Discover the 5 Cleanest Lakes in Montana

Montana is home to a vast array of pristine lakes. They offer visitors a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With many beautiful lakes to choose from, it’s important to consider water quality and cleanliness when selecting a destination. In this article, we explore five of the cleanest lakes in Montana, highlighting their unique features. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, these lakes offer a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. Read on to discover the five cleanest lakes in Montana.

1. Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. It is located in the lower northwestern portion of Montana, around 7 miles south of Kalispell. The lake covers more than 200 square miles of water, with a shoreline that stretches for 185 miles. It is situated at the base of the Swan and Mission Mountain ranges in the counties of Lake and Flathead. The lake is fed by the Flathead River, which flows through Western Montana and parts of Idaho and British Columbia.

Flathead Lake is clean and clear. In fact, it is often cited as one of the cleanest lakes of its size and type in the world. Its high water quality is due to its isolation and lack of pollution sources in the surrounding watershed. Though nutrient imbalance and microplastic pollution have been found in Flathead Lake, overall, the water remains clean and clear.

The lake also has a famous monster legend, with reported sightings from the early 1900s. The legend of the Flathead Lake Monster has fueled the local tourism industry. Various expeditions have been conducted to search for evidence of the creature’s existence.

Flathead Lake is a popular tourist destination, with many small towns and communities situated around its shoreline. It is a recreational hot spot just south of Glacier National Park, making it a popular side trip. It is popular for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The lake is home to various fish species, including lake trout, yellow perch, and whitefish.

2. Dickey Lake

Montana’s Dickey Lake is generally known to be clean and clear. Several sources, such as the Crown of the Continent Geotourism website, Vrbo, and Molly Montana‘s Montana Moments blog, describe the lake as clear and ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Additionally, several reviewers on Outdoorsy, Good Sam Club, and Hipcamp say the lake and campgrounds are well-maintained.

Located in Flathead County near Trego and southeast of Eureka, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lists the size of the lake at 14.2 acres and elevation at 5,995.8 feet, with species of fish present including kokanee, largemouth bass, and westslope cutthroat trout.

Overall, Dickey Lake in Montana is a clean and enjoyable destination for outdoor recreation including canoeing and hiking. However, remember that water quality can change over time and may be affected by weather and human activity. It may be advisable to consult with local authorities for complete information on the current state of the lake.

3. Tally Lake

Tally Lake is the deepest lake in Montana, with a maximum depth of 445 feet. It is an oligotrophic lake, which means that it is normally clean and deep with no weed or algae blooms. Some sources, such as The Dyrt, indicate that the lake is a beautiful and well-maintained destination. While one source states the water is dark due to the presence of tannins, these help the lake absorb and retain heat better than nearby bodies of water.

The lake is located in Flathead County around 20 miles west of the town of Whitefish. It has a surface area of more than 1,200 acres and is at an elevation of about 3,500 feet above sea level.

The 2022 Montana Fishing Regulations require that watercraft, trailers, and gear be cleaned, drained, and dried. This limits the spread of AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) and suggests that efforts are being made to maintain clean waterways. Overall, Tally Lake seems like a clean and enjoyable destination for outdoor recreation and fishing, with trout, perch, whitefish, northern pike, Kokanee salmon, and sturgeon among the species in its waters.

4. Lake Elmo

Lake Elmo is a 64-acre reservoir located within Lake Elmo State Park in the city of Billings. It is a popular and inviting destination for activities including swimming, paddleboarding, boating, canoeing, wind surfing, fishing, hiking and birdwatching. It can be used for ice fishing and ice skating in winter.

This Yellowstone County lake is generally clean and well-maintained for recreational use. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) installed the first public watercraft cleaning station in Montana at Lake Elmo in June 2023, which suggests a commitment to maintaining the cleanliness of the lake. Other sources recommend that recreationists clean, drain, and dry any equipment or boats before using them in Montana’s waterways to avoid contaminating them with invasive species.

Overall, it appears that Lake Elmo is clean and safe, with ongoing efforts to maintain its cleanliness. As with any body of water, it is advisable to follow best practices for preventing the spread of invasive species and to consult with local authorities to ensure the lake’s water quality.

5. Firehole Lake

Firehole Lake is located in Yellowstone National Park, which spans across three states: Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. As a protected natural area, Yellowstone National Park is known for its extraordinary natural beauty and ecological significance. Firehole Lake is maintained to a high standard, given the national park’s commitment to preserving the natural environment.

The lake is part of the scenic loop Firehole Lake Drive between Madison Junction in Montana and Old Faithful. The 3.3-mile, one-way road passes through a section of the Lower Geyser Basin, and visitors can view geysers and hot springs along the way. The drive takes visitors past Great Fountain Geyser, White Dome Geyser, and Firehole Lake, the largest hot spring in this area.

One of the few opportunities to swim in Yellowstone is at the Firehole Swim Area, situated on the Firehole River, around two miles south of Madison Junction on Firehole Canyon Drive.

Summary of the 5 Cleanest Lakes in Montana

Here’s a recap of the five Montana lakes with clear waters that we took a look at.

In Conclusion

Montana is home to some of the cleanest and most breathtaking lakes in the world. From the crystal-clear waters of Flathead Lake to the unique, scenic environs of Firehole Lake, the state is perfect for nature lovers. While each of these five lakes has its own unique features and attractions, they all share a common thread of exceptional cleanliness and water quality. Whether you’re a seasoned angler, a passionate water sports enthusiast, or simply looking to relax in nature’s beauty, these lakes should not be missed.