Guide to Exploring Wild Horse Island by Boat
If you’re visiting Flathead Lake, one stop belongs at the top of your list: Wild Horse Island. Located just offshore, this 2,160-acre island is the largest island on Flathead Lake and one of Montana’s most unique state parks. Because it is only accessible by water, reaching it by boat adds a sense of adventure and exclusivity that you simply can’t replicate from shore.
The ride from Polson to Wild Horse Island is short but scenic, typically taking 30 minutes depending on water conditions and the type of boat you are operating. Late mornings often provide the calmest water, making them an ideal time to cross the lake. From Polson, as you approach from the south passing through the Narrows, the island rises gradually from the water to your West, with forested slopes, rocky shoreline, and open meadows that hint at the wildlife that calls the island home.
Wild Horse Island is best known for its small herd of wild horses, which have roamed the island for generations. While sightings are never guaranteed, visitors frequently encounter mule deer, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and a wide variety of birdlife. The island feels remarkably untouched. Old-growth ponderosa pines dot the landscape, and much of the shoreline remains undeveloped, preserving the quiet and natural character that makes this destination so special.
There are no developed marinas or public docks on the island, so visitors often approach by wading in shallow water or carefully beaching in appropriate areas. Choosing a spot with a sandy or rocky bottom and paying attention to wind direction are important. Setting a secure anchor and confirming that your boat is holding position before heading ashore will ensure a stress-free visit. Fortunately, the most logical and common access point is in the northwest corner known as Skeeko Bay, which offers a gentle beach and numerous trees, logs, and rocks to tie to and secure your boat.
Once on land at Skeeko Bay, the island offers a network of lightly maintained hiking trails that lead to elevated viewpoints with sweeping panoramas of Flathead Lake and the surrounding Mission Mountains. The hikes range from casual shoreline walks to more strenuous climbs into open grasslands and forested ridgelines. Because shade can be limited in certain areas, bringing water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear is highly recommended. There are few services, concessions, or trash facilities on the island, so everything you bring should leave with you. There are restrooms, however.
Many visitors choose to combine hiking with swimming and relaxation. On warm summer days, settling in a protected cove such as Skeeko Bay and spending time in the clear waters around the island is a highlight. The lake’s clarity and deep blue color create an ideal setting for a refreshing swim before enjoying a picnic onboard. Planning ahead with food, water, and any necessary park passes ensures you can fully enjoy the experience without interruption.
Timing your visit can make a meaningful difference. Late spring and early summer bring vibrant greenery and active wildlife. Mid-summer offers the warmest water temperatures for swimming, while early fall provides quieter conditions and crisp, scenic views. Regardless of the season, keeping an eye on weather forecasts and wind conditions is essential. Flathead Lake is expansive and can change quickly, so returning before stronger winds build is a smart strategy for a smooth ride back to Polson. We at Polson Boat Rentals monitor the weather frequently and will update our guests as needed.
Exploring Wild Horse Island by boat transforms a simple rental into a true adventure. It combines scenic cruising, wildlife viewing, hiking, and swimming into a single outing that showcases the best of Flathead Lake. For families, couples, and groups of friends alike, it offers the rare opportunity to step onto a remote island, experience Montana’s natural beauty up close, and return to shore with a story worth telling.
