Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake is one of the most unique adventures near Glacier National Park, and it should be at the top of your list must see list. Located on the west side of Flathead Lake near Lakeside, Montana, this rugged and remote island offers incredible wildlife viewing, scenic hiking trails, crystal-clear water, and a true Montana wilderness experience.
Wild Horse Island is the largest island on Flathead Lake and is part of Flathead Lake State Park. The island is nearly 3 miles long, approximately 1 mile wide, and covers more than 2,000 acres. Visitors travel here for kayaking, wildlife photography, hiking, fishing, and unforgettable views of northwest Montana. Wild Horse Island offers one of the most unique day trips on Flathead Lake for visitors exploring northwest Montana and Glacier National Park.
Whether you arrive by kayak or boat, visiting Wild Horse Island feels like stepping into another world.
Use the map below to view the Wild Horse Island kayak route, hiking trails, landing areas, and key points of interest around the island.
Wild Horse Island map showing hiking trails, kayak routes, landing areas, and popular points of interest on Flathead Lake. Click the map to view a larger version.
Download the full Wild Horse Island trail & kayak map (PDF)
Wild Horse Island is accessible only by boat, kayak, paddleboard, or other watercraft. One of the most popular ways to reach the island is by kayak, especially during calm summer mornings on Flathead Lake.
Guided kayak tours allow visitors to safely paddle across the lake while enjoying views of the Mission Mountains and nearby islands.
Most visitors land near Skeeko Bay and begin hiking from the designated landing area.
Wild Horse Island became a state park and nature preserve in the 1970s when a herd of wild horses was relocated to the island. In addition to horses, mule deer, bald eagles, woodpeckers, songbirds, and bighorn sheep also call the island home.
The island’s bighorn sheep herd is especially impressive. The original herd began with only 10 sheep introduced in 1939 and has grown to more than 200 animals today. In fact, 3 of the 5 largest bighorn sheep ever recorded in the United States were found on Wild Horse Island.
The island also protects one of Montana’s last remaining shortgrass prairie ecosystems, making it an important and carefully preserved habitat.
Wild Horse Island is famous for wildlife viewing in Montana, but knowing where to look can make all the difference.
For the best chance of spotting wildlife, visit during early morning or evening hours, move slowly and quietly, and bring binoculars for distant viewing opportunities.
Hiking on Wild Horse Island while spotting bighorn sheep along the trail.
Wildlife often blends naturally into the landscape, so slowing down and scanning carefully helps visitors spot more animals.
For the best chance of spotting wildlife, visit during early morning or evening hours, move slowly and quietly, and bring binoculars for distant viewing opportunities.
Wildlife often blends naturally into the landscape, so slowing down and scanning carefully helps visitors spot more animals.
Wild Horse Island has deep roots in Salish and Kootenai history. According to local history, the tribes once hid their horses on the island to protect them from enemy tribes, which is how the island earned its name.
Today, the island remains largely undeveloped to preserve wildlife habitat and maintain its primitive natural character. Wild Horse Island officially became a Montana State Park in 1977.
Wild Horse Island features hiking trails that travel through forests, grasslands, rocky shorelines, and scenic overlooks. Popular hiking destinations include Scenic View Point, Eagle Cove, Old Homestead Buildings, Old Corrals, and the Big Cabin.
The island’s interior trails provide panoramic views of Flathead Lake and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
Visitors should stay on designated trails, carry water and sun protection, and respect wildlife distances while exploring the island.
Because Wild Horse Island is protected as a Montana State Park, several rules help preserve the island:
These protections help preserve native plants and wildlife habitats for future visitors.
One of the most unforgettable parts of visiting Wild Horse Island is seeing wildlife in its natural habitat while hiking the island’s trails.
The best time to visit Wild Horse Island is typically from late spring through early fall.
In late spring and early summer, the hills of Wild Horse Island are filled with bright yellow balsamroot flowers and vibrant purple bitterroot blooms. Cooler temperatures and active wildlife make spring one of the best times for hiking and wildlife photography.
Summer offers warm weather, calm lake conditions, excellent kayaking, and peak wildlife viewing opportunities. Once the water warms up, visitors often enjoy swimming and cliff jumping from a popular jumping rock located on the east side of the island.
Fishing around Wild Horse Island is also excellent during the summer months, especially in nearby deeper water.
Fall brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful autumn scenery, and continued wildlife activity around the island.
Winter access to Wild Horse Island is difficult due to cold temperatures, changing lake conditions, and limited water access. Most visitors explore the island during the warmer months when kayaking and boating conditions are safer and more predictable.
Morning tours often provide the calmest water conditions for kayaking on Flathead Lake.
Exploring Wild Horse Island by kayak is one of the most unforgettable experiences on Flathead Lake. From hidden coves and crystal-clear water to incredible wildlife encounters, every trip offers something unique.
Tour Glacier offers guided kayaking tours to Wild Horse Island that help visitors safely experience one of Montana’s most scenic outdoor destinations while learning about local wildlife, history, and ecology.
Guided tours may include:
Wild Horse Island is one of the most unforgettable outdoor experiences near Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake.
Tour Glacier’s Wild Horse Island kayaking tours have even been featured by Forbes as one of the unique outdoor experiences to enjoy in Montana.
Yes. Kayaking is one of the most popular ways to visit Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake.
Yes. You can see the 5 wild horses roaming the island along with bighorn sheep and mule deer.
No. Camping and campfires are not allowed because the island is protected as a Montana State Park.
Yes. Wild Horse Island is located in northwest Montana, within driving distance of Glacier National Park.
Wildlife on the island includes wild horses, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, ospreys, falcons, woodpeckers, songbirds, and other native Montana wildlife.
If you are looking for one of the best things to do on Flathead Lake, Wild Horse Island offers an unforgettable Montana adventure filled with kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and stunning scenery.
Tour Glacier helps visitors explore Wild Horse Island safely while experiencing the natural beauty of Flathead Lake with local guides and unforgettable outdoor experiences.