Watercraft rentals run the gamut
Opportunities to enjoy pristine lakes, cool rivers and crystal-clear streams abound in the Flathead Valley.
You can rent a variety of watercraft from area businesses, including sailboats, canoes and kayaks, paddle boats, motorboats, wind surfers, personal watercraft, pontoon boats, rowboats, hydro bikes and rafts.
For those who would rather leave the work to someone else, guided trips and instruction also are offered.
A canoe is a perfect way to enjoy quiet backwaters and scenic lakes. A prime spot, with calm water and mountain views, is Whitefish Lake. It is accessible from City Beach, Whitefish Lake State Park or Les Mason Park, which has no motorboat access.
Most rivers, streams and lakes in the area are open to the public and have boating-access sites. Users are asked to respect private-property rights and not to litter.
From the "Wild Mile" of the lower Swan River near Bigfork to the calm waters of Ashley Creek, from scenic Glacier National Park waters to Flathead Lake, it comes down to a choice of what type of fun you're seeking.
Whatever the water-sport interest, maps and water-access information are available at visitor centers, chambers of commerce, businesses and land-management agencies.
The following businesses rent equipment or offer chartered fishing and scenic trips.
A Able Fishin' or Tourin'
Bigfork and Lakeside, 257-5214
-Charters skippered fully enclosed boats.
Marina Cay Resort
Bigfork, 837-5861
-Paddle boats or Aqua Cycles
-Sixteen-foot aluminum fishing boats with 7.5-horsepower motor
-Pontoon and ski boats (two-hour minimum)
-Canoes
-Pleasure boats
-WaveRunners
-Knee boards, wakeboards and water skis also are available, as are some dock rentals
-Parasailing
-Fishing charters
Dayton Yacht Harbor
849-5423
-Six sailboats from 21 to 28 1/2 feet, with overnight accommodations available on Flathead Lake. Sailing lessons offered, with special sessions for seniors, families and women.
Glacier Park Boat Co.
257-2426
-Motorboats, rowboats, kayaks and canoes are available at various locations throughout Glacier National Park. Visit www.glacierparkboats.com or call 257-2426.
Whitefish City Beach
863-2470
-Six-person rafts, picnic shelters
-Iner tubes
-Public boat launch at City Beach. Season passes for boat launching are available at Whitefish City Hall for $25.
Sportsman & Ski Haus
Kalispell, 755-6484
Whitefish, 862-3111
-Canoes, kayaks, water skis, and wakeboards can be rented at both locations.
Flathead Boat Rentals
Polson, 883-3900
-Rents ski boats, Wave Runners, fishing boats, paddle boats, and mountain bikes. Reservations recommended.
Pointer Scenic Cruises
Bigfork, 837-5617
-Private charter boats with lengths of 20 and 21 feet with captain provided. Serves groups of up to nine people.
Arrowhead RV Park
849-5545
-Rentals of pontoon boats and fishing boats; located at mile marker 76, close to Wild Horse Island.
Silver Moon Kayak Co.
752-3794
-Rentals of sea kayaks, recreational and whitewater kayaks, inflatables, sit-on-tops and canoes; singles and tandems available. Half-day, full-day and multi-day rentals; drop off and pick up service available.
-Guided tours: 2-hour scenic tours, half-day guided tours, full- and multi-day trips; ACA-certified guides. Tours include all equipment and instruction.
-Silver Moon specializes in all-women's trips, full-moon paddles, yoga and padding combination courses, corporate retreats, interpretive tours to Wildhorse Island, birding tours in the Owen Sowerwine area and saltwater adventures.
Whitefish Sea Kayaking
862-3513
-Rentals by the hour or all day; these are traditional sea kayaks and not sit-on-tops or short recreational kayaks.
-Half-day basic skills courses and full-day tours on Flathead and Whitefish lakes during which participants work on their paddling skills.
Glacier Sea Kayaking
862-9010
-Rentals of sea kayaks and retail paddling gear.
-Day or overnight guided sea kayak trips.