🌤 Weather at Somers Beach State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–65 °F | 47–81 °F | 26–70 °F | 18–36 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Creston, 8 mi away, elevation 2,935 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, North Shore State Park is a short drive away, and Wayfarers State Park is a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Montana state parks online at montanastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Somers Beach State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at most Montana state parks but must be leashed and not left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 8 feet required, unless otherwise posted.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from swimming beaches and posted restricted areas.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Frenchtown Pond and Wild Horse Island; kennel service offered during Lewis and Clark Caverns tours; Spring Meadow Lake no pets April 16 - October 14; Lake Elmo has a fenced dog park.
Are dogs allowed at Somers Beach State Park?
Pets are allowed at most Montana state parks but must be leashed and not left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via fwp.mt.gov. More: Montana state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Somers Beach State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
