Montana Park of the Week: Salmon Lake State Park

Next summer plan to bring your family and friends to camp, fish, picnic, and enjoy water sports and the scenery.

Enjoy one of the most beautiful lakes in the Clearwater River chain. The Champion Timberlands Corporation donated land for the park in 1977 to commemorate three foresters who died in a plane crash near Kalispell the year before.

Nestled along the Clearwater River, between the majestic Mission and Swan Mountain Ranges, Salmon Lake provides a beautiful and tranquil setting to enjoy many types of water recreation activities.

Clearwater River and Salmon Lake are home to a variety of fish including rainbow, cutthroat, brown, brook and bull trout, largemouth bass, white mountain whitefish, kokanee salmon, yellow perch, and northern pike.

There are opportunities to view many species of birds including red-necked grebes, great blue herons, bald eagles, water fowl, osprey and common loons. The lake offers a myriad of activities to match its changing moods. Capture the tranquility of a still moonlit night while paddling waters smooth as glass.

Spend a breezy day catching the wind in your sails, or zip through sparkling waters on skis or wakeboards. If you're an angler, try your luck reeling in a fresh catch for your next fish fry.

The campground is in a woodland setting of western larch, ponderosa pine, and Douglas-fir. There are 24 campsites, including a hike-bike campsite.

The hike-bike site accommodates up to 10 tent spaces and is equipped with a bicycle rack, fire ring, bear resistant food lockers, potable water, bicycle maintenance stand, electrical outlets and covered shelter with picnic tables.