Somers Beach State Park

Available Activities

Hiking
Swimming

Montana’s Flathead Lake Shoreline — Half-Mile Beach, Gravel Walking Paths, Sunset Views & Day-Use Swimming at the Northwest Shore

Somers Beach State Park is a day-use beach and shoreline park on the northwest shore of Flathead Lake in Somers, Montana. The park offers nearly half a mile of Flathead Lake shoreline with gravel walking paths (0.5-mile loop and 0.25-mile path to the shore), lake swimming, wildlife viewing, and spectacular sunset views across the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.

Somers Beach is a walk-in shoreline park — visitors park in the lot and access the lake on foot via gravel paths. The sandy beach is most expansive when Flathead Lake is below full pool (typically fall through spring). The park is bordered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Flathead Waterfowl Production Area, which provides excellent birding but is closed to human access March 1 through July 15 to protect nesting birds. For visitors exploring the Flathead Valley, Somers Beach delivers easy, free access to Montana’s crown jewel lake.

Things to Do

Swimming

Lake swimming: Nearly half a mile of Flathead Lake shoreline
Sandy beach: Most expansive when lake is below full pool (fall–spring)
No lifeguards

Walking

0.5-mile loop trail: Flat gravel path through shoreline area
0.25-mile path to lakeshore: Walk-in access from parking lot
ADA note: Gravel surface — may be challenging for wheelchairs

Birding & Wildlife

Adjacent Flathead Waterfowl Production Area: Premier birding habitat
Waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds
⚠️ USFWS area closed Mar 1 – Jul 15: To protect nesting birds

Sunset Viewing

West-facing shoreline: Spectacular sunset views across Flathead Lake toward the Mission Mountains

Park Information

Feature	Details
Type	Day-use only — no camping
Hours	Sunrise to sunset
Address	558 Somers Road, Somers, MT 59932
Restrooms	Vault latrine near parking
Access	Walk-in from parking lot via gravel paths
Pets	Dogs must be on leash at all times
Fires	NO fires or fireworks permitted
Trash	Pack-in/pack-out

Important Rules

🔥 No fires or fireworks
🐕 Dogs on leash only
🗑️ Pack-in/pack-out — no trash facilities
🚫 No hunting or discharge of weapons
🦆 Adjacent USFWS area closed March 1 – July 15 for nesting birds

Best Time to Visit

Season	Highlights	Considerations
Summer (Jun–Aug)	⭐ PEAK: Lake swimming; sunset views; birding; walking; warm weather	Lake at full pool — less beach exposed; busiest; no shade on beach
Fall (Sep–Oct)	⭐ Lake dropping — most beach exposed; fall color; waterfowl migration; quiet; golden light	Cooling; shorter days; water getting cold
Spring (Apr–May)	Spring birding; wildflowers; lake filling; larch greening; long days returning	Cold water; USFWS area closed (Mar 1–Jul 15); variable weather
Winter (Nov–Mar)	Winter birding; solitude; snowy mountain views across lake; dramatic scenery	Cold; limited daylight; vault latrine may be inaccessible; icy paths

Visitor Tips

Walk-in only: You cannot drive to the shoreline — park in the lot and walk 0.25 miles to the lake via gravel paths.
Beach size varies: The sandy beach is largest when Flathead Lake is below full pool — typically fall through spring. In summer at full pool, the beach is narrower.
Nesting closure: The adjacent USFWS Flathead Waterfowl Production Area is closed March 1 – July 15. Stay within state park boundaries during this period.
Pack it out: There are no trash cans — bring bags and pack out everything you bring in.
Sunsets: The west-facing shoreline provides some of the best sunset views on Flathead Lake — bring a camera and arrive an hour before sunset.
Free: No entrance fee or parking fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim at Somers Beach State Park?

Yes — Somers Beach State Park offers nearly half a mile of Flathead Lake shoreline for swimming. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. The sandy beach area varies in size depending on Flathead Lake’s water level — the beach is most expansive when the lake is below full pool (typically fall through spring). In summer at full pool, the beach is narrower. The park is day-use only with free admission. Visitors access the shoreline via a 0.25-mile walk from the parking lot on gravel paths.

Is there camping at Somers Beach State Park?

No — Somers Beach State Park is day-use only with no camping facilities. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. For camping on Flathead Lake, consider Flathead Lake State Park’s campground units: Big Arm, Wayfarers, Yellow Bay, West Shore, or Finley Point — all offer developed lakeside campsites on Flathead Lake within a short drive of Somers.

Last updated: May 2026

Last updated: May 2, 2026