Flathead County, Montana is situated in the northwest corner of the state, bordered by Canada to the north and Glacier National Park to the east. It is a rural area with a population of around 95,000 people. According to theinternetfaqs.com, the county was established in 1893 and named after the Flathead Indians, who were one of the first inhabitants of the area. The Flathead Valley is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and skiing. There are numerous attractions to visit in Flathead County including Flathead Lake, which offers boating and swimming opportunities as well as scenic views. The lake is also home to the National Bison Range which provides visitors with an opportunity to observe wildlife up close. Additionally, there are several museums in the county that showcase its history and culture including The Museum at Central School and Historic Downtown Kalispell.
Famous people who have ties to Flathead County include World War II Medal of Honor recipient Vernon Baker who was born in St Ignatius; actor Gary Cooper who lived in Whitefish; singer-songwriter Jeff Ament from Big Sandy; former U.S Senator Max Baucus from Missoula; and Olympic gold medal figure skater Dorothy Hamill from Kalispell. In addition to these notable individuals, many other celebrities have visited or stayed in Flathead County over the years including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie while filming Mr & Mrs Smith at Glacier National Park.
Flathead County is a great destination for visitors looking for an outdoor adventure or just a relaxing getaway in a beautiful setting. With its stunning natural beauty, historic sites, museums, outdoor recreation opportunities and famous residents it’s no wonder that so many people flock here every year.
Climate and weather in Flathead County, Montana
According to ehuacom.com, Flathead County, Montana has a semi-arid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the high 80s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures typically hovering in the teens or low 20s Fahrenheit. The area receives an average of 19 inches of rain annually and around 95 inches of snowfall each year.
Spring is usually mild and wet, with occasional light snowfalls in March and April. This is followed by hot and dry summers with temperatures often reaching above 90 degrees Fahrenheit during July and August. Fall is cool but comfortable, transitioning from warm days to chilly nights as October progresses.
The area is also known for its frequent thunderstorms during the summer months which can occasionally bring hail or even tornadoes. In addition to this, Flathead County experiences strong winds throughout the year which can reach up to 40 miles per hour on occasion.
Due to its location near Glacier National Park, Flathead County has some of the most beautiful views in Montana, especially during fall when the leaves start to change color. As such, it’s a popular destination for hikers looking for breathtaking scenery as well as outdoor enthusiasts who want to take advantage of all that nature has to offer in this part of the state.
Transportation in Flathead County, Montana
Flathead County, Montana is served by several transportation options, making it easy to get around the area. The most popular form of transportation in the county is by car, with many locals owning their own vehicle. Interstate 90 runs directly through Flathead County, connecting travelers to major cities such as Missoula and Spokane. There are also several smaller roads throughout the area for those who prefer a more scenic route.
Public transportation in Flathead County is provided by Mountain Line Transit, which operates buses that run throughout the county and into nearby cities. Mountain Line also offers a variety of services including paratransit for seniors and people with disabilities, as well as an airport shuttle service that runs between Glacier Park International Airport and Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
For those who prefer to travel by rail, Amtrak provides service to Whitefish Station from Seattle and Chicago on its Empire Builder line. From there, passengers can take one of two buses operated by Montana Rail Link which provide connections to other destinations in Flathead County such as Columbia Falls and Kalispell.
For those looking for an alternative way of getting around the county there are several taxi companies that offer local rides as well as long-distance trips to other areas in Montana or even out-of-state destinations such as Washington or Idaho.
Flathead County also has many airports located within its borders such as Glacier Park International Airport near Kalispell and Whitefish Mountain Airport near Whitefish. These airports provide both commercial flights from major airlines such as Delta and United Airlines, as well as charter flights for private travelers looking for a more intimate experience while exploring this beautiful region of Montana.
Cities and towns in Flathead County, Montana
Flathead County, Montana is home to a variety of cities and towns, each offering something unique to explore. The county seat is Kalispell, a bustling city located in the heart of the Flathead Valley. Kalispell is known for its vibrant downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. It also serves as the gateway to Glacier National Park, with breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes just a short drive away.
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, other cities in Flathead County include Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Lakeside, Polson and Somers. Whitefish is a popular tourist destination for its ski resorts and beautiful scenery along Whitefish Lake. Columbia Falls is known for its hiking trails and outdoor activities such as fishing and boating on the Flathead River. Bigfork offers visitors an array of art galleries and theaters in its quaint downtown area while Lakeside has become a popular spot for lakefront recreation on Flathead Lake.
The towns of Polson and Somers are both small communities located along the southern border of Flathead County near Flathead Lake. Polson offers plenty of waterfront activities such as kayaking or fishing while Somers is home to several wineries that produce some of the finest wines in Montana.
Flathead County also includes many smaller communities such as Hungry Horse, Martin City, West Glacier and Coram that offer visitors a quiet escape from larger cities while still providing access to all the amenities they may need during their stay. From bustling cities to quaint towns, Flathead County has something for everyone looking to explore this beautiful region of Montana.