Bigfork, MT

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
Fully refundable
$229 nightly
The price is $248 total per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
$248 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Total with taxes and 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! (695 reviews)
Nice property well located
"Very nice property, well located near the lake"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Mountain Lake Lodge
Timbers Motel

Timbers Motel

2.5 out of 5
8540 Hwy 35 South, Bigfork, MT
$174 nightly
The price is $188 total per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
$188 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Total with taxes and 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! (637 reviews)
"Peaceful and quiet. Pool was amazing!"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Timbers Motel
Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone

Bird Lodge Tipi's at Stepping Stone

Bigfork
$95 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$103 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this campground in Bigfork. Popular attractions Kehoe's Agate Shop and Echo Lake are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (40 reviews)
"Unique and comfortable"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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! (40 reviews)
"Unique and comfortable"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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! (72 reviews)
"Great place with a comfortable bed. Unique experience to spend the night in a teepee under the gorgeous moonlit Montana sky. Lee is a very communicative and helpful host."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 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.

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