If you’re seeking serenity, look no further than the crystal clear lakes in Montana! Nicknamed “Big Sky Country,” Montana is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty.
Crystal clear lakes in Montana
Ranking 4th in square miles of all 50 states, Montana is a massive outdoor paradise in the Western United States. Nature lovers have plenty of options for exploring many different types of geological wonders. Traverse jagged mountains, meander through mature forests, or marvel at the beauty of crystal-clear lakes to find peace and serenity for your soul.
Where are the crystal clear lakes in Montana located on a Map?
There are several crystal-clear waters in Montana. We’ve created a Google Map so that you can get the lay of the land (and waters!) of the most popular lakes and some of the outdoor recreation areas near the lakes.
The Road Scholar Lesson
We like to think of ourselves as “road scholars.” There is always something interesting to learn no matter where you are in our beautiful country. Visiting a picturesque lake in Montana might spark some questions. We’ve listed several of those frequently asked questions at the bottom of this post, but we’d like to focus on watersheds first.
What is a watershed, and why is it important?
A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls within it drains into a common body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Every bit of land is part of a watershed. All forms of precipitation are channeled down as runoff into a common body of water.
Watersheds are important for several reasons:
- Water Supply: They collect a supply of water for drinking, agriculture, and industry.
- Ecosystem Health: Watersheds support diverse habitats for plants and animals.
- Water Quality: They filter pollutants and sediments, improving water quality and clarity.
Montana’s lakes are crystal clear for a variety of reasons, including the filtering effects of underground springs or rocky substrates, which help to keep the water clear and pristine.
What is the watershed like in Northwest Montana?
Notice on this interactive map that several rivers contribute to the collection of various lakes in the Flathead Valley of Western Montana and the surrounding area. Rivers such as the Clark Fork River and Flathead River in Northwest Montana feature tributaries or drainage routes that flow into the river.
This unique drainage pattern is linked to the effects of a massive ice sheet that once covered much of North America. As the ice melted, it created significant floods that shaped the landscape. These floods played a crucial role in forming the crystal clear lakes we enjoy today and hopefully can be enjoyed for many future generations to come!
Are Montana’s lakes the clearest in the world?
No. An inexpensive device called a Secchi disk is used to measure water clarity. Lower the disk into the water using a measuring rope. Mark the rope when you can no longer see the disk. Keep in mind that Secchi disk measurements can vary based on sunlight glare and the motion of the water’s current.
Graphic Credit: Joel Davenport
Typical Secchi disk measurements at Flathead Lake range between 30 and 50 feet, according to the non-profit organization Flathead Lakers. Some lakes in other parts of the United States achieve Secchi disk measurements of up to 157 feet. Nelson’s Blue Lake in New Zealand records Secchi disk readings between 230 and 262 feet! Nevertheless, Montana’s clear water lakes remain impressive
Lake McDonald
GlacierNPS, CC By 2.0
Getting acquainted with this crystal clear lake in Montana
Located within the boundaries of Glacier National Park, this lake is a popular spot for many outdoor activities. Hiking, water sports, and fishing are the three main ones. The lake’s shores are bordered by the Going To The Sun Road on the east side and Apgar Village at the southwest corner.
Boating and Hiking
Both motorized and non-motorized vessels are allowed on the lake between mid-May and the end of September. Anglers can expect to find cutthroat trout, lake whitefish, Native Bull trout, and Kokanee salmon. Drop your own inflatable into the lake and drift along on one of the cleanest lakes around!
Hikers enjoying the shoreline should be aware that black bear and grizzly bear also enjoy the fish in the lake. Always practice good bear safety when hiking in Glacier National Park.
- Surface Area in Square miles: 10.66 square miles
- Maximum Depth: 472 feet
- Miles of Shoreline: 10 miles long (total shoreline miles approximately 22 miles)
- Elevation above Sea Level: 3,153 feet
Things to do at the lake
When enjoying the crystal clear waters of Lake McDonald, we suggest renting a boat from Apgar Boat Rentals and investigating for yourselves the beauty of this clear water. Boat tours are also available.
Alternatively, just take a hike along the shoreline and gaze at its beauty. Hiking along the north shore of Lake McDonald is also a great way to enjoy the crystal clear waters. The trail starts at the Fish Creek campground, and runs along the lakeshore for about 14 miles round trip.
. Jonathan C. Wheeler, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Address for public boat launch: Apgar boat dock: 58 W Apgar Loop Road
- Best Hiking Trails near the lake: Lake McDonald Trail
- Campground Recommendations: Fish Creek Campground or Apgar Village Campground
- Hotel Recommendations: Lake McDonald Lodge
Flathead Lake
Getting acquainted with the lake
Flathead Lake ranks as the largest freshwater lake in Montana and also stands out as the clearest lake. Many social media videos showcase the clarity of Flathead Lake. People travel from all over the country to visit its pristine waters and try to catch a glimpse of the Flathead Lake Monster. Each year, several sightings report this eel-like creature, measuring between 20 and 40 feet long, and affectionately nicknamed Flossie.
- Surface Area in Square miles: 197 square miles making it the largest U.S. freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.
- Maximum Depth: 370 feet
- Miles of Shoreline: 185 miles
- Elevation above Sea Level: 2,894 feet
David Lee, CC By 2.0
Things to do at the lake
Flathead Lake offers unique opportunities beyond traditional hiking and boating. Rent a kayak and paddle to Wild Horse Island to glimpse wild horses and other wildlife. In the summer, pick cherries at participating orchards or grab a pint at many roadside stands. You will also find horse-friendly trails all around the lake.
- Address for a Public Boat Ramp: 5353 U.S. 93 S, Somers, MT 59932
- Best Hiking Trails near the lake: Flathead Lake Interpretive Trail: 0.4 mile loop or The Bear Dance Trail: 6.7 miles long
- Campground Recommendations: Big Arm State Park
- Hotel Recommendations: Flathead Lake Lodge
Want to learn more about these clear water gems in Montana – check out these frequently asked questions below.
What causes lakes to be crystal clear?
Low Nutrient Levels: Many lakes in Montana are oligotrophic, meaning they have low levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which helps prevent excessive algae growth.
Glacial Origin: Many lakes were formed by glaciers, resulting in very fine sediment that is less likely to cloud the water.
Minimal Pollution: Remote locations and strict environmental protections help keep many lakes free from pollution.
Cold Temperatures: Cooler water temperatures can limit the growth of microorganisms that might otherwise cloud the water.
Filtration by Surrounding Landscapes: The natural filtration from surrounding forests and soils helps maintain water clarity.
How can visitors help protect and preserve crystal clear lakes in Montana?
1. Leave No Trace
2. Avoid Chemical Contaminants
3. Limit Boat Use
4. Participate in Cleanups
5. Educate Others
What is the best time to visit Montana?
Montana is beautiful all year, but to get the full experience of the aquatic activities on the crystal clear lakes you’ll want to visit during the summer months.
What types of fish and wildlife can be found in these lakes?
Fish: Trout, Pike, Salmon, Burbot
Wildlife: Amphibians and Reptiles, Birds (including ospreys, eagles, herons, and a variety of waterfowl)
Mammals: beavers, otters, and deer near the shores while bears and moose are also common in surrounding areas.
Is it safe to swim in Montana’s Lakes?
Absolutely! Waterborne illnesses are rare as the water quality is excellent. However, follow all posted signs, local advisors, and warnings. Know your own limits and never swim alone.
Besides Flathead Lake and Lake McDonald, what other lakes in Montana are worth visiting?
There are beautiful lakes in Helena, Montana. Check out this blog post to learn more.
Want to experience more of Montana?
If you’ve worked up an appetite while exploring these crystal clear lakes, check out our blog post that contains recommendations for some outstanding restaurants in Montana. We’ve included a map for easy location!
