Somers Beach

Somers Beach State Park encompasses a small lakefront area on the northwest shore of Flathead Lake near the community of Somers in Flathead County. The park provides a free public beach and picnic area on the lake.

Flathead Lake supports various fish species including lake trout, bull trout, and yellow perch. Waterfowl frequent the nearshore area. Ospreys and bald eagles are commonly observed fishing the lake.

Cottonwoods and native grasses characterize the shoreline. The surrounding area includes ponderosa pine forests typical of the Flathead Valley. Aquatic vegetation grows in the nearshore shallows.

The park sits on the glacially formed northwest shore of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. The Flathead Valley was shaped by massive glaciers during the Pleistocene ice ages.

Flathead Lake moderates local temperatures, creating one of Montana's mildest climate zones. Winters are relatively mild and summers pleasant. Annual precipitation averages about 16 inches.

Somers was established as a railroad and lumber town in the early 1900s. The Great Northern Railway built a sawmill and wharf at Somers to process timber from the surrounding forests.

Somers Beach State Park provides free public lake access on Flathead Lake's northwest shore, serving both residents and visitors to the Flathead Valley.

The sandy beach provides swimming access to Flathead Lake. Picnicking and casual recreation serve day visitors. Views across the lake to the Mission Mountains are scenic.

The park offers day-use facilities including a beach area and picnic tables. It is located in the community of Somers, about 5 miles southwest of Bigfork on Highway 82.

The park maintains public lake access. Flathead Lake water quality protection involves invasive species prevention through watercraft inspection programs.