Here Are 17 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Montana, According To Our Readers

There are so many beautiful lakes in Montana, and our readers agree! We polled readers on our Only In Montana Facebook page and Montana Nature Lovers Facebook group, and these 17 lakes stood out as some of Montana's most beautiful. So take a look at these stunning displays of nature, and be sure to add them all to your bucket list.

1. Cliff Lake

Cliff Lake, once traversed by Lewis and Clark, is a stunning glacial cirque lake near the Idaho border. It is large (40.8 acres) and very deep (180 feet), and offers exceptional kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing.

2. Lake Como

Located in the Bitterroot Valley, Lake Como is perfect for summer boating, waterskiing, and fishing. Be sure to check out the seven-mile Lake Como Loop Trail for great hiking and mountain biking.

3. Fairy Lake

Fairy Lake is magical. This gorgeous alpine lake is located at the base of Sacagawea Peak and is an amazing sight to behold.

4. Avalanche Lake

You can find this breathtaking lake in Glacier National Park, southwest of Bearhat Mountain. You can get to this stunning lake via the two-mile hike from the trailhead along the Trail of the Cedars.

5. Dewey Lake

Dewey Lake is a great lake for fishing - you will find a lot of hungry trout here! Accessed via the Beaten Path Trail, this gorgeous lake is a great stop along this 26-mile route.

6. Lake McDonald

This 10-mile-long lake is 472 feet deep and is Glacier National Park's biggest lake. This basin was carved out by Ice Age glaciers and is stunning to behold.

7. Wade Lake

Wade Lake is a scenic lake located in southwestern Montana. It's a great place for camping and fishing.

8. Bowman Lake

You can find Bowman Lake in the northwestern portion of Glacier National Park. Access this lovely lake via a six-mile unpaved road. And then enjoy the serenity that awaits you there. It's truly one of the most beautiful lakes in Montana.

9. Lake Helena

With views of the Scratchgravel Hills in the distance, Lake Helena is a peaceful lake along Prickly Pear Creek.

10. Flathead Lake

Did you know Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states? Great for camping, hiking, and swimming, Flathead Lake is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

11. Bighorn Lake

Located in both Montana and Wyoming, this is one lake you may want to visit in winter. There is a 40-year tradition of ice fishing here!

12. Swiftcurrent Lake

Located in the Many Glacier region of Glacier National Park, Swiftcurrent Lake is a vision of beauty. The largest hotel in the park, the Many Glacier Hotel, sits along its shores and one can find many fantastic hiking trails originating nearby.

13. Lake Levinsky

Lake Levinsky is just 1.3 miles from Big Sky Resort, which makes it a great place to visit when staying there. It's great for canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and pedal boats.

14. Seeley Lake

Seeley Lake is just about an hour's drive from Missoula and it makes for the perfect summer vacation spot.

15. St. Mary Lake

Located on the east side of Glacier National Park, St. Mary Lake is stunning. There are many wildlife viewing opportunities here, and wildflower lovers will want to add this lake to their bucket list.

16. Lava Lake

Lava Lake may just be minutes from Bozeman, but it truly feels like an escape into the wilderness. Take the three-mile hike to this mountain lake and then soak in the breathtaking scenery.

17. Kintla Lake

Kintla Lake is in the northwestern part of Glacier National Park. Rather remote, and close to the Canadian border, it's great for paddlers, fishermen, and hikers.

Did we miss any beautiful lakes in Montana? Which ones have you added to your bucket list?