The Ultimate Guide to Wild Horse Island State Park
As a young person, I spent a lot of time on Flathead Lake, which meant that we would occasionally make the trip over to Wild Horse Island State Park. Not only is it one of the best things to do in Kalispell, MT and the Flathead Valley, but it’s one of the most unique parks in the area (and yes, there are wild horses on the island). You will want to keep in mind that the park is only accessible by boat, but if you can make that work for you, then you should absolutely add it to your list of things to see while you’re in Montana.
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Car rental: I recommend Rentalcars.com 🚗
Travel insurance: I recommend SafetyWing 🤒
Accommodations: Places to stay in Kalispell 🏨
Activities: Things you have to do 🥾
Recommended RVs: I recommend Outdoorsy 🌲
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Everything you need to know about Wild Horse Island State Park
Here’s what you need to know about visiting Wild Horse Island State Park and why you should add it to your Montana road trip!
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Map of Wild Horse Island
Where is Wild Horse Island State Park?
Wild Horse Island State Park is located in northwest Montana’s Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. This is one of several state parks on Flathead Lake. The island is located closest to the town of Big Arm. The towns of Dayton and Rollins are also nearby.
How big is Wild Horse Island State Park?
Wild Horse Island State Park is approximately 2164 acres. The entire island is open to hiking but to reduce the impact of visitors on the island there are no bikes permitted. The island’s elevation reaches 3749 feet making it a haven for deer, bighorn sheep, and the island’s namesake: horses. It is the largest island on Flathead Lake.
What hours is Wild Horse Island State Park open?
Wild Horse Island State Park is open to guests all year. The park is for day use only, meaning that guests may visit Wild Horse Island during daylight hours only. Park visitors are encouraged to check local weather advisories before heading out on the water.
How do I get to Wild Horse Island State Park?
To access Wild Horse Island State Park hikers must take a watercraft. From Dayton Yacht Harbor, it is a 90-minute paddle to the island. Visitors can also access the park by launching at over 20 access sites, state parks, or marinas, the most common point is Big Arm State Park.
You can also take a ferry that runs several times a day from Big Arm Boat Rental and Rides. It’s a good idea to book these tickets in advance since they tend to sell out. The ferry leaves at 9:00 am with a return at 12:30 pm, 12:00 pm with a return at 3:30 pm, and 3:00 pm with a return at 6:30 pm. You can find out more information and book your ticket here.
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Can you camp on Wild Horse Island State Park?
There is no camping available on Wild Horse Island in Flathead Lake. There are limited amenities such as vault toilets for visitors. Bears do occasionally visit the island so proper food containment and packing out is required.
How much does it cost to enter Wild Horse Island State Park?
For the experience, Wild Horse Island, MT is an absolute bargain. Residents who have opted to add the $9 park pass to their registration do not have to pay to enter the park. For non-residents or residents that declined the registration pass, the fee is $8 a day.
Are there wild horses in Wild Horse Island State Park?
Wild Horse Island State Park received its name from the horses on the island. Originally the native Kootenai Indians would keep their horses on the island by crossing Flathead Lake to keep them safe from warring tribes who would steal their prized horses.
There is currently a small herd of five horses that live on the island. For the safety of the horses, visitors are not permitted to feed, chase, or attempt to ride the horses. The horses are wild and the park wants to keep them that way for their health and the safety of guests.
A reminder that if you encounter any of the abundant wildlife on the island, make sure not to approach it. Animals like Bighorn sheep, mule deer, and the wild horses might seem gentle, but they can be dangerous when provoked.
Can I bring my dog to Wild Horse Island State Park?
Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed on Wild Horse Island. To protect the local wildlife and reduce stress on the ecosystem the island is off limits to dogs or other pets. For those who want to explore the surrounding area with their dogs many of the shoreline parks of Flathead Lake are dog friendly.
What are the things to do in Wild Horse Island State Park?
There are many activities on Wild Horse Island that make it a popular destination. Wildlife viewing, checking out the hiking trails, and photography are the most notable pastimes for visitors. With pine forests and prairie land the opportunity to view bighorn sheep, mule deer, horses, and bald eagles among a host of other animals. Scenic vistas from both the top of the island and the shoreline give photographers a backdrop like no other.
Outside of camera-based hobbies hikers can enjoy a landscape of near untouched beauty and take a dip in Flathead Lake from any of the beaches around the island. Anglers looking to test the waters either from shore or around the island have a good chance at catching lake trout, pike, and perch. Anglers are required to purchase a tribal fishing permit because of the location in the Flathead Reservation.
What do I need to know about boating at Wild Horse State Park?
Wild Horse Island is only accessible by boat. With waterborne travel being the only option for hikers there are a few important guidelines to consider. First, boaters are encouraged to respect private property near the island and not use private docks without permission. Second, a public dock is not available on the island. Boaters are encouraged to use one of the launch sites around the island. A map to launch sites can be accessed via the park’s website.
Sailboat enthusiasts are often spotted along the island’s scenic shoreline, so if you plan on taking a pontoon boat or speedboat out there, be wary of any sailboats moored nearby.
Can I kayak or canoe to Wild Horse Island State Park?
Yes. You can canoe or kayak to Wild Horse Island State Park. Conditions on the lake are known to be windy so kayakers should pay close attention to the weather forecast and always wear a life preserver when on the water.
Can I take boat tours to Wild Horse Island?
Yes! There are a few companies that offer tours on pontoon boats. They will take you right to the hiking trails available and put you on shore in the proper places to explore the island.
These companies include:
- Wild Horse Island Boat Trips
- Flathead Lake Fishing
- Paddle Board Outfitters
- Flathead Fishing Charters
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What do I need to know about having a fire in Wild Horse Island State Park?
Following the rules of no camping on Wild horse island, there are also no fires allowed. The park’s main goal is to protect the native flora and fauna, this extends to fires too.
Have any questions about visiting Wild Horse Island State Park? Let me know in the comments!
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