Snowshoeing & Snowmobiling

There are many opportunities to snowshoe and snowmobile around Lakeside and beyond.  Snowshoe Rentals are available at REI Kalispell or Sportsman & Ski Haus.

Blacktail Ski Area

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is located a short drive from Lakeside. Featuring a surface tow, three lifts and a Terrain Park, there is plenty of mountain for every ability.   The Lodge boasts a bar, restaurant and cafe, plus a full service rental shop and retail store. Open Wednesday through Sunday during the winter season, plus  holidays.

Fishing

Whether you want to fly fish, ice fish or just simply fish, Flathead Lake has it all.   Trout, Kokanee salmon, perch, whitefish, pike, minnow and bass are all found in its waters. There are several local outfitters who offer charters:  Mo Fisch Charters,  Captain Norm's Fish and Fun and A Able Fishing.

Mountain Biking

Foys To Blacktail Trail

If you like descents, then this trail is for you!  5.25 miles of steep climbing but around 20 minutes of descending makes it well worth the effort - possibly the longest decent in the Flathead Valley. Now if you are able, this trail can be shuttled.  Just drive all the way to the top of Blacktail Road and the trail head is located by the big white globe - you can't miss it. The Lakeside to Blacktail trail, according to the National Forest map, ends or starts, depending on your direction, at the Foys to Blacktail junction, which is around 3.70 miles. If you continue on, the top is about 1.5 more miles of very steep climbing. The trail is marked with signs at junctions and road crossings. 

Hiking

The Flathead National Forest offers 2,600 miles of hiking trails highlighted by towering peaks, alpine meadows, wild and scenic rivers, the Hungry Horse Reservoir, lakes and streams. All can be found in the 2.3 million acres of the Flathead National Forest.  Jewel Basin, Blacktail Mountain and Big Mountain (Whitefish Mountain Resort) are located within the forest, but there are many areas from which to choose. 

Wild Horse Island

Only reached by boat, Wild Horse Island is home to horses, big horned sheep, deer and even the occasional bear.  There are hiking trails and beaches to picnic and swim.

Nordic Skiing

The closest nordic skiing is on Blacktail Mountain.   The North Shore Nordic Club maintains a network of trails and hosts races during the season.  The Forest Service also maintains trails around the area. 

Flathead Lake Salmon Hatchery

100 Spring Creek Road, Somers  (406) 857-3744

Build in 1912, the Flathead Lake Salmon hatchery raises primarily Kokanee salmon which are realeased as fingerlings or sent to other hatcheries as eggs.  Call first to make sure  staff is available.

Volunteer Park

Lakeside

Located in the heart of Lakeside, Volunteer Park was made possible by generous land donations and community involvement.   With 180' of beach, two docks, a swimming platform and several pavillions, it is a favorite summer spot among residents and visitors alike.Check out the Lakeside Webcam:(works best in Chrome)

Camping

West Shore State Park is part of the Flathead Lake State Park.  In addition to camping, you can hike, fish, picnic and swim.  Enjoy Flathead Lake under the stars!

Bird Watching

Many species of birds can be found around the West Shore of Flathead Lake.  Be sure to look for the raised platforms where Osprey pairs nest.   

Cherry Picking

mid July to early August

If you are on the West Shore in July or August, be sure to sample the amazing cherries.  There are many roadside stands selling Lamberts, Lapins and Royal Annes.  Or you can pick your own at the 100+ year old Hockaday Orchard!  Click on the link for open dates.

Far West Boat Tours

Framed by the Mission mountains to the east and the Salish range to the west, Flathead Lake is a picturesque setting unrivalled in North America. The best way to appreciate this natural landscape is to see it from the water. Far West's Flathead Lake boat tour provides the best opportunity to cruise the lake and appreciate this remarkable treasure. 

Lakeside Community Garden

Located at the Lakeside Baptist Church, 201 Bens Lane, the Community Garden provides its members a 4x8 plot with plenty of sunshine and protection from deer.  It is a wonderful place to share gardening ideas and get involved in the community.  Please join us!

Contact: LakesideGarden59922@gmail.com