Les Mason State Park
Montana’s Premier Whitefish Lake Beach — 585-Foot Sand Beach, Swimming Area, Kayak & SUP Rentals, Dog Beach, Fishing Access & Picnicking Near Glacier National Park
Les Mason State Park is a day-use state park on the east shore of Whitefish Lake, approximately four miles north of Whitefish, Flathead County, Montana. The park features a 585-foot sand and gravel beach with a roped-off swimming area, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, a designated dog swimming area, shore fishing on Whitefish Lake, picnic tables and grills, vault toilets, and proximity to Glacier National Park.
Les Mason State Park is the premier public beach on Whitefish Lake — a stunning mountain lake that draws visitors from across the Flathead Valley and beyond. The park’s 585-foot sand and gravel beach includes a roped-off swimming area that is one of the most popular summer destinations in northwest Montana. Concessionaires operate during summer months, offering kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals — making it easy to get out on the water without your own gear. A designated dog swimming area is set apart from the main beach, making this one of Montana’s most dog-friendly state parks. The park is day-use only with vault toilets and picnic facilities, and is just a short drive from the gateway to Glacier National Park.
Things to Do
Swimming
- 585-foot sand and gravel beach
- Roped-off swimming area
- Clear mountain lake water
- Supervised during peak season
Paddling & Rentals
- Kayak rentals (summer concessionaire)
- Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals
- Pedal boat rentals
- Non-motorized boat launch available
Dog Beach
- Designated dog swimming area
- Separate from main beach
- One of Montana’s most dog-friendly parks
Fishing
- Whitefish Lake shore fishing
- Lake whitefish, northern pike, yellow perch
- Montana fishing license required
Picnicking
- Picnic tables
- Pit-style grills
- Pack-in/pack-out policy
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Day-use only — NO camping |
| Lake | Whitefish Lake — east shore |
| Beach | 585 ft sand & gravel with roped swimming area |
| Rentals | Kayaks, SUPs, pedal boats (summer concessionaire) |
| Dog Beach | Designated area — separate from main beach |
| Fishing | Shore fishing — whitefish, pike, perch |
| Facilities | Vault toilets, picnic tables, pit grills |
| Boat Launch | Non-motorized launch available |
| Parking | Available — fills quickly in summer |
| Fees | Day-use fee (resident/non-resident) |
| Winter Access | Gate closed — foot traffic & cross-country skiing |
| Coordinates | 48.4589° N, 114.3722° W |
| Nearby | Whitefish (4 mi), Glacier National Park (30 mi) |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Swimming; kayak & SUP rentals; dog beach; warm sun; long days; Glacier gateway | Parking fills early; crowded weekends; day-use fees; bring sunscreen |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Fall colors; quiet beach; cool paddling; Glacier shoulder season; photography | Cold water; concessions close; shorter days; check gate status |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Green-up; birding; quiet; fishing; snow-capped mountain views | Cold water; no rentals; limited facilities; variable weather |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; winter lake views; solitude | Vehicle gate closed; walk-in only; cold; no facilities open |
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early in summer: The parking lot fills quickly on hot summer weekends — arrive before 10 AM for a guaranteed spot.
- Rentals: Kayak and SUP rentals are available on-site during summer through a concessionaire — no reservation needed, first-come.
- Dog beach: The designated dog area is separate from the main swimming beach — keep dogs in the designated zone.
- Day-use fee: A Montana State Parks day-use fee applies — check Montana FWP for current rates.
- Pack-in/pack-out: The park operates on a pack-in/pack-out policy — no trash cans.
- Glacier gateway: Les Mason is only ~30 miles from the west entrance of Glacier National Park — combine for a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Les Mason SP — on Lake Elwell. The park’s reservoir, prairie, and cottonwood groves support mule deer, pronghorn, and bald eagles.
Nearby Attractions
Chester — nearby. Tiber Dam — at the park. Liberty County — surrounding.
Can you swim at Les Mason State Park?
Yes — Les Mason State Park on Whitefish Lake in Flathead County, Montana, features a 585-foot sand and gravel beach with a roped-off swimming area. It is the premier public beach on Whitefish Lake. Summer concessionaires offer kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals. A designated dog swimming area is separate from the main beach. The park is day-use only with vault toilets and picnic facilities. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends — arrive early. A Montana State Parks day-use fee applies.
Is Les Mason State Park near Glacier National Park?
Yes — Les Mason State Park is located approximately 30 miles from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, near the town of Whitefish in Flathead County, Montana. The park sits on the east shore of Whitefish Lake, about 4 miles north of Whitefish. It makes an excellent stop for swimming, kayaking, or picnicking on your way to or from Glacier. The park is day-use only — no camping. For overnight stays near Glacier, consider Whitefish Lake State Park or campgrounds within Glacier National Park.
Last updated: May 2026
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