AREA SERVICES



Welcome to the Flathead Valley of Northwest Montana


The Flathead Valley lies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains between the Salish Mountains to the west, and the Whitefish, Swan and Mission Ranges, rising eastward to the continental divide. These are no gentle inclines, but sudden, towering slopes that provide a very definite sense of place for the townships below. The valley floor sits at an elevation of 3,000 feet, while the tallest mountain peak soars to about 10,000 feet on the eastern flank.

OUR CLIMATE


Despite its elevation and latitude, the climate is considered mild. The high mountains on all sides protect the valley from harsh weather. The numerous lakes also keep temperatures moderate in summer and winter. As the summer and fall are modestly dry, the winter and spring are reasonably wet. Summer temperatures range from the 70’s to the 90’s. In the winter, temperatures usually linger around the 20s and 30s.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK


The Flathead Valley is the western gateway to Glacier Park, one of the jewels in the crown of the National Park system. There’s nothing better than exploring the natural splendor and the spectacular beauty of Glacier National Park on foot. Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road serves as a 52-mile trailhead for more than 700 miles of groomed hiking trails. But that’s not all. From nature trails to national and state forests, the Flathead Valley offers hiking options for every age and ability.
Enjoy seeing snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, lush forests, and a bounty of wildlife while you explore the great outdoors. The valley also lies adjacent to more than 1.7 million acres of federal wilderness in the form of the Great Bear – Bob Marshall Wilderness complex. In fact, the Flathead Valley is surrounded by wilderness areas totaling the combined size of Vermont. Other outdoor highlights include the National Bison Range and the Jewel Basin Hiking Area.

SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING


To the North is Whitefish Mountain Resort at Big Mountain. Big Mountain is known for its quality skiing on fresh powder and biking/hiking in the summer. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area lies farther south just to the west of Flathead Lake.

WETTING A LINE


Conditions on the rivers and lakes of the Flathead Valley range from the placid water of Ashley Creek to raging whitewater. Among the popular whitewater runs are the Middle Fork of the Flathead River near West Glacier, and the North Fork of the Flathead River north of Columbia Falls.
Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, is also among the cleanest large lakes – perfect for sailing, cruising, swimming, and fishing.
Fishermen love the Flathead Valley too! Flathead Lake and the three forks of the Flathead River are well known. However, there are also smaller lakes and streams just waiting for your boat, fly or lure.

TEE IT UP


The Valley boasts eight championship golf courses offering a season from April through October. Publicly owned courses feature impressive log cabin clubhouses built 50 years ago by Depression-era loggers under the direction of the federal Works Project Administration.

ARTS AND CULTURE


The Flathead has more than its share of cultural amenities. Artists' work can be seen in studios, galleries and other outlets throughout the Valley, particularly in Bigfork, Kalispell and Whitefish. Other cultural highlights include The Bigfork Summer Playhouse offering professional theater all summer, and the Whitefish Theatre Company fostering a professional standard of excellence in the theater arts.

LOCAL RESOURCES


AIRLINES
Glacier Park International Airport (406) 257-5994
Delta Airlines
(800) 221-1212
Alaska / Horizon Airlines
(800) 547-9308
United Airlines
(800) 864-8331
Allegiant Air
(702) 505-8888

FLATHEAD VALLEY BANKS
American Bank
(406) 862-1850
First Interstate Bank
(406) 863-8888
Flathead Bank
(406) 752-4050
Glacier Bank
(406) 863-6300
Parkside Federal Credit Union (406) 862-2652
Whitefish Credit Union
(406) 862-3525

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
Whitefish Chamber of Commerce
(406) 862-3501
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
(406) 758-2800
Bigfork Chamber of Commerce
(406) 837-5888
Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce
(406) 892-2072
Lakeside/Somers Chamber of Commerce
(406) 844-3715
Kalispell Convention and Visitors Bureau
(406) 756-9091

MOVING AND STORAGE
AA Moving Storage & Transfer LLC
502 Commerce St
Whitefish, Mt
(406) 862-3571 or (866) 714-1886
Mergenthaler Transfer & Storage
3085 Hwy 93 S, Kalispell, MT
(406) 756-9700
(800) 835-9955

RENTALS AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Five Star Rentals
(406) 862-5994
Whitefish Property Management
(406) 863-4651
The Landlord
(406) 862-5263
All Pro Flathead Property Management
(406) 755-1102
Montana Realty Manager
(406) 756-7522
Above and Beyond Home and Property Management
(406) 751-5202
Valley Maintenance
(406) 837-6679