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Wild Horse Island
Wild Horse Island State Park is the crown jewel of Flathead Lake, Montana. Accessible only by boat, this 2,160-acre island offers wide-open grasslands, Ponderosa pine forests, and incredible wildlife viewing—while remaining one of the lake’s most peaceful, unspoiled places.
Why Visit
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Wild horses still roam the island (a small herd maintained for cultural and ecological reasons).
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Bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, and waterfowl are commonly spotted.
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No crowds because access is limited and the island has no services.
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Great for half-day hikes with huge views of Flathead Lake and the surrounding mountains.
How to Get There
Wild Horse Island has no ferry service. Visitors must use:
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A private boat
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A rental from Lakeside, Bigfork, Polson, or Big Arm
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A guided charter drop-off & pickup
Common access points: Big Arm State Park, Yellow Bay, or Dayton.
Top Things to Do
1. Wildlife Watching
Morning and evening are the best times. Bring binoculars and keep respectful distance from horses and sheep.
2. Hiking
Trails are mostly primitive, crossing open meadows and forest patches. Popular routes:
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Pine Ridge Trail (views & wildlife)
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Mt. Baldwin Overlooks (best panoramas)
3. Photography
Golden-hour shots across Flathead Lake are spectacular.
4. Quiet Beach Stops
Small rocky shorelines offer secluded picnic spots.
Important Tips
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No water, no stores, no garbage services so pack in/out everything.
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Fires prohibited.
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Stay on established paths to protect sensitive grasslands.
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Pets are not allowed.
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Check weather because Flathead Lake can get windy quickly.
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Bring sunscreen; shade is limited.
Best Time to Visit
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Summer: Most popular with warm, great swimming, stable boat access.
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Early fall: Fewer crowds and ideal wildlife viewing.
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Spring: Beautiful wildflowers but colder lake conditions.
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