
2 Paddle Boards
Floating dock & water slide (Luie Boone hopes he can slide his tooshie down that water slide and make a real big splash!)
Crafted viewing tower with 360-degree views of the sparkling lake and surrounding mountains
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
Have you heard about Emerald Island? Well, hold onto your leash, because it’s a private island on Flathead Lake, Montana, and it’s basically a doggy paradise! Imagine a whole acre of adventure reserved just for me, my humans, and maybe a cheeky squirrel or two. With nearly 1,000 feet of shoreline, a private dock, a floating dock, and even a water slide, this place is packed with tail-wagging fun. The house? Two levels, four bedrooms, a giant deck, and every single room opens right out to the great outdoors. This sounds perfect for early morning squirrel patrols (you know, the important stuff). There’s an outdoor shower, kayaks, paddle boards, and a boat with a whisper-quiet electric motor to cruise back and forth. Plus, a tower with jaw-dropping 360° views of the lake and mountains. That's ideal for spotting the majestic bald eagle that lives next door. Best of all? Pups like me are officially welcome! I’m thinking of bringing my cousin, Gator, along for the ride. I’m already dreaming of swims, sunsets, and snacks by the fire pit under starry skies. This isn’t just a vacation; it’s my Island Adventure.
Paws Venture Here
Flathead National Forest
This national forest has 2,600 miles of hiking trails, which are located in designated Wilderness Areas.
Flathead Boat Rental
This family-owned-and-operated rental company features pontoon boat rentals. Luie Boone won't forget his lifejacket!
Swan River Trail
This 4.2-mile trail runs along the scenic Swan River. It's lovely year round for hiking and walking your pooch. Luie Boone wonders if there's any swans there!
Lone Pine State Park
With 7.5 miles of trails to explore with your pup, Lone Pine State Park is peaceful spot to relax. You and your pooch can sniff out the bountiful wildflowers, wildlife, and views of the Flathead Valley. This 270-acre park has a number of picnic shelters, so make sure you pack some lunch for your pup, too.
Whitefish Lake State Park
This state park is popular among visitors and their pups who are looking to check out the hiking trail system around the park. Luie Boone can't wait to enjoy the lake, just like the pup pictured! Maybe he'll sniff out some whitefish, too.
Stanton Lake
Hidden in the Great Bear Wilderness is Staton Lake. A short hike will bring you and your canine companion to this stunning lake, which is surrounded by deep forests and towering peaks that are reflected in its glassy surface.
Flathead Lookout
When you ascend this trail, you will pass through towering pine forests. You might even encounter local wildlife, such as elk, deer, and eagles soaring overhead. The lookout provides sweeping views of Flathead Valley, Glacier National Park, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
At Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, take an ice cream break with your pup. They might even have some special chicken-and beef-flavored ice cream just for Fido! Luie Boone can't wait to try every dog-friendly flavor.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Flathead Lake, Montana
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
My humans keep talking about a place in Montana called Flathead Lake. They say, “You’ll love it. It has water, open space, and lots of sticks!” I was so excited, because that's all my favorite things. But then they mentioned Flossie, and they laughed like it was some sort of joke. It's not a joke! I’ve heard about Flossie at the dog park. She’s not a duck or a moose. She’s big, slippery, and lives underwater. Some call her the Flathead Lake Monster! Locals say she’s real. A golden retriever at the dog park went on vacation there once and was terrified after chasing a ball that was thrown in the lake. No more ball! That’s not fun; that’s scary. And Flossie? The name sounds too cute. I don’t trust names that sound like baby food, but belong to creatures the size of a canoe. My humans say she’s probably not real. I’ll go on the trip because I’m loyal, but if my humans throw a stick into the lake and it doesn’t come back? Yeah, I’m out.
Comments