This Peaceable Island Has Wild Horses, Bald Eagles, and Bighorn Sheep—and It Neighbors Glacier Nationwide Park

Within the southwest arm of Montana’s Flathead Lake, horses run wild. Simply south of Glacier Nationwide Park, a herd of 5 resident horses shares the aptly named Wild Horse Island State Park with numerous bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and mule deer.

Based on folklore, members of the Salish and Kootenai tribes introduced the primary of those horses to the park to guard them from theft. “To maintain their horses protected, the Salish would swim them throughout Flathead Lake and stash them proper there on that island,” says Justin Flake, proprietor of kayak firm Sea Me Paddle.

Within the Seventies, the two,160-acre island grew to become a state park, which now presents a quieter—but well-maintained—different to close by Glacier. Very like a highway journey to the nationwide park, nonetheless, a go to to Wild Horse Island transcends the vacation spot itself; the way you get there’s half the enjoyable. As the biggest pure freshwater lake within the western United States, Flathead Lake extends for about 200 sq. miles, and guests to Wild Horse Island should cross a few of that clear water by boat.

Choices due to this fact abound on your Wild Horse Island pilgrimage, whether or not you’re considering a guided kayak tour, shuttle pontoon, or boat rental. As soon as on the island, you’ll even have your decide of actions, so you’ll find each free-roaming wildlife and picnic-perfect views amid the ponderosa pines.

The best way to Get There

Roughly 35 minutes from Kalispell—a well-liked gateway to each Glacier and Wild Horse Island—Glacier Park Worldwide Airport (FCA) operates direct, year-round flights to main cities, together with Denver, Seattle, and Las Vegas. For extra choices, you may fly by means of Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), which is lower than two hours south. From both hub, ensure that to order a rental automotive; Uber and shuttle companies function in restricted capability.

Know Earlier than You Go

In northern Montana, “If you happen to do not just like the climate, wait 5 minutes” isn’t a cliché however a guideline. Carry loads of layers to account for variables in each climate and actions.

“You do need to pack somewhat bit for [Wild Horse Island] as a result of you are going to wish to be in quick-dry materials—no matter you costume in whenever you’re on the lake—after which become mountaineering footwear,” explains Flake.

Until you’re a seasoned paddler or accustomed to the lake, Flake additionally urges kayakers to paddle with an skilled information—and get a head begin on the day. “The perfect time of day can be very first thing within the morning to recover from there earlier than it will get too sizzling,” he says. “That is when the animals are most lively.”

As soon as on the island, you’ll discover designated boat docking areas, in addition to a toilet. Individuals have a tendency to remain ashore for about three hours, in response to Massive Arm Boat Leases and Rides’ Matthew Sisler, although journey instances fluctuate. On kayak, every two-mile, one-way journey to Wild Horse Island might take about an hour, whereas Sisler’s thrice-daily shuttles condense the journey to roughly 20 minutes.

As for state park charges? “Out-of-state visitors are inspired to go to the kiosk on the island and deposit the nominal quantity within the field once they get off the boat on the predominant trailhead,” says Sisler.

Finest Time to Go to

Whereas Wild Horse Island technically stays open year-round, Flake recommends visiting throughout spring and fall; September prolongs the nice and cozy climate, whereas spring paints the island yellow with blooming arrowleaf balsamroot. If you happen to’re trying to swim, nonetheless, save your journey for July and August, says Sisler. Be aware that the lake freezes come winter.

Finest Issues to Do

Discover all 5 horses.

For a park named after its horses, this shouldn’t come as a shock: “Wildlife viewing is the primary exercise,” says Flake. At present, 5 horses—all feminine—reside on the island and have a tendency to congregate across the southern tip. “The state park manages these 5 horses, retains tabs on them, they usually often dwell at a spot referred to as Driftwood Level,” says Sisler, who recommends guests maintain a ways and keep away from petting the animals.

Hike the island’s path.

If you happen to’re up for a stroll, head to the island’s predominant mountaineering path, which begins on the northwest nook of Skeeko Bay. It leads hikers on a average, three-mile loop, with various viewpoints of the towering Mission Mountains.

Marvel at large bighorn sheep.

Whereas the island embraces its popularity for horses, “the celebrities are the world’s largest bighorn sheep,” says Sisler, emphasizing their record-breaking dimension. “It is higher to get off the path and discover the mountaintops the place the most important sheep hang around,” he says.

Get away your binoculars.

Along with its four-legged inhabitants, the island attracts woodpeckers, ospreys, falcons, and songbirds. Across the center of the northern shore, you might even spot a bald eagle nesting floor. “It is marvelous to observe bald eagles swoop right down to the water and decide up fish for his or her younger,” says Sisler.

Picnic with a panorama.

There’s nowhere to eat or drink within the park, so if you happen to’re hoping to picnic, plan forward. Flake offers kayakers with a bagged lunch, although you may—and may—cease at Glacier Perks Espresso Home to pack a huckleberry scone for the island.

Locations to Keep

Sherman Lodge

Cozy and comfy, the five-bedroom Sherman Lodge retains you within the coronary heart of downtown Kalispell. If you happen to’re touring with children, guide the Sherman Loft, which features a kitchen and 4 beds.

Flathead Lake Lodge

Go all in on the dude ranch expertise on the all-inclusive Flathead Lake Lodge. To essentially run with the island’s equine theme, attempt your hand at horseback using from the lodge’s trails.

State Park Campgrounds

As a day-use park, Wild Horse Island doesn’t permit tenting, although camper-friendly state parks encircle Flathead Lake. “The Massive Arm State Park unit … is probably the most accessible and best campground,” says Sisler. “Usually, if you happen to’re not tent tenting, you have to to get reservations somewhat bit prematurely as a result of it is very fashionable.”

Locations to Eat

The Sitting Duck

On the jap aspect of Flathead Lake, The Sitting Duck serves all types of northwest Montana’s trademark huckleberries, from smoked huckleberry hen wings to huckleberry pork sliders. As a bonus, the drive to the restaurant from Wild Horse Island will lead you thru a pastoral wonderland of lavender fields and cherry orchards.

Massive Mountain Ciderworks

Simply north of the lake, Massive Mountain Ciderworks attracts from its apple and pear orchard; the restaurant focuses on ciders, which vary from dry to semisweet—and pair greatest with an apple bacon grilled cheese.

DeSoto Grill

As northwest Montana’s largest metropolis, Kalispell has developed a strong culinary scene, with each storied establishments, like Wild West Pizzeria, Moose’s Saloon, and extra fashionable cafes, like Ceres Bakery. Barbecue joint DeSoto Grill matches someplace in between, serving up basic Americana dishes with a Montana improve. Don’t miss the peanut butter and huckleberry pork stomach, which got here to the restaurant’s proprietor in a dream.