Bike and Paddle Weekly Meet & Greet Mixers Open to the Public

 

Whether you're new to the area, a vacationer, or a local, the weekly Bike and Paddle Club Meet Greet Networking Mixers provide the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow enthusiasts. 

These casual gatherings offer a social platform for regular members to connect and for newcomers to meet like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting. 

The mixers are open to the public, alowing attendees to collectively decide on event details, meetup times, and locations while also discussing other Club opportunities and suggestions. 

The best part? There are no fees, or meetings to attend, or other Club requirements. Free drawings are held throughout the evening for valuable merchandise donated by sponsors and local businesses. Nothing to buy, just show up, and pickup a ticket! So, bring your friends, co-workers, and family and join us for a fun and casual evening. 

Stay tuned for our published schedule of events on the Club website and in our email newsletters. We hope to see you soon!

For sponsorship opportunities call:

Dennis Ketterman

406-871-6282

Top Paddleboard Lakes in Northern and Glacier Country

Both, beginner paddle boarders who are learning the basics and seasoned pros who have seen it all can have fun paddle boarding in Montana's great lakes and rivers.. There’s something for everyone! So go get lost in Montana’s wilderness. You won’t regret it!
Here are sixteen of the best places in Montana to take your paddleboard (SUP) or kayak

Courtesy of GILI Sports

LAKE MCDONALD

Lake Mcdonald is the largest lake in the Glacier National Park, roughly 10 miles long and a mile wide. The calm water begs for paddle boarding; beginners can learn the basics, while more experienced paddlers can embark on an epic expedition across the lake.

The deep blue water is pristine, reflecting the snowcapped mountains that surround the lake. This is best seen under the midday sun on a calm day. There are several launch sites along the drive to the historic Lake Mcdonald Lodge, and all you have to do is carry your paddle board a short distance over the pebbly shores. 

It’s best to plan your trip for the summer months, because throughout winter most of the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall. But don’t be fooled by the warm sun on your back, the water temperatures remain cold most of the time, so be sure to dress appropriately!

ASHLEY LAKE

Ashley Lake is picturesque and a popular spot for many water sports. Many people make a weekend trip out of this spot, camping overnight nearby. Just be warned, you will be sharing the lake with other people and there could be boats on the water, causing wakes to navigate. The best time to paddle board is early morning to avoid the crowds.

If you are keen to try fishing from your paddle board then Ashley Lake is a great place to start! Expect to catch rainbow trout and cutthroat trout, some of which are enormous.

FLATHEAD LAKE AND RIVER

Flathead Lake and River are found in the Wayfarers State Park, offering miles of unspoiled landscapes and sheltered areas perfect for paddle boarding. Several Beaches within the state park are ideal for launching your SUP into the lake. 

The river can be accessed from the southern region of the lake. Start your journey from Polson or Kerr to explore the meandering river, keeping in mind wind direction for your return paddle. 

For the more ambitious paddler, you could plan an expedition to the Kerr Dam (approximately 7 miles). There is a hiking trail viewpoint here as well, giving great views of the dam.

SWAN VALLEY LAKES AND RIVER

Swan River is the best place in northern Montana for intermediate paddle boarders looking for a challenge. The moving water flows into Bigfork Bay, with varying sections found along the way: calm and slow for rookies, and then class 2+ rapid stretches perfect to give SUP surfing a go on the whitewater rapids.

There are three lakes in Swan Valley:

• Swan Lake
• Echo Lake
• Holland Lake

These lakes are shallower than others found in Montana, making them warmer than other spots. If you’re in the area, make sure you do the 3.3 mile out-and-back paddle from Holland Lake to see the beautiful Holland Falls.

UPPER WHITEFISH LAKE

Located in Stillwater State Forest, Upper Whitefish Lake really is something special! If you are looking for somewhere to escape the crowds, then this is the place for you. This spot is tucked away from everything and is generally uncrowded. 

There is a fantastic campground that is equally tucked away. However, if you need any supplies or fancy a meal out in a restaurant, head down to Whitefish town, approximately an hour's drive.

TALLY LAKE

Tally Lake is peaceful and scenic. The luscious trees and forestry is part of the Kootenai National Forest, so you can expect wildlife galore. Head over to the east shore for the best evening sunset session. The best launch site is by Logan Creek, where you’ll also find campgrounds and basic facilities.

Don’t have your own SUP equipment yet? No worries. You can rent paddle boarding gear directly from the Tally Lake Campground at competitive rates.

LAKE KOOCANUSA

Lake Koocanusa is located in between Purcell and Salish mountains in Libby, Montana. This is another fantastic location for SUP fishing with several species of fish in the beautiful water, including:

• Burbot
• Rainbow trout
• Sockeye salmon
• Brook trout
• Cutthroat trout

This angler's paradise has an iconic bridge and dam, great for exploring pre or post paddle. 

SUP LOCATIONS NEAR MISSOULA, MONTANA

Missoula is a center of historical significance in western Montana. Also known as the "Garden City" due to its dense trees and lush green landscape, Missoula is right in the heart of the northern Rockies. So you can begin to imagine how surreal the paddle boarding opportunities are here.

BLACKFOOT RIVER

Launch your SUP from Russell Gates into the Blackfoot River for an ultimate stand-up paddle boarding adventure.  From here, you have countless miles of whitewater paddling one way and tranquil flatwater paddling the other. 

Blackfoot River is best paddled in July for water levels. Keep your eye out for the majestic bighorn sheep along the riverbanks too. This is another great spot for SUP fishing lovers who want to cast out a line.

CLARK FORK RIVER

Clark Fork River is the gem of Missoula. The locals love this place, and it’s not hard to understand why. Launch your SUP from Sha-Ron fishing access site, paddling into downtown Missoula for tasty restaurants, perfect for a post-paddle refuel.

This is the largest river in Montana for volume, draining the Rockies and feeding most of the state with clean and fresh water. 

BITTERROOT RIVER

If you’re in Montana for Fall, you have to head to Bitterroot River to paddle among the spectacular colors and insane scenery. Access the river from Bell Crossing, south of Missoula center. From here, you can paddle through the Lee Metcalfe National Wildlife Refuge, keeping your eyes peeled for native birds and wildlife on the banks. 

LAKE COMO

Lake Como is just a few miles off U.S. Highway 93, situated in one of the region's most beautiful valleys. The calm and serene waters reflect the mountainous surroundings, banks are brushed with alpine trees – this really is a Montana paradise.

There is a beautiful sandy beach on the north shore of the lake. This is a great place to launch for a relaxing paddle, enjoy a picnic, and simply watch nature be. Our top recommendation is to try out stretching into some SUP yoga positions at this destination. There isn’t a better place to find your zen!

SUP LOCATIONS IN MONTANA’S CENTRAL AND YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY

From hiking and wildlife to art and culture, central Montana is vibrant and trending. Make sure you pack your paddle board for a float across these epic places! Relax and enjoy complete peace with your stand up paddle board.

LAKE HELENA

Lake Helena is a firm favorite for the local community and is considered one of the best places to go paddle boarding in the world. The 2,073-acre lake is home to several species of carp, along with a diverse range of bird species, including:

• Sandhill cranes
• Meadowlarks
• Hawks
• Pelicans
• Bald Eagle (extremely rare!)

What’s best about this spot is it's great to paddle year round. Sure, summer months are great, but equally, Lake Helena is beautiful in the winter and the water doesn’t actually get too cold.

HEBGEN LAKE

Minutes away from West Yellowstone is a paddle board playground. Hebgen Lake is a whopping 6500-acre space of stunning scenery and crystal clear waters. Just be mindful that this huge lake is prone to frequent winds, so we recommend sticking close to the bays and shoreline. 

There are loads of campgrounds and holiday homes in the area, making it a great place to bring the family for an adventure-filled weekend!

HYALITE RESERVOIR

Are you looking for a super accessible paddle boarding spot near Bozeman? Hyalite Reservoir is only a 20-minute drive out of town making it an ideal option for a post-work paddle. 

The lake itself is surrounded by picturesque mountains on all sides. So make sure you bring your camera with you! The water is calm, perfect for mastering the beginner paddle boarding techniques. 

SUP LOCATIONS IN MONTANA’S MISSOURI RIVER COUNTRY

The paddle board locations don’t stop there! Montana’s Missouri River Country is undisturbed, grand, and quite simply breathtaking. Make sure you add this region to your bucket list of must see destinations, offering amazing hiking trails and SUP locations.

FORT PECK LAKE

Fort Peck is a small and quaint town in the northern reaches of Montana. This is Montana’s largest body of water and is still relatively unknown within the paddle boarding community. You can launch your SUP from Fort Peck Dredge Cuts, a fishing access point, and then enjoy a relaxing float along the mighty Missouri River. 

This lake is victim to some strong winds at times which can bring choppy waters to navigate. When paddling here, you should carefully plan your route and prepare your gear as you never know when you may have to head back to land. Due to the remoteness of this location, it’s a spot best left for the more experienced and adventurous paddlers.

SALMON LAKE STATE PARK

Salmon Lake State Park is a convenient and easily accessible spot for paddle boarding with the family in Montana. Many SUP lovers head here for a weekend escape, camping in some of the most pristine areas of natural beauty. As you paddle across the lake, you’ll be surrounded by mountains and breathtaking views in every direction. 

One of the best things about Salmon Lake State Park is that it never gets too busy. From here, you can easily reach Placid and Seeley Lake to fill out your weekend with different locations on your SUP.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is preparing to replace Sportsman’s Bridge (MT 82). Public input encouraged

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is preparing to replace Sportsman’s Bridge on Montana Highway 82 (MT 82) northwest of Bigfork. 

This narrow bridge crossing the Flathead River was built in 1955. It was not designed to accommodate today’s larger vehicles or the increased traffic due to the growth in population and tourism in the Flathead Valley.

MDT will replace the existing 686-foot-long bridge with a new 706-foot-long structure featuring two 12-foot travel lanes and two 10-foot shoulders. The new bridge will be built next to the south side of the existing structure. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.

Relocation of the Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site

As a result of shifting Sportsman’s Bridge to the south, the Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site (FAS) located on the east bank of the Flathead River will be impacted, reducing the amount of shoreline and eliminating the existing access to the FAS. MDT has been working with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to reduce this impact.

The existing FAS was initially planned to be modified and upgraded near the same location on the east bank of the river. However, after listening to public feedback and assessing available options, FWP is considering developing a new FAS on the west side of the Flathead River, off Oldenburg Road. This location offers many benefits, including:Increased access: Public access sites on Flathead Lake and the Flathead River are used heavily throughout the year and are consistently at or over capacity. The new location on the west side of the river would provide space for more parking and shoreline.
Ease of Access: The intersection of MT 82 with Oldenburg Road is preferred by both departments for its ease of access and safety features, compared to the alternative at Hanging Rock Drive.

• The new FAS will include:A new, concrete low-water boat ramp.
• Parking area with:38 truck/trailer parking stalls.
• 10 standard vehicle parking stalls.
• One ADA-accessible parking stall.
• An Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible dual-stall restroom.

Shop by Bike in Bigfork, Get Discounts and Other Incentives

It’s clear that American cities are pedaling towards a future where biking takes center stage. With ambitious plans, innovative projects, and growing support, the wheels of change are in motion, moving us towards a more sustainable, healthier, and interconnected urban landscape.

Alternatives/Bike and Paddle Magazines are promoting a sustainable transportation project in Bigfork through its BIKE SATURDAYS promotion. It encourages customers to leave their cars at home when shopping and cycle to participating Bigfork businesses. These businesses will offer exclusive discounts and incentives to customers arriving by bikes. 

You'll be rewarded with discounts on your purchases or other incentives. This promotion is aimed at reducing traffic congestion, allowing more parking spaces for people who really need them and promoting a healthier lifestyle. 

So, hop on your bike and pedal your way through Bigfork. Look for the BIKE SATURDAYS decal in the store front window and take advantage of some fantastic offers!

Storefront Decal

For further information and how your business can be included in the promotion and the many benefits it provides, call 406-871-6282.

Check out our other promotions

 

Bridge Street Bridge Closure Update

The following is an update on the Bridge Street Bridge, which was closed on January 31, 2024, due to structural concerns.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Flathead County closed the Bridge Street Bridge in response to an inspection and other analysis, that determined the structure could no longer reliably carry vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

It was not a hasty decision to close the bridge. MDT understands the bridge's closure is challenging for the village of Bigfork. However, continued use of the bridge for vehicle and/or pedestrian traffic poses too great of a risk for the public’s safety.

MDT makes every effort to be transparent and offer explanations for decisions made by the Department. To be transparent about the bridge’s closure, the most recent inspection reports have been posted on the Bridge Street-Bigfork project webpage: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/bigforkbridge/closure.aspx.

As outlined in the report, the more than 100-year-old Bridge Street Bridge has severe corrosion issues. The bridge’s condition is beyond simple or temporary repairs.

MDT and Flathead County are investigating ways to expedite the construction schedule in response to the closure. An accelerated schedule is subject to many complex issues, including utility relocations, right-of-way coordination, and environmental clearances.

MDT and Flathead County have received many communications from the public suggesting a temporary bridge be installed. Flathead County, in collaboration with MDT, completed an alternative analysis to assess numerous options for implementing a temporary pedestrian crossing. 

It was determined that the constraints of project site size, lack of right-of-way, the number of utilities, and other factors make constructing a temporary structure infeasible. A summary of this alternative analysis can be found on the project webpage: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/bigforkbridge/closure.aspx.

The course of action is to find ways to complete the project as quickly as possible. MDT and Flathead County are evaluating all options for expediting the bridge replacement, including innovative contracting methods and advance coordination with utility companies, landowners, and environmental resource entities. MDT and Flathead County will continue to update the public on new developments and the project’s progress.



Sincerely,
Sloane Stinson
On behalf of the Montana Department of Transportation

Face2Face Networking

In a world where social media reigns supreme, the value of genuine face-to-face relationships often gets overlooked. We have become so engrossed in virtual connections that we have sacrificed meaningful conversations for quick online interactions. 

As a result, while we may have more connections than ever before, the depth of these relationships is often lacking, creating an epidemic of social isolation -- worldwide. 

For more information and meeting locations and other Face2Face news of interest, subscribe to our FREE bi-weekly newsletter HERE.  

If you would be interested in hosting an event call 406-871-6282