Wild Horse Island State Park offers a unique and rugged natural escape, steeped in history and teeming with wildlife. This island, accessible only by boat, provides a primitive camping-free experience for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in nature. Its historical significance dates back to the Kootenai Indians, who reportedly used the island to pasture their horses, safeguarding them from rival tribes. Today, the park is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, various songbirds and waterfowl, bald eagles, falcons, and famously, five wild horses. Due to the importance of these wildlife viewing opportunities and the presence of bears, pets are not permitted on the island, and visitors are advised to store food securely.
The island’s natural beauty extends to its Palouse-like Prairie grasslands, which are home to rare and endangered plant species. The scenic shoreline attracts hikers, boaters, swimmers, and sailing enthusiasts, making it a versatile destination for outdoor recreation. For those planning a visit, it’s important to note that boat access is the sole method of reaching the island, and the park does not provide transportation. Wild Horse Island is designated as a day-use only park, with no camping permitted. Visitors are strongly encouraged to respect the park’s natural character and protect its resources. Additionally, due to the island’s location within the Flathead Indian Reservation, a tribal fishing license is required for fishing activities.
Visitors should also be mindful of private properties along the island’s perimeter and refrain from using private docks, as there are no public docks available. Instead, six designated landing sites are recommended for visitors. Wild Horse Island is managed as a primitive area, and groups exceeding 15 people require a permit, which is typically issued for educational, interpretive, or administrative purposes. For detailed information on permit requirements, it is advisable to contact the Park Manager. The park spans 2,160 acres with an elevation of 2,900 feet.
Activities and Amenities
Wild Horse Island State Park offers a wide array of activities for nature lovers and adventurers. Bird watching and wildlife viewing are prime attractions, allowing visitors to observe the island’s diverse fauna. Boating, including motor boating and sailing, is a popular way to access and explore the surrounding waters. Hiking trails provide opportunities to discover the island’s interior, while lake fishing and kayaking offer different perspectives of the aquatic environment. Nature photography enthusiasts will find abundant subjects, from wildlife to the unique prairie landscapes. Picnicking is encouraged, and swimming in the lake is a refreshing option during warmer months.
The park’s amenities are geared towards a primitive experience, emphasizing self-sufficiency. Visitors are expected to practice “pack-in, pack-out” principles, taking all their trash with them. Vault toilets are available for convenience. While there are trails for hiking, other facilities are minimal to maintain the park’s natural character. It’s important to note that some amenities may be seasonal, and it’s recommended to check with the park for current availability.
Seasons, Rules, and Fees
Wild Horse Island State Park is open year-round, but it operates as a day-use only facility, meaning no overnight camping is permitted. Visitors are expected to adhere to all park rules, which can be found on the State Parks Fees & Regulations page.
For Montana residents, day-use entrance fees are waived if the $9 state parks fee is included with their annual vehicle registration. Otherwise, non-resident day-use fees apply. Nonresidents face a day-use entrance fee of $8 per vehicle or $4 for walk-in, bicycle, or bus passengers. A Nonresident Entrance Pass grants free entry.
Important Alerts and Closures
A key alert is that groups of over 15 people must secure a special use permit, and interested parties should contact the Park Manager to discuss these requirements. Furthermore, it is strictly prohibited to feed, pet, or intentionally approach any wildlife, including the wild horses, within 100 feet. This rule is crucial for the safety and well-being of both the animals and visitors. To protect wildlife viewing opportunities, pets are not permitted within the park. For those engaging in boating, checking wave and wind forecasts from the National Weather Service’s Flathead Lake page is highly recommended.
Contact Information
For general inquiries, the mailing address for Wild Horse Island / Flathead Lake State Park is: Flathead Lake Ranger Station, 8600 MT Hwy 35, Bigfork, MT 59911. The park can be reached by phone at 406-837-3041 or via email at wildhorseisland@mt.gov.
Volunteer Opportunities
Individuals interested in contributing to the park’s conservation efforts can inquire about open volunteer positions with the Park Manager. Detailed position descriptions, application forms, and information about Montana State Parks volunteer programs are available on the Volunteers page.
