Bigfork

Travel Guide
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 Lake 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 Park, 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 Kalispell 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
The price is CA $204 per night from May 16 to May 17
CA $204
CA $220 total
includes taxes & fees
May 16 - May 17
Stay at this 3.5-star lodge in Bigfork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (402 reviews)
"Great time thank you"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Mountain Lake Lodge
Timbers Motel
Timbers Motel
2.5 out of 5
8540 Hwy 35 South, Bigfork, MT
The price is CA $166 per night from May 20 to May 21
CA $166
CA $183 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this motel in Bigfork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (482 reviews)
"Nothing special just a typical motel in a nice location"

Reviewed on Apr. 22, 2024

Timbers Motel
The Islander Inn
The Islander Inn
2.5 out of 5
14729 Shore Acres Dr, Bigfork, MT
The price is CA $175 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $175
CA $190 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this hotel in Bigfork. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Wayfarers State ...
9/10 Wonderful! (144 reviews)
"Appealling space, well maintained and out of town."

Reviewed on Oct. 18, 2023

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.
Fill your soul w/ 400' of PRIVATE waterfront w/ dock, lift, diving board & more!
Fill your soul w/ 400' of PRIVATE waterfront w/ dock, lift, diving board & more!
Bigfork
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bigfork. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Yellow Bay State Park and Yellow Bay ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
Beautiful
"Everything was as described and absolutely beautiful. Simple check in process, clean home, and so many things provided for you. We would go back in a heartbeat. Thank you for letting us stay here."

Reviewed on Aug. 30, 2023

Fill your soul w/ 400' of PRIVATE waterfront w/ dock, lift, diving board & more!
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 breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (336 reviews)
"Excellent location. Clean and very cute. Extremely relaxing."

Reviewed on Nov. 23, 2023

Silverwolf Log Chalet 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! (251 reviews)
"Clean and easily accessible from the surrounding area. Well apportioned in all matters."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

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

Reviews of Bigfork

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 100%
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4/5 - Good

SB
Jun. 26, 2019

A very quaint town - lovely to visit in the summer.

Cities near Bigfork