Photo Credit: Goat Floats

Flathead Lake:

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, offering crystal clear waters and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. With over 200 square miles of water to explore, there's no shortage of paddling opportunities here. You can paddle along the shoreline or venture out to Wild Horse Island, a state park accessible only by boat. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, and other wildlife that call this area home.

Glacier National Park:

Glacier National Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and paddle boarding is no exception. The park offers several lakes, including Lake McDonald and Swiftcurrent Lake, where you can paddle amidst the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains. Be sure to bring a camera, as you'll want to capture the views of the park's iconic peaks reflected in the crystal clear waters. The photo above is of Swiftcurrent Lake.

Swan Lake:

Nestled in the Swan Valley, Swan Lake is a peaceful and picturesque paddle boarding destination. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped mountains, making for a truly magical experience on the water. You can paddle along the shoreline or head out to the middle of the lake for a more challenging adventure.

Clark Fork River:

The Clark Fork River is a popular paddle boarding destination in western Montana, offering a mix of calm and fast-moving waters. You can paddle through scenic canyons, float through downtown Missoula, or tackle the whitewater rapids near Alberton Gorge. The river also offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, with bald eagles, otters, and beavers commonly spotted along the banks.

Lake McDonald:

Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Paddle boarding on the lake is a peaceful and serene experience, with crystal clear waters that reflect the mountains in the distance. You can also explore the lake's many coves and inlets, where you're likely to spot a variety of wildlife.

Lake Como:

Lake Como is a hidden gem in the Bitterroot Valley, offering pristine waters and stunning mountain views. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating, but paddle boarding is a particularly peaceful way to explore the area. You can paddle along the shoreline or venture out to the middle of the lake for a more challenging adventure.

Ashley Lake:

Ashley Lake is a secluded paddle boarding destination located near Kalispell. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and offers crystal clear waters that are perfect for paddling. You can paddle along the shoreline or venture out to the middle of the lake for a more challenging adventure. The lake is also home to a variety of fish, making it a popular spot for anglers.

Bitterroot River:

The Bitterroot River is a popular paddle boarding destination in southwestern Montana, offering scenic views and calm waters. The river flows through the Bitterroot Valley, offering a mix of flatwater and small rapids. You can paddle through the scenic canyons or float through the charming towns along the river.

Upper Whitefish Lake:

Upper Whitefish Lake is a pristine paddle boarding destination located near Whitefish. The lake offers crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can paddle along the shoreline or venture out to the middle of the lake for a more challenging adventure. The lake is also home to a variety of fish, making it a popular spot for anglers.

Blackfoot River:

The Blackfoot River is a legendary paddle boarding destination, made famous by the book and movie "A River Runs Through It". The river flows through scenic canyons and offers a mix of calm and whitewater sections. Paddlers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife like bald eagles and elk.

Seeley Lake:

Seeley Lake is a popular paddle boarding destination in western Montana, offering crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, but paddle boarding is a peaceful way to explore the area. You can paddle along the shoreline or venture out to the middle of the lake for a more challenging adventure.

Flathead River:

The Flathead River is a popular paddle boarding destination in northwestern Montana, offering stunning scenery and calm waters. The river flows through the Flathead Valley and offers a mix of flatwater and small rapids. Paddlers can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife like osprey and bald eagles.

Madison River:

The Madison River is a popular paddle boarding destination in southwestern Montana, offering stunning scenery and calm waters. The river flows through the Madison Valley and offers a mix of flatwater and small rapids. Paddlers can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife like eagles and moose.

Missouri River:

The Missouri River is a historic paddle boarding destination, as it was the route taken by Lewis and Clark during their expedition. The river flows through the heart of Montana and offers a mix of flatwater and small rapids. Paddlers can enjoy views of the surrounding prairies and wildlife like bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope.

Lake Helena:

Lake Helena is a peaceful paddle boarding destination located near the state capital. The lake offers calm waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can paddle along the shoreline or venture out to the middle of the lake for a more challenging adventure. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing and boating.

Lake Koocanusa:

Lake Koocanusa is a stunning paddle boarding destination located in northwestern Montana, near the Canadian border. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, but paddle boarding is a peaceful way to explore the area. You can paddle along the shoreline or venture out to the middle of the lake for a more challenging adventure. The lake is also home to a variety of fish, making it a popular spot for anglers.

Clark Fork:

The Clark Fork is a major river in western Montana, offering a mix of calm and whitewater sections. Paddlers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife like bald eagles and river otters. The river flows through Missoula and offers several access points for paddle boarding.

Hebgen Lake:

Hebgen Lake is a pristine paddle boarding destination located near West Yellowstone. The lake offers crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can paddle along the shoreline or venture out to the middle of the lake for a more challenging adventure. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing and boating.

Echo Lake:

Echo Lake is a picturesque mountain lake located in the Flathead National Forest, just a short drive from the town of Bigfork. The lake is surrounded by towering trees and rugged mountains, making it an idyllic spot for paddleboarding. The crystal-clear water is perfect for exploring on a paddleboard, and there are plenty of coves and inlets to discover.

One of the highlights of paddleboarding on Echo Lake is the chance to spot wildlife. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including trout and bass, and you might catch a glimpse of bald eagles, ospreys, and other birds of prey soaring overhead. The peaceful setting of Echo Lake also makes it a great place to relax and unwind. Soak up the sun, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Georgetown Lake:

Georgetown Lake is another popular spot for paddleboarding in Montana. Located in the southwest part of the state, Georgetown Lake is a massive body of water that covers more than 2,700 acres. The lake is surrounded by the stunning Pintler Mountains, which provide a dramatic backdrop for paddleboarding adventures.

One of the unique features of Georgetown Lake is its diverse shoreline. There are sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings, and grassy meadows to explore, all of which offer different challenges and rewards for paddleboarders. Whether you want to paddle along the shore or venture out into the open water, Georgetown Lake has something for everyone.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Montana offers a wide range of paddle boarding destinations, from peaceful mountain lakes to winding rivers. Whether you're looking for a calm and serene paddle or a more challenging adventure, Montana has something for everyone. So grab your paddle board, and head out to explore some of the most stunning waters in the country. With breathtaking scenery and an abundance of wildlife, you're sure to have an unforgettable paddle boarding experience in Montana. Be safe and have fun paddle boarding. And remember that for Montana rivers the perfect whitewater paddle board is the Glide O2 Lochsa is the perfect board for the beautiful landscape you will find these coming summer months in Montana from Russell gates to Brennan's wave, dont forget to bring a quick release leash.