Glittering, glacier-carved Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the West and comes complete with a legend of a monster lurking in its depths. The 128 shoreline miles vary from densely forested on the east to drier and more open on the west. The park is made up of six units: On the east side, camping at Finley Point is popular with RV owners and boaters; larch-shadowed Yellow Bay is surrounded by cherry orchards; and Wayfarers, close to Bigfork, has a great beach with wildflowers and trails for hikers. On the west side, Big Arm has a nature trail and is a takeoff point for boat trips to Wild Horse Island. West Shore is considered the most private unit.

WHERE: 8 miles south of Kalispell. U.S. 93 traces the west shore; State 35 edges the east shore.

WHEN: Camping May-Oct; day use year-round except for Finley Point.

COST: $4 per car.

CAMPING/LODGING: 113 sites from $12 and yurts at Big Arm from $35.

FYI: Boat ramps at all parks except Wild Horse Island.

CONTACT: (406) 752-5501 or www.fwp.state.mt.us.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Sunset Publishing Corp.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group