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Wild Horse Island

State Park on Flathead Lake

Most Difficult Accessibility

Region 1 | Glacier Country

Big Horn Sheep - Big Horn Sheep on Wild Horse Island

Wild Horse Island State Park - A grazing herd of Big Horn Sheep.

Mule Deer Silhouettes - Mule deer on Wild Horse Island- silhouetted, running away from the camera.

Three horses grazing - three horses grazing on Wild Horse Island

Snow covered island - A wintery view of Wild Hose Island.

Wild Horse Island State Park - Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake.

Wild Horse Island - Two horses roaming Wild horse Island.

Flathead Lake - Red sunset over Flathead Lake as seen from Wild Horse Island.

Wild Horse Island - Landscape of Wild Horse Island.

Wild Horse Island State Park. - Two horses wandering on Wild Horse Island.

Park Map	Location Map	Marine Map
Trail Map	Parcel Map


Open:	Jan 1 - Dec 31
Size:	2164 acres
Elevation:	3392 ft
Nearest Town:	Polson

The largest island in Flathead Lake preserves an endangered palouse prairie environment, an old growth Ponderosa pine forest historic and cultural resources, and offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Boat access is required to reach this day-use-only 2,160-acre island.

Wild Horse has been a landmark rich with history since the Salish-Kootenai Indians were reported to have used it to pasture horses to keep them from being stolen by other tribes.

Check with park staff on the best locations to land, for hiking trails and views. Note: Private property is found along parts of the perimeter of the island. Please do not utilize private docks.

This park and the southern end of Falthead Lake are located on the Flathead Indian Rservation, so you will need a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe fishing license to enjoy the excellent fishing here.

For more information on Flathead Lake State Parks, read Water, Water Everywhere, 2003 Montana Outdoors article.

Wild Horse Island State Park Brochure

Flahtead Lake Islands Management Plan

Indian Education For All Lesson Plan

Wild Horse Island State Park is located on Flathead Lake .

Directions

Access via boat.
(Lat 47.847, Lng -114.235)

Contact Information

If you have questions or comments please send mail to: Wild Horse Island, FWP Region 1 Office, 490 North Meridian Kalispell, MT 59901 or call (406) 752-5501 .

Restrictions & Closures

Fire Restriction: No fires of any kind are allowed on the island.

Management Restriction: Groups of 15 or more people must obtain a special use permit from Park Manager.

Pet Restriction: No pets.

Management Restriction: RESTRICTED (3/1 - 7/15)
A special resource zone is seasonally closed to public entry from March 1 to July 15 to protect nesting Bald Eagles. The zone is located between Skeeko Bay and Eagle Cove with the perimeter marked by signage. Check trail map for zone boundaries.

Management Restriction: Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed. Foot travel only.

Vehicle Length: Trailer/RV not recommended.

Activities

Fishing
Swimming
Hiking - 1 mile of hiking trails
Wildlife Viewing
Photography

Sanitation/Water

Pack in/Pack out
Toilet (Vault) - Composting toilet.

Fees

Walk or Bike In

$3.00

Non-Resident Per person

Wildlife Viewing

These locations represent physical occurrences (visually confirmed) within the boundaries of the site. Many more species may be present in the area which are not listed because we do not have a visually confirmed record. If you would like to report a species sighting, a form is available.