If you are looking for the clearest lake in Montana, look to Flathead Lake. If you’ve spent any time on its banks or swimming in its waters, you’ll definitely agree that it contains some of the cleanest water in MT. We’re lucky to have this beautiful, massive body of water right in our backyard. Learn all there is to know about Flathead Lake in MT.

Flathead Lake in MT is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states.

LAfromFL / TripAdvisor This crystal clear lake in Montana has close to 185 miles of shoreline, with several state parks bordering its shores.

Every year, visitors flock to the clearest lake in Montana to enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and good old-fashioned lakeside lounging.

DannyandhisMisty / TripAdvisor There are 13 public access sites around the lake, many of which include boat launches and picnic sites.

The lake is world-renowned for its crystal clear water.

Millicent J / TripAdvisor Flathead Lake in MT is one of the cleanest lakes of its size and type anywhere in the world.

Flathead Lake’s high water quality is the result of its watershed being mainly from national parks and wilderness, not to mention its relatively low population.

montanalover999 / TripAdvisoor While the clearest lake in Montana gets thousands of visitors each year, there aren’t many Montanans that live by the lake year-round.

In addition to its clean, clear waters, Flathead Lake in MT also has a monster, according to local legend.

blackdogs2MT / TripAdvisor For over 1,000 years, there have been reported sightings of the monster, which locals have named Flessie (inspired by Loch Ness’s Nessie).

When it comes down to it, this crystal clear lake in Montana is just a big, beautiful treasure we’re lucky to have.

DannyandhisMisty / TripAdvisor There are numerous cabins and campgrounds in the area, making this a perfect spot for your next vacation.

Have you ever sunk your toes into this crystal clear lake in Montana? Tell us about it in the comments! And if you’re interested, there is plenty more to read about Flathead Lake in MT.

LAfromFL / TripAdvisor

This crystal clear lake in Montana has close to 185 miles of shoreline, with several state parks bordering its shores.

DannyandhisMisty / TripAdvisor

There are 13 public access sites around the lake, many of which include boat launches and picnic sites.

Millicent J / TripAdvisor

Flathead Lake in MT is one of the cleanest lakes of its size and type anywhere in the world.

montanalover999 / TripAdvisoor

While the clearest lake in Montana gets thousands of visitors each year, there aren’t many Montanans that live by the lake year-round.

blackdogs2MT / TripAdvisor

For over 1,000 years, there have been reported sightings of the monster, which locals have named Flessie (inspired by Loch Ness’s Nessie).

There are numerous cabins and campgrounds in the area, making this a perfect spot for your next vacation.

If you are looking to explore more lakes in the state, check out these other gorgeous lakes in Montana.

Looking to feed your wanderlust? Click here to sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter for a weekly peek at the best destinations throughout the country to inspire your next adventures.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Flathead Lake, Montana, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

clearest lake in Montana June 03, 2022 Rachel Raimondi What are the best outdoor adventures in Montana?  The fourth-largest state has a ton of outdoor fun to offer residents and visitors. Especially so because the Treasure State is home to two national parks. In the northwestern part of the state, you have Glacier National Park to explore by foot or car with camping also available. And while 96 percent of Yellowstone National Park lies in Wyoming, there is three percent in Montana. Not to mention that the Yellowstone entrance in Gardiner, Montana, is historic: it was the first-ever entrance to the first-ever national park in 1872. What are the best family-friendly campgrounds in Montana?  Camping in Montana is a great way to take in the outdoors with your whole family. And campgrounds that have a little something extra for the kids are not too hard to find throughout the state. At Thompson Falls State Park, you can camp near the Clark Fork River. In addition to the fishing opportunities for you, you can also float on the river in a canoe or raft. There’s also a loop perfect for riding bikes and great access to huckleberry hunting. You can tent camp, stay in a cabin, or bring your RV. How many state parks are in Montana? It’s not all just Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park within Montana. There are also 55 state parks in MT. In Whitehall, there is Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Montana’s first-ever state park, where you can explore a limestone cave. You can also camp here and choose from seven different hikes. At Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell, you can take in the gorgeous vistas of the Flathead Valley and Flathead Lake in MT. There are also 7.5 miles of trails to hike, bike, or horseback ride as well as a volleyball court and archery range.

The OIYS Visitor Center

clearest lake in Montana

June 03, 2022

Rachel Raimondi

What are the best outdoor adventures in Montana?  The fourth-largest state has a ton of outdoor fun to offer residents and visitors. Especially so because the Treasure State is home to two national parks. In the northwestern part of the state, you have Glacier National Park to explore by foot or car with camping also available. And while 96 percent of Yellowstone National Park lies in Wyoming, there is three percent in Montana. Not to mention that the Yellowstone entrance in Gardiner, Montana, is historic: it was the first-ever entrance to the first-ever national park in 1872. What are the best family-friendly campgrounds in Montana?  Camping in Montana is a great way to take in the outdoors with your whole family. And campgrounds that have a little something extra for the kids are not too hard to find throughout the state. At Thompson Falls State Park, you can camp near the Clark Fork River. In addition to the fishing opportunities for you, you can also float on the river in a canoe or raft. There’s also a loop perfect for riding bikes and great access to huckleberry hunting. You can tent camp, stay in a cabin, or bring your RV. How many state parks are in Montana? It’s not all just Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park within Montana. There are also 55 state parks in MT. In Whitehall, there is Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Montana’s first-ever state park, where you can explore a limestone cave. You can also camp here and choose from seven different hikes. At Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell, you can take in the gorgeous vistas of the Flathead Valley and Flathead Lake in MT. There are also 7.5 miles of trails to hike, bike, or horseback ride as well as a volleyball court and archery range.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

 The fourth-largest state has a ton of outdoor fun to offer residents and visitors. Especially so because the Treasure State is home to two national parks. In the northwestern part of the state, you have Glacier National Park to explore by foot or car with camping also available. And while 96 percent of Yellowstone National Park lies in Wyoming, there is three percent in Montana. Not to mention that the Yellowstone entrance in Gardiner, Montana, is historic: it was the first-ever entrance to the first-ever national park in 1872.

What are the best family-friendly campgrounds in Montana? 

Camping in Montana is a great way to take in the outdoors with your whole family. And campgrounds that have a little something extra for the kids are not too hard to find throughout the state. At Thompson Falls State Park, you can camp near the Clark Fork River. In addition to the fishing opportunities for you, you can also float on the river in a canoe or raft. There’s also a loop perfect for riding bikes and great access to huckleberry hunting. You can tent camp, stay in a cabin, or bring your RV.

How many state parks are in Montana?

It’s not all just Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park within Montana. There are also 55 state parks in MT. In Whitehall, there is Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Montana’s first-ever state park, where you can explore a limestone cave. You can also camp here and choose from seven different hikes. At Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell, you can take in the gorgeous vistas of the Flathead Valley and Flathead Lake in MT. There are also 7.5 miles of trails to hike, bike, or horseback ride as well as a volleyball court and archery range.