Wild Horse Island State Park: A Day Out, a Lakeside Stay
An island day, then an evening together at the house. Wild Horse Island is the largest island in Flathead Lake, with state-park trails and wildlife to enjoy on a carefully planned boat-access visit.
What is Wild Horse Island?
Wild Horse Island is a Montana state park in Flathead Lake. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks describes it as the lake's largest island. It is a place for a day visit, not an overnight camping trip, and reaching it requires a boat.
Keep the outing separate from your lodging reservation. The Tamarack is a private home in Lakeside, near Flathead Lake, not on the island. The home does not provide a boat, private dock or lake access.
Boat access: make the plan before you go
Check the official park page for access guidance, rules and closures before arranging transportation. Confirm your own outward and return plan, and do not assume transportation or a landing facility is included with park access.
A good island day starts with the whole group agreeing on the plan. Check conditions before departure and be ready to choose another outing if access or weather does not fit. A guide page is not a guarantee that a boat trip or trail will be available.
Hiking and wildlife, without a checklist of sightings
The park offers hiking and opportunities to observe wildlife. FWP identifies bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles and wild horses among the island's wildlife. Treat those as possibilities, not promised sightings, and leave animals undisturbed.
Follow posted trail and wildlife guidance. Wild Horse Island is day-use only, camping is prohibited and pets are not permitted. Read the official rules before choosing the outing for your group; the island's rules are separate from your accommodation's rules.
Return to The Tamarack in Lakeside
The Tamarack sleeps up to 10 in six bedrooms, with 4.5 baths and space for shared meals. After a day out, settle into the kitchen and dining areas, game room, private hot tub or sauna. The fire pit adds another place to gather when conditions allow.
Choose the house dates first, then confirm the island plan directly. A private home gives the group a shared base even when the day's outing changes. Review the sleeping arrangements and current house rules before booking.
Keep planning your lake stay
Questions travelers ask
How do you get to Wild Horse Island?
Boat access is required. Check Montana FWP's official Wild Horse Island page for current access guidance, rules and closures, and arrange transportation separately.
Can you camp on Wild Horse Island?
No. Wild Horse Island is a day-use state park and camping is prohibited.
Are pets allowed on Wild Horse Island?
No. Montana FWP states that pets are not permitted. Check the official park page for current rules before visiting.
Will we see wild horses or bighorn sheep?
FWP identifies wild horses and bighorn sheep among the island's wildlife, but sightings are not guaranteed. Observe wildlife without disturbing it and follow official park guidance.
Does The Tamarack include a boat or island access?
No. The Tamarack is in Lakeside near Flathead Lake, not on the island. It has no boat, private dock or property-specific lake access. It sleeps up to 10 in six bedrooms.
Make The Tamarack your Lakeside base.
Six bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Sleeps up to 10, near Flathead Lake.
Check dates & book directOfficial sources, verified Oct 27 2026
Conditions and details change. Check the official site before your visit for current access, rules, closures and other planning details.