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
The price is CA $421 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
CA $421
CA $455 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
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! (676 reviews)
"Very friendly and helpful staff with amazing views."

Reviewed on Aug. 1, 2025

Mountain Lake Lodge
Timbers Motel

Timbers Motel

2.5 out of 5
8540 Hwy 35 South, Bigfork, MT
The price is CA $238 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $238
CA $267 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (623 reviews)
"Cute place. Pretty small pool, but my kids didn’t mind. Beds were a little uncomfortable, but i’d stay here again."

Reviewed on Aug. 3, 2025

Timbers Motel
Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone

Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone

Bigfork
The price is CA $103 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
CA $103
CA $141 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this campground in Bigfork. Popular attractions Kehoe's Agate Shop and Echo Lake are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (39 reviews)
"Loved working with the host! Great communication and very warm!"

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone
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.
Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone

Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone

Bigfork
Stay at this campground in Bigfork. Popular attractions Kehoe's Agate Shop and Echo Lake are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (39 reviews)
"Loved working with the host! Great communication and very warm!"

Reviewed on Jul. 11, 2025

Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone
River LodgeTipi's at Stepping Stone

River LodgeTipi's at Stepping Stone

Bigfork
Stay at this campground in Bigfork. Popular attractions Kehoe's Agate Shop and Echo Lake are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
"Quant and peaceful, very professional host. As advertised, this is literally just a teepee, with a partially open ceiling and sitting right on the ground. We had some grasshopper visitors inside the teepee with us. The property is great, tucked in. This is the place to stay if you're looking for ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 21, 2025

River LodgeTipi's at Stepping Stone
Star Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone

Star Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone

Bigfork
Stay at this campground in Bigfork. Popular attractions Kehoe's Agate Shop and Echo Lake are located nearby.
"Lee’s place is absolutely beautiful! The Tipi’s were so much fun to sleep in! I would venture to call our experience a “Diamond in the Rough “. My husband has back issues and we were concerned about that, but the bed was very comfortable! There is no electricity in the tipi, so make sure your phone/devices ..."

Reviewed on Sep. 2, 2024

Star Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone
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

Cities near Bigfork