Flathead Lake Islands

Islands of Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake, one of the crown jewels of Montana, is renowned for its expansive, crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop. But beyond its shoreline charm, the lake also harbors a series of fascinating islands—each with its own unique appeal, natural beauty, and cultural significance. These islands are more than just dots on a map; they are integral to the mystique and recreational richness of Flathead Lake.

Wild Horse Island: The Untamed Icon

The largest and most famous of all Flathead Lake's islands is Wild Horse Island, encompassing approximately 2,164 acres. Located off the west shore near Big Arm, it is not only the biggest island on the lake but also one of Montana’s most treasured natural preserves. True to its name, the island is home to a small herd of wild horses, descended from stock brought by the Salish people in the 1800s.

In addition to horses, Wild Horse Island supports a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, and even the occasional black bear. The island is a designated state park and is accessible only by boat, preserving its secluded atmosphere. Once ashore, visitors can explore hiking trails that wind through open meadows, ancient ponderosa pine stands, and along rocky bluffs that offer sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Fishing is also popular here, particularly for lake trout, which thrive in the deep, cold waters surrounding the island.

Melita Island: A Private Campground with a Spiritual Past

Not far from Wild Horse Island lies Melita Island, a smaller but equally captivating spot. This island is privately owned by the Montana Council of the Boy Scouts of America and serves as a summer camp for scouting programs. While it is not open to the general public, Melita Island plays a key role in the cultural and spiritual landscape of Flathead Lake.

The island’s name is a nod to Saint Paul’s shipwreck on the island of Malta (then called Melita), and its use as a retreat for youth reinforces the island’s heritage of exploration and reflection. Surrounded by deep water and mature pine forests, Melita offers a sense of seclusion that has inspired generations of campers and visitors over the decades.

Cromwell Island: A Mystery of Montana Real Estate

Perhaps the most curious island on Flathead Lake is Cromwell Island, located near the lake’s west shore. Unlike Wild Horse or Melita, Cromwell is entirely private—and shrouded in a bit of mystery. The island was purchased in the 1980s by industrialist Robert M. Lee, who began building a massive, 45,000-square-foot villa intended to evoke a Mediterranean estate. However, the project was never completed, and the partially built mansion still stands.

Today, Cromwell Island remains private and is one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in Montana. It occasionally makes headlines when listed for sale, but its massive size—over 350 acres—and unfinished estate have kept it an elusive treasure. While the island is off-limits to visitors, boaters can admire its tree-covered cliffs and secluded bays from the water, and it often sparks curiosity among those who cruise the lake.

Other Islands: Small Gems and Local Secrets

Flathead Lake is dotted with several other small islands and islets, many of which are rocky outcrops or clusters of trees rising above the waterline. Cedar Island and Dream Island are privately owned but known to locals who navigate the lake regularly. These smaller islands offer nesting grounds for birds, quiet mooring spots, and a sense of remote beauty that defines the lake's wilderness charm.

Skeeko Bay Island, a tiny spit of land near the eastern shoreline, is favored by kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders who enjoy exploring lesser-known corners of the lake. These islands, while not famous, add richness to the boating and wildlife-watching experience on Flathead Lake, offering glimpses of herons, osprey, and cormorants in their natural habitat.

Preservation and Respect for Nature

One of the reasons Flathead Lake’s islands remain so special is due to the preservation efforts led by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and other conservation organizations. While some islands are open to limited public use, visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate ecosystems. Nesting birds, native plants, and wildlife habitats can be easily disturbed, making responsible recreation crucial to maintaining the lake's pristine condition.

A World Unto Itself

The islands of Flathead Lake are more than just landforms—they are living pieces of Montana’s natural and cultural story. Whether you're stepping ashore on Wild Horse Island to glimpse wild animals, admiring the architectural enigma of Cromwell from your boat, or quietly paddling past a rocky islet in the early morning mist, the lake’s islands invite wonder, reflection, and exploration.

A visit to Flathead Lake is incomplete without time spent discovering these islands, each offering a different window into the spirit of the West. From legends of wild horses to the echoes of scouting adventures, from untamed nature to modern-day mysteries, the islands of Flathead Lake continue to enchant every traveler who ventures onto these still and storied waters.