Cruising Flathead Lake!

Polson, MT  Currently 85   Feels like 83  High:  93   Low:  59

What a day to spend part of it on one of the most beautiful, pristine lakes in the northwest! Flathead Lake is located in the center of the Flathead Valley bordered by the Mission Mountains to the east and Glacier National Park to the north. It is 28 miles long and 15 miles wide making it the largest freshwater lake west of thee Mississippi, with over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. There are many islands that dot Flathead Lake, the most notable being Wildhorse Island. Wildhorse Island is a primitive state park that encompasses 2,162 acres and is the home to native wildlife such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, osprey and even the namesake, wild horses.


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We wanted to explore the lake, and take Rupert with us, and Flathead Boat Company, Boat Rental Specialists fit the bill! We rented a 20 foot inboard-outboard boat for four hours, with the plan to go around Wild Horse Island, this time! In the future (See! Another place on our list to return to, and explore further!) it would be fun to go to the island and explore! And just maybe we are getting ready for Houghton, MI, and Lake Superior explorations....!  (Isle Royale, here we come!)

Rupert (and Lindy!) were a bit nervous, at first. Mike agreed to be the driver, and went out for a short spin with the owner of Flathead Boat Company to learn all the ins and outs of driving:  raising the motor some as pick up speed, when to be in neutral, etc. The staff were excellent! They showed much patience in helping all of us into the boat, mainly Lindy, and Rupert who did not like walking on the dock with the spaces between the boards. We highly recommend Flathead Boat Company! They had recommended a location to purchase
a life vest for Rupert, and were very helpful, and supportive. (By the way, this whole idea was Lindy's! She

Looking South as we departed

who does NOT swim! Yet put her in a boat and...!) You'll see in the pictures that eventually Lindy became more relaxed and moved to the front of the boat! Rupert joined her!)

We arrived a little before 8:30, and signed the papers, then Mike received the tutorial on driving. They helped us load our stuff, and we were off! This time of year the valley is cooler than the mountains so wind and waves were a factor as the two temperatures collided. It was a little choppy going out, but not too bad. We did have to watch for logs, as this area had received 130% precipitation this winter! Wouldn't it be great to send this on to California, Arizona or New Mexico?!

We had packed a lunch, and had ample water and snacks for all:  Paws and Friends. We drifted when we

Old Texaco Sign marking "Rocky Point" -- a major navigation note for us! 

ate, watching the scenery. At one time, Lindy remarked about a bird in flight--"Oh, look! That's an eagle, isn't it?!"  Did she even think of taking a picture....?  NO!

We had a great time! Thunder storms are coming tomorrow, which would mean no boating. All in all, a very good way to spend a Sunday on the southern part of Flathead Lake!

Wild Horse Island!

Wild Horse Island

Rupert--trying to find some shade...

Lindy moved up front, joined by Rupert! 

Rupert:  with for pets only sunscreen on nose and ears

We shall explore the Lake from the shore the next couple of days, before we depart this area of Montana to move on down the road!

Roving Boating Riders, SWIRVIN around the lower part of Flathead Lake!