The Valley is watered generously by the vast Flathead Lake and moisture falling west of the continental divide. Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. With the lake to the south, and mountain ranges protecting the other three sides, the Flathead's climate is surprisingly mild for an area so far north.
Conditions on the rivers and lakes of the Flathead Valley range from placid water of Ashley Creek to raging whitewater. Among the popular whitewater runs are the Middle Fork of the Flathead River near West Glacier, and the North Fork of the Flathead north of Columbia Falls.
With terrific natural recreation resources in abundance, Flathead Valley is very tourist-oriented, and provides a host of things to do and places to stay.

Visit Flathead Valley’s welcoming center at www.fcvb.org and the state website is very informative at www.visitmt.com.