The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, at least in the lower 48, Flathead Lake in Montana has 185 miles of shoreline and brings opportunities for a wealth of things to do and plenty of recreation on and around the water, including fishing, boating, swimming, water-skiing, and picnicking. There are numerous options for accommodation all around it, including vacation rentals. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, a luxurious home, or even a yurt that will put you just steps away from it all, these are some of the top picks.
Beautiful Log Cabin Overlooking Flathead Lake - Polson
Tucked into the Mission Mountains on more than four acres, this two-bedroom log cabin sleeps up to four and includes a vast wrap-around deck where you can kick back and take in a spectacular view of the lake. Public beach access and the water are just steps away. It’s a wonderful place to unplug and enjoy nature, with no Wi-Fi or cable TV. You will have a lovely open concept kitchen, dining, and living room area that includes a fireplace.
Beautiful Flathead Lake Home - Polson
Located on the southwest shore, this four-bedroom home accommodates up to eight, who can look forward to gorgeous views of the lake, the Mission Mountains, as well as Dream, Wild Horse, and Melita islands. It includes screened-in porches for relaxing with a view, and when you want to get active, paddleboards and kayaks have been provided for complimentary use. After dark, make S’mores on the fire pit under the stars. It includes all the important amenities inside, including a washer and dryer so you can pack lighter.
Grandma's Cabin in the Woods on the Lake - Rollins
Grandma’s Cabin sits right along the shores of the lake, providing as many as 12 guests with dazzling mountain and water views. It comes with your own private beach, a boat dock, and a fire pit too. The dock includes shore stations for a boat and jet-ski, perfect for those who want to bring their own water toys or rent them in the local area. From the large deck that overlooks the beach, you can relax while others play and take in the glorious sunsets too. The interior is also impressive, with plenty of room for all, a well-equipped kitchen that opens to a dining room, Wi-Fi, and cable TV.
Lakefront Home With Hot Tub, Dock, Great Views - Somes
A three-bedroom, 2,000-square-foot lakefront home for seven, this is a perfect rental for large families or groups of friends, complete with breathtaking Rocky Mountain and lake views from the living room, loft, and two of the bedrooms. It includes a gorgeous newly remodeled kitchen, 110 feet of your own private beach, and a boat dock.
Beautiful Lakefront House on Flathead - Polson
This three-bedroom home on Flathead Lake sleeps up to six and comes with a ton of amenities. You’ll have a fenced yard, a bubbling hot tub, and a large deck that overlooks the water, along with a full gym, and in the summer (July 1 to August 15), a pontoon boat. Two paddle boards, a double kayak, and life jackets are also provided. You’ll want to spend a lot of time hanging out on the deck, gazing out at Flathead Lake, Mission Mountains, nesting osprey, and catching beautiful sunrises while sipping your morning coffee. Inside, notable features include a wood-burning fireplace in the living room and a large kitchen/dining room with everything you need to make your own meals.
Authentic Log Cabin - Polson
A historic hand-hewn log cabin, this beautiful rental offers spectacular views of Flathead Lake just a half-mile from Yellow Bay State Park. It sits on a five-acre property with an organic cherry orchard, providing a romantic studio space for a couple or a great spot for a two friends. You’ll have a queen-size log bed and a futon couch, antique furnishings, a full kitchen, and a covered porch with a gas BBQ for cooking out.
Couples Retreat on Flathead Lake with a Private Beach - Bigfork
This 1930s “cherry pickers’ cabin” sits along Woods Bay just a half-mile south of the town of Bigfork, within walking distance to multiple restaurants. It accommodates up to two guests and includes a private beach with zero gravity chairs where you can dip your toes in the water, a picnic table, bar table, and a fire pit, ideal for enjoying the warmth with a brilliant night’s sky right from the beach. Access to bicycles, two kayaks and two SUP boards are available upon request. Inside you’ll have Wi-Fi, TV, A/C, and a full kitchen.
Your Condo on the Lake with Amazing Views - Bigfork
This two-bedroom condo includes a master bedroom with a wall of windows that faces the lake, providing an unobstructed view of the mouth of the Flathead River, the bay and Swan Mountains. Enjoy access to the property’s spa/hot tub as well as a seasonal bar and restaurant. You’ll find restaurants in town as well, although the condo is equipped with a full kitchen that includes modern appliances.
Flathead Lake Cabin with Dock, Gazebo, Lake Access - Rollins
A modern two-bedroom cabin, here you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the lake with access to the water just a short walk away. It includes a gorgeous lawn area with a pavilion/gazebo, a private dock for your own boat or a rental, and your own private beach with a fire pit. Two kayaks, two paddle boards, life jackets, and other water toys are available for fun on the bay, and bikes for exploring on land are included too. It can accommodate up to four adults and two children, with a queen bed, a full bed and a set of bunk beds. Other notable features include Wi-Fi and a 50″ Smart TV with Roku, Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video available for logging in with your subscription.
Vintage Beach House Retreat - Bigfork
Enjoy a high-end glamping experience in this 1940s vintage beach house just steps from the lake. You can even wake up and enjoy an incredible view of the water while taking advantage of Bigfork’s dining and art scene, less than 10 minutes away. You’ll have use of a dock, propane grill, and a fire pit along with access to a full private bathroom and a washer/dryer in the main house. Clean, cozy, and budget-friendly, you can even let the gentle lapping of the lake against the shore lull you to sleep at night.
Orchard Tiki Cabin on the Lake - Bigfork
The Orchard Tiki Cabin is a lot of fun, providing a unique stay just steps from the lake with water and mountain views. It was converted from a 70-year-old boat house and has large shed doors that open up right onto the lake, along with eclectic Tiki-type décor. You’ll have some limited kitchen facilities, including an outdoor BBQ grill with a burner and an indoor electric wok. A canoe and paddle boards are provided for getting out on the lake, and there’s a shared fire pit with wood supplied.
Yurt Overlooking Flathead Lake - Polson
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, luxury camping stay, this yurt is what you’ll want to book. It sits on a hillside overlooking the lake at its north end, right next to the open space on the north shore of the National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll have a small refrigerator for snacks and beverages as well as an electric kettle for making tea or coffee. Your breakfast is included in the rate, while other meals can be enjoyed in the area restaurants, with plenty nearby in Somers, Lakeside, Bigfork and Kalispell.
Cottage at Somers Bay Overlooking Flathead Lake - Somers
An adorable two-bedroom cottage for six, this rental was built in 1925 and overlooks Somers Bay, providing gorgeous water views. It comes with all the essentials like a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a Smart TV with Roku and a DVD player. You’ll have a washer/dryer too.
