A home at Big Hawk has the priceless advantage of year round outdoor enjoyment and uncommon natural wilderness. Distinct seasons bring a winter wonderland to this region of Montana, which then turns into perfect summer days of water sports on crystal clear lakes and hikes through ancient forests and rolling meadows.
Boating and Fishing
More than a mile wide and 10 miles long, Swan Lake is literally in your backyard at Big Hawk.
Its deep clear waters have rainbow and cutthroat trout, and there are several boat ramps.
A few miles west of Swan Lake, across the beautifully forested Mission mountain range,
Flathead Lake is the largest body of natural water found west of the Mississippi.
Motorized, paddle and sail watercrafts enjoy Flathead’s 188 square miles of sparkling waters,
and just beneath the surface are trophy-size lake trout, whitefish, rainbow trout, northern
pike and bull trout. The southern part of the lake is on the Flathead Indian Reservations,
home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes. Wild Horse, a large island on the lake,
is a wildlife habitat to over 75 species of birds, along with bighorn sheep, coyotes, bear
and deer. Designated a Wild and Scenic corridor, three forks of the Flathead River provide for
extraordinary fly-fishing and rafting. Area rafting companies offer novice and experienced
rafting trips, some include fishing guides and hiking and backpacking trips into Glacier
National Park. See the section below on Glacier National Park for even more water recreation.
2008 Local Events
June 28 Whitefish Lake Run, Whitefish
July 25-26 Kootenai River Rodeo, Libby
July 25-27 Arts in the Park, Hockaday Museum of Art, Kalispell
August 8-10 Huckleberry Days Art Festival, Whitefish
August 17-19 Northwest Montana Fair and Parade, Kalispell
September 11 Taste of Whitefish, Whitefish
Glacier National Park
Flathead Valley is the gateway to the west entrance of Glacier National Park,
a World Heritage Site and the crown jewel of the Rocky Mountains. The park
is home to pristine lakes, grand mountain vistas and a well preserved ecosystem
that includes 272 species of birds, mountain goats, grizzly bears and elk.
Ancient glaciers carved the park's valleys and peaks long ago, and today 37
named glaciers remain, the largest being Blackfoot Glacier. Old-growth forests
of cedar and hemlock offer silence and shelter for hikers. An engineering marvel,
the 52 mile Going-to-the-Sun Road winds along Lake McDonald and climbs the Loop
to Logan Pass, atop the Continental Divide. Backcountry hikers can take advantage
of more than 700 miles of trails and designated campsites. There are more than 175
named mountains, 762 lakes and 1,513 miles of streams and rivers within the park,
providing for a lifetime of outdoor exploration and enjoyment. Beyond the park,
more natural wonders can be found at the alpine lake-studded Jewel Basin Hiking
Area and the massive Bob Marshall Wilderness complex that is larger than the state of Delaware.
