Bigfork

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism

Bordering a large freshwater lake near tall mountains, this region offers year-round recreational activities. In the town itself, find diverse cultural attractions.

Plan a family vacation in Bigfork, nestled high in the mountains of northwestern Montana. Play for days in the waters of the Swan River and Flathead LakeOpens in a new window and enjoy the cultural attractions in the town.

Bigfork is located at 2,900 feet (880 meters) elevation, offering easy access to hiking, camping and rock climbing to the east in Flathead National Forest, including the Swan Lake and Bob Marshall Wilderness areas. North of the forest is Glacier National ParkOpens in a new window, where you can observe rugged mountains, receding glaciers and wildlife, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, elk, lynx, wolverines, cougars, mountain goats and bighorn sheep. See the pretty reflections of the Rocky Mountains in the calm waters of the park’s Lake McDonald. About an hour’s drive west of Bigfork brings you to Blacktail Mountain Ski Area.

Canoe or float down the Swan River. Just past the Bigfork Dam, the river has challenging Class III to Class IV rapids, perfect for experienced rafters. Sail, kayak, waterski, swim and glide on a stand-up paddleboard on Flathead Lake’s calm waters. The lake has more than 180 miles (290 kilometers) of shoreline, with plenty of bays perfect for fishing in the cool shadows for lake trout, whitefish and yellow perch. In the winter, try ice fishing on the frozen coves.

Wander through Bigfork to visit galleries and boutiques. In early August, visit the annual Bigfork Festival of the Arts, a weekend filled with arts, crafts, food, music and entertainment. Year-round, the 435-seat Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts presents plays, musical theater, live music, concerts, ballet and movies. The Summer Playhouse has been providing live entertainment for more than 50 years.

Fly to Glacier Park International Airport north of KalispellOpens in a new window and drive about 30 minutes to reach Bigfork. Stop at the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center where friendly volunteers will answer questions and provide information, maps and brochures.

Mountain Lake Lodge
Mountain Lake Lodge
3.5 out of 5
14735 Sylvan Drive, Bigfork, MT
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Bigfork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (650 reviews)
"We appreciated being so close to Flathead Lake. Our room had an incredible view of the pool, mountains and lake from the 2nd floor balcony. The pool and hot tub were clean and well maintained. The bed was very comfortable, bedding and towels were clean & elegant. Everyone we came in contact with ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Mountain Lake Lodge
Timbers Motel
Timbers Motel
2.5 out of 5
8540 Hwy 35 South, Bigfork, MT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$358 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
S$358
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Bigfork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Eva ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (607 reviews)
"2nd time staying at Timbers Motel. Very helpful staff."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Timbers Motel
The Islander Inn
The Islander Inn
2.5 out of 5
14729 Shore Acres Dr, Bigfork, MT
The price is S$298 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
S$298
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bigfork. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Beardance Picnic Area and Flathead Picnic Area are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (205 reviews)
"Cute easy good location"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

The Islander Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Silverwolf Log Chalet Resort
Silverwolf Log Chalet Resort
3 out of 5
160 Gladys Glen, near Glacier Natl Park, Coram, MT
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Coram. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (467 reviews)
"We had a great time even if there was a snafu with my reservation. They took care of everything."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Silverwolf Log Chalet Resort
North Forty Resort
North Forty Resort
3 out of 5
3765 Montana 40 West, Columbia Falls, MT
Stay at this 3-star spa cabin in Columbia Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Meadow Lake Golf Course and Riverside ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Nice place to stay after a day in Glacier National Park."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

North Forty Resort
Glacier Acres Guest Ranch
Glacier Acres Guest Ranch
2.5 out of 5
553 Grass Range Pl, Columbia Falls, MT
Stay at this cabin in Columbia Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (422 reviews)
"It was just lovely. Wood stocked for fire pit. All went as expected."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Glacier Acres Guest Ranch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do