Finley Point

Finley Point State Park encompasses 28 acres on a peninsula extending into the southeast shore of Flathead Lake in Lake County. The park provides camping and lake access on a scenic point surrounded by water on three sides.

Flathead Lake supports lake trout, bull trout, yellow perch, and whitefish. Ospreys and bald eagles are commonly seen fishing the lake. Mule deer browse on the peninsula, and loons and other waterbirds frequent the area.

Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir dominate the forested peninsula. Native bunchgrasses and wildflowers grow in open areas. The lakeshore supports willows and other riparian species. Cherry orchards in the surrounding area reflect the lake's moderating climate.

Finley Point is a glacially formed peninsula on the southeast shore of Flathead Lake. The lake itself was carved by massive glaciers during the Pleistocene and covers 191 square miles, making it the largest natural freshwater lake in the western U.S.

Flathead Lake significantly moderates local temperatures, creating conditions suitable for cherry orchards nearby. Winters are milder and summers cooler than inland locations. Annual precipitation averages about 16 inches.

The Flathead Lake area is the homeland of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The point and surrounding area have been important for fishing and gathering for thousands of years.

Finley Point State Park was established to provide public camping and lake access on the scenic southeast shore of Flathead Lake.

Lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating is the primary draw. The peninsula setting provides water views from multiple angles. Sunset watching is popular. The surrounding cherry orchards are scenic in bloom.

The park offers 16 campsites and a boat ramp. It is located about 11 miles north of Polson on the east shore of Flathead Lake via Highway 35 and county roads.

The park helps manage recreation on Flathead Lake while protecting shoreline habitat. Invasive species monitoring protects the lake's ecological integrity.