Lakeside, Montana: A Guide to Flathead Lake's West Shore
Lakeside, Montana is a small community on the west side of Flathead Lake along U.S. Highway 93 (Montana FWP). Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is in Lakeside and overlooks the lake (Blacktail). Families come for lake days in summer, a local ski hill in winter, and easy day trips to Kalispell, Bigfork, Whitefish and Glacier National Park. The Tamarack is a six-bedroom home in Lakeside for up to 10 overnight guests.
Where is Lakeside, Montana?
Lakeside is on the west side of Flathead Lake in northwest Montana's Flathead Valley. West Shore State Park is 6 miles south of Lakeside on U.S. Highway 93 (Montana FWP). Flathead Lake is the largest natural body of freshwater by surface area in the western U.S. (Montana FWP).
What is there to do in Lakeside, Montana?
In summer, get on the lake. In winter, ski Blacktail. Year-round, use Lakeside as a base for day trips:
- Swim, paddle and boat from public beaches, ramps, marinas and parks around the lake.
- West Shore State Park: part of Flathead Lake State Park, 6 miles south of Lakeside. It has shoreline "excellent for picnicking and swimming," a boat launch that is typically ice-free in winter, and a campground open April through October (Montana FWP).
- Somers Beach State Park: a day-use park on the north shore of Flathead Lake with walking trails and wetlands (Montana FWP).
- Blacktail Mountain Ski Area: Lakeside's own ski area, with its lodge and parking at the top of the mountain (Blacktail). See our Blacktail guide.
- Day trips: Kalispell for shopping and dining, Bigfork on the northeast shore, Whitefish, and Glacier National Park's West Entrance.
If you bring a boat or paddleboard from outside the Flathead Basin, it must be inspected before launch. Nonresident watercraft need an AIS Prevention Pass (Montana FWP).
Does The Tamarack have lake access?
No. The Tamarack has no private dock, slip, deeded, direct or property-specific lake access, and no boat. Guests reach Flathead Lake the way most visitors do: through nearby public beaches, boat ramps, marinas and parks (The Tamarack). We say this plainly because west-shore listings often blur it.
What is Lakeside like in winter?
Winter draws skiers to Blacktail Mountain above town and to Whitefish Mountain Resort farther north. Whitefish's 2026-27 season is scheduled for Dec. 4, 2026 to April 4, 2027, conditions permitting (skiwhitefish.com). Blacktail has not published an opening date; check Blacktail's official site for opening day. At the house, winter means the hot tub and the sauna.
How far is Lakeside from Glacier National Park?
Glacier's West Entrance is within day-trip range. Drive times change with season and road conditions, so check your route and NPS current conditions before you go. For park planning, see the Trailstead guide to things to do in Glacier National Park.
Are there vacation rentals in Lakeside, Montana?
Yes. The Tamarack is a six-bedroom home with 9 beds and flexible sleeping arrangements. Permitted overnight occupancy is limited to 10. It has a private hot tub and private sauna, a fire pit with seating, a game room with arcade and pool table, shuffleboard and poker, axe throwing and bocce, a chef-style kitchen, a vaulted great room. Park in the garage and driveway.
Is The Tamarack good for families?
Yes, for families and small groups up to 10 overnight guests. The game room and backyard games keep kids busy on off-days. The house is dog-friendly and a pet fee applies. Fees and policies can change, so confirm before you book (The Tamarack).
What are the house rules in Lakeside?
No parties, and neighborhood quiet hours apply. Garage and driveway parking only, with no street parking. Check-in is 4 p.m. and checkout is 10 a.m. (The Tamarack). Rates and availability are on the direct booking page.
| Season | Best Lakeside activity | Day trip | At the house |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Public beach swim or paddle; West Shore State Park | Glacier's West Entrance; Bigfork | Fire pit, axe throwing, bocce |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | Quieter shoreline and parks | Kalispell; Whitefish | Hot tub and sauna |
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | Blacktail Mountain (opening depends on conditions) | Whitefish Mountain Resort (scheduled Dec. 4 - April 4) | Game room |
| Spring (Apr-May) | Somers Beach State Park walk | Kalispell | Game room |
Family trip checklist: confirm total overnight guests are 10 or fewer; confirm the dog and pet fee; pick a public beach or ramp for lake days; AIS inspection for any boat or paddleboard brought from outside the basin; ski tickets bought ahead; vehicle count for garage and driveway (no street parking).
FAQ
Where is Lakeside, Montana? On the west side of Flathead Lake along U.S. Highway 93, in northwest Montana's Flathead Valley.
What is there to do in Lakeside, MT? Lake days from public beaches and parks, West Shore State Park, Blacktail Mountain skiing, and day trips to Kalispell, Bigfork, Whitefish and Glacier.
Does The Tamarack have private lake access? No. There's no private dock, slip, deeded or direct access, and no boat. Guests use public beaches, ramps, marinas and parks.
How many people does The Tamarack sleep? Permitted overnight occupancy is limited to 10 guests, across 6 bedrooms and 9 beds.
Is The Tamarack pet friendly? It's dog-friendly, and a pet fee applies. Confirm current policy before you book.
Is there a ski area in Lakeside? Yes. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is in Lakeside, with its lodge and parking at the top of the mountain.