Wild Horse Island State Park, a remote haven accessible only by boat, offers a unique glimpse into Montana’s natural beauty and historical significance. This primitive park, spanning 2,160 acres with an elevation of 2,900 feet, is renowned for its diverse wildlife and rare plant species, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The park’s history is intertwined with the Kootenai Indians, who reportedly used the island to pasture horses, safeguarding them from tribal rivals. Today, visitors can experience a landscape largely preserved in its natural state, encouraging a deep respect for conservation.
Wildlife and Ecosystem
The island is a sanctuary for a remarkable array of wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to observe bighorn sheep, mule deer, a variety of songbirds and waterfowl, as well as majestic bald eagles and falcons. True to its name, the park is also home to five wild horses, a living testament to its historical use. To ensure the preservation of wildlife viewing opportunities and to protect both visitors and the animals, pets are strictly prohibited on the island. The park is also recognized as bear country, and visitors should exercise caution by properly storing food on their boats or carrying it with them, as no food storage facilities are available on the island. Beyond its fauna, Wild Horse Island boasts Palouse-like prairie grasslands that support rare and endangered plant species, adding to its ecological significance.
Activities and Amenities
Wild Horse Island provides a serene escape for those seeking outdoor recreation. The park’s scenic shoreline is a draw for hikers, boaters, swimmers, and sailboat enthusiasts. Popular activities include bird watching, boating, fishing (a tribal fishing license is required due to the park’s location within the Flathead Indian Reservation), hiking, kayaking, lake fishing, motor boating, nature photography, picnicking, sailing, and swimming. For those who prefer to explore on foot, a network of trails is available. As a primitive area, amenities are basic, emphasizing a pack-in, pack-out policy to maintain the park’s pristine condition. Vault toilets are available for visitor convenience.
Planning Your Visit
Access to Wild Horse Island State Park is exclusively by boat, and the park does not provide transportation. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly. This is a day-use park only, and camping is prohibited. To preserve the natural character of the island, visitors are urged to protect and respect the park’s resources. Private properties are interspersed along the island’s perimeter, and visitors are reminded not to use private docks. There is no public dock available on Wild Horse Island; instead, visitors should utilize one of the six designated landing sites, which can be found on the park’s trail map.
Groups exceeding 15 individuals are required to obtain a special use permit, typically issued for educational, interpretive, or administrative activities. For further information, it is recommended to contact the Park Manager. It is a violation of park regulations to feed, pet, or intentionally approach any wildlife, including the wild horses, within 100 feet.
Fees and Regulations
Montana residents who pay the state parks fee with their annual vehicle registration can enjoy daily entrance to state parks without additional charge. For residents who have not opted for this registration fee, the non-resident day-use fees apply. Nonresidents are charged $8 for day-use entrance with a vehicle, and $4 as a walk-in, bicycle, or bus passenger. Entry is free for nonresidents with an Entrance Pass. All park rules can be found on the State Parks Fees & Regulations page.
For the most current information regarding weather conditions, including wave and wind forecasts for Flathead Lake, visitors can check the National Weather Service’s Flathead Lake page.
Contact Information
For inquiries or to discuss special use permit requirements, visitors can reach out to the Park Manager.
Mailing Address:
Wild Horse Island / Flathead Lake State Park
Flathead Lake Ranger Station
8600 MT Hwy 35
Bigfork, MT 59911
Phone: 406-837-3041
Email: wildhorseisland@mt.gov
Volunteers interested in contributing to the park’s upkeep can contact the park manager for open positions and details about Montana State Parks volunteer programs, which can also be found on the Volunteers page.
