Wayfarers

Wayfarers State Park encompasses 67 acres on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake near Bigfork in Flathead County. The park provides lakeside camping and swimming on the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States.

Flathead Lake supports lake trout, bull trout, yellow perch, and whitefish. Bald eagles and ospreys are frequently seen. Mule deer browse in the park. Loons and various waterfowl use the lake.

Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests shade the park. Native shrubs and wildflowers grow in the understory. The lakeshore supports riparian vegetation. The park's grounds blend natural forest with maintained recreation areas.

The park sits on the glacially formed northeast shore of Flathead Lake. The 191-square-mile lake was carved by massive Pleistocene glaciers. The surrounding mountains include the Swan Range to the east.

Flathead Lake moderates local temperatures significantly. Winters are milder and summers more pleasant than locations away from the lake. Annual precipitation averages about 16 inches. The lake rarely freezes completely.

The Bigfork area at the north end of Flathead Lake has been important to the Salish and Kootenai peoples. Bigfork developed as a resort and artistic community in the early 1900s.

Wayfarers State Park was established to provide public camping and lake access on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake near the popular resort community of Bigfork.

The swimming beach provides lake access. Camping in the lakeside forest setting is the primary draw. Nearby Bigfork offers restaurants, galleries, and a summer playhouse. Views across Flathead Lake are scenic.

The park offers 30 campsites, a swimming beach, and day-use facilities. It is located about 1 mile south of Bigfork on Highway 35.

The park supports Flathead Lake water quality protection. Invasive aquatic species prevention is a priority, with watercraft inspections required to protect the lake ecosystem.