Flathead Lake in northwest Montana is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi; slightly larger than Lake Tahoe at 27.3 mi.As one of the cleanest in the world, Flathead Lake is perfect for OPEN WATER SWIMMING! No sharks, no jellyfish, and no lane lanes, just clear, clean, and crisp water!
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Where can I swim in Flathead Lake?
There are several swimming holes in the Flathead Watershed including Sprague Creek in Glacier National Park; Whitefish Lake State Park, City Beach, and Les Mason Park on Whitefish Lake; Foys Lake; and Swan Lake.
Is Flathead Lake warm enough to swim?
The lakes scattered throughout the Flathead Valley are generally warmer than the lakes in Glacier. Foys Lake, just a couple of miles west of Kalispell, is normally the warmest. There is a nice public beach area there.
How cold is the water in Flathead Lake?
And there are numerous larger man-made reservoirs. Average surface temperatures of the Lake range from 2.3°C (36°F) in mid-January to 13.5°C (56°F) in mid-June to 20.3°C (68°F) in mid-August.
Statistics.
| Maximum Length | 27.3 miles (43.9 km) |
|---|---|
| Length | 13.2 feet (4.02 m) |
| Breadth | 5.2 feet (1.58 m) |
| Flushing Time | 2.2 years |
Does Flathead Lake have swimmer’s itch?
KALISPELL (AP) — The Flathead Lake itch is back, swimmers say. Flathead County Health Department officials said the curse comes from a tiny parasite proliferating in the warming waters of Flathead Lake and other area lakes. As swimmers leave the shallows, the parasite comes along in water clinging to their skin.
Is it safe to swim in Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake in northwest Montana is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi; slightly larger than Lake Tahoe at 27.3 mi.As one of the cleanest in the world, Flathead Lake is perfect for OPEN WATER SWIMMING! No sharks, no jellyfish, and no lane lanes, just clear, clean, and crisp water!
Is Flathead Lake to cold to swim?
Flathead Lake water temp
During this month, Flathead Lake water temperature does not drop below 68°F and therefore suitable for comfortable swimming. The average water temperature in Flathead Lake in winter reaches 35.6°F, in spring 41°F, in summer the average temperature rises to 64.4°F, and in autumn it is 51.8°F.
Can you swim in the lakes in Montana?
The lake is a prime recreational destination, offering swimming, boating, picnicking and fishing. There are also a few camping grounds that sit around the lake’s shoreline.
Can you swim in Glacier Park?
The water at Apgar Village in Glacier National Park is relatively shallow, so the sun really warms it up so you can enjoy a good swim without nearly freezing to death. This is really the only comfortable place to swim in the entire Glacier Park area, and families have a terrific time here.
Can you swim in St Mary lake?
Visitors do not swim in the lake due to the frigid temperatures. Two campgrounds on the lakeshore offer campsites with potable water and restrooms. Many of the popular trails begin from the campground areas, with several leading to waterfalls.
Are there leeches in Flathead Lake?
No leeches in Flathead Lake!
Are there bears at Flathead Lake?
KALISPELL — We all know summer in Montana means heading outdoors, whether that’s hiking the backcountry or spending a day on the lake.Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports there have been sightings of black bears and even grizzlies throughout the Flathead Valley recently.
Why is Flathead Lake water so clear?
Flathead Lake
It is one of the cleanest lakes of its size and type anywhere in populated areas of the world. The clarity of Flathead Lake’s waters is renowned.The lake is so clear because it is relatively low in nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) which promote the growth of algae.
What is the US swimmers itch?
Swimmer’s itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals. These parasites are released from infected snails into fresh and salt water (such as lakes, ponds, and oceans).
What lakes in Montana have swimmers itch?
In Montana, Flathead Lake is a prime location to catch swimmer’s itch. “It’s horribly itchy and takes about seven to 10 days to clear up,” Granath said. “It affects everybody differently, but some people think it’s worse than poison ivy.
How is Cercarial dermatitis treated?
Treatment for cercarial dermatitis
- Cool, moist compress. This is a clean damp cloth.
- Corticosteroid cream or ointment. You can apply this medicine several times a day on clean skin.
- Antihistamine. This medicine can help reduce itching.
- Colloidal oatmeal bath.
- Baking soda paste.
- Other anti-itch lotion or cream.
Can you swim in Whitefish Lake?
Whitefish Lake is a 7-mile-long glacial lake located in Whitefish, Montana. One of the most popular public accesses is City Beach located near the lake’s outflow. The park has a sandy beach, shaded grass area, designated swimming area, docks, gazebos, and picnic tables.
Does Flathead Lake flood?
Flooding Effects on Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake’s surface elevation is regulated by Kerr Dam, located on the Flathead River approximately 4.5 miles (7.24 km) below the lake’s outlet. The Flathead River flood of 1933 was the last great flood before Kerr Dam was built.
What is the temperature of Flathead Lake right now?
49 °F at 10:30 PM on 11/3/2021
As one of the measurements in the Flathead Lake environmental data suite, temperature is reported every 15 minutes.
How clean is Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake is one of the cleanest lakes of its size and type anywhere in populated areas of the world. The clarity of Flathead Lake’s waters is renowned. In the summer it is often easy to see through 20 feet of the water column.
What’s the deepest Lake in Montana?
Tally Lake
Tally Lake
West of Whitefish in Flathead National Forest, Tally Lake is the deepest natural lake in Montana. With depths as far down as 445 feet, Tally Lake is also surrounded by mountainsides covered in trees.
