Boat Rentals & Wild Horse Island Trips in Big Arm, MT - Kalispell, MT

Boat Rentals & Wild Horse Island Trips in Big Arm, MT

Kalispell, MTmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–7 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness for paddling or handling a boat, including stamina for island hiking.

Overview

Set off from Big Arm, Montana, for an unforgettable boat or kayak trip to Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake, where wildlife and rugged shoreline await. Discover what makes this outfitter a favorite for lake adventures.

Details

Big Arm, Montana, located on the eastern edge of Flathead Lake, serves as the gateway to some of the region’s most engaging water adventures. Boat Rentals and Rides in Big Arm offers access to this vast freshwater expanse, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic shoreline cliffs, and the nearby Wild Horse Island State Park. This outfitter specializes in boat and kayak rentals, providing visitors an authentic way to experience the lake’s unique ecosystem and its wildlife residents.

Flathead Lake’s Wild Horse Island holds a distinct place in Montana’s recreational landscape. It’s the largest island in the lake and one of the few spots where you can see wild horses roaming freely, alongside bighorn sheep, mule deer, and golden eagles. The island’s rugged terrain, dotted with ponderosa pines and grassy meadows, invites visitors to hike across well-marked trails and swim in serene coves, making a day trip here a rewarding outdoor escape. Boat Rentals and Rides makes this accessible to solo adventurers and families alike, offering well-maintained tandem kayaks and powerboats accompanied by clear safety instruction and route guidance.

The boat rental experience is straightforward yet flexible, allowing guests to chart their own paths around the lake or to focus on wildlife viewing hotspots. Many visitors enjoy half-day or full-day rentals to maximize time on the water, particularly during summer when conditions are ideal for paddling and swimming. Staff at the outfitter are known for their helpful approach and practical advice about weather conditions and local points of interest—especially important given the lake’s vast size and occasional summer winds.

This service stands out in the Flathead Lake area for its emphasis on safety, boat maintenance, and customer engagement. Whether you want to paddle quietly among reeds dotted with osprey nests or take a powered boat for a broader loop, Boat Rentals and Rides offers a valuable, locally connected way to connect with Montana’s largest natural lake and the wildlife-rich island at its center.

Adventure Tips

Plan your route for wildlife sightings

Focus your trip around Wild Horse Island’s east end for the best chance to see wild horses and bighorn sheep.

Bring your own dry bag

Protect your electronics and essentials from water exposure on kayaks and boats.

Check wind forecasts before launch

Flathead Lake can get windy in the afternoon, which may make paddling more challenging.

Reserve in advance during summer

Boats and kayaks book quickly in peak season, especially for weekend trips to Wild Horse Island.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • East end of Wild Horse Island for horse sightings
  • Secluded coves perfect for a quiet swim

Wildlife

  • Wild horses
  • Bighorn sheep

History

Wild Horse Island was designated a state park recognizing its unique habitat for free-roaming wild horses and diverse native species.

Conservation

Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect Flathead Lake’s clear water and the island’s fragile ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Early morning
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Cliff overlook on Wild Horse Island
  • Shoreline near boat launch
  • Lake surface looking back at Big Arm

What to Photograph

Wild horses
Lake reflections
Island forest and meadows

Recommended Gear

PFD (Personal Flotation Device)

Essential

Required for safety on all boats and kayaks.

summer specific

Waterproof dry bag

Essential

Keeps phone, camera, and snacks dry during lake trips.

summer specific

Layered clothing

Essential

Accommodates changing temperatures on the water and island.

spring|fall specific

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

Essential

Critical for protection under open skies on Flathead Lake.

summer specific

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