Lone Pine State Park

279-acre state park 5 miles from Kalispell with a valley overlook, 7.5 miles of trails and a visitor center.

Insider tip

The visitor center is closed Mondays and Tuesdays; the trails and overlook stay open.

Insider tip

Bring your own bow and arrows for the archery range; it is free and open 8 AM–10 PM year-round.

When to come

Early morning or sunset.

Nearby Attraction

Nearby AttractionOPERATIONAL★ 4.7

Lone Pine State Park is a 279-acre Montana state park 5 miles southwest of Kalispell, with an overlook above the Flathead Valley and 7.5 miles of trails open to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and, in winter, snowshoeing. A year-round visitor center with a gift shop, a 10-station archery range, picnic shelter and flush and vault restrooms make it an easy half-day outing. It is not part of Glacier National Park; for a Glacier trip based in Kalispell it works as a rest-day walk, a sunset overlook or a first-day leg-stretcher before the 33-mile drive to the West Entrance. A day-use fee applies for nonresidents; see Montana FWP.

Woodland park offering scenic overlooks & trails for horseback riding, hiking, biking & snowshoeing.

Quick facts

Attraction Type
State park (Montana FWP)
Distance From Park
About 5 miles southwest of downtown Kalispell; Kalispell is about 33 miles from Glacier's West Entrance via US 2 east, so figure roughly 40 miles to West Glacier.
Entry Fees
Day-use fee applies for nonresident vehicles and walk-ins. See Montana FWP for current amounts.

Visit details

Attraction Type
State park (Montana FWP)
Distance From Park
About 5 miles southwest of downtown Kalispell; Kalispell is about 33 miles from Glacier's West Entrance via US 2 east, so figure roughly 40 miles to West Glacier.
Entry Fees
Day-use fee applies for nonresident vehicles and walk-ins. See Montana FWP for current amounts.
Operating Hours
Park open year-round 8 AM–10 PM per Montana FWP (Google lists 8 AM–11 PM; check before you go). Visitor center Wed–Sat 10 AM–3 PM, Sun 12:30–3 PM, closed Mon and Tue.
Seasonal Operation
Open all year; visitor center and gift shop now open year-round on a reduced weekly schedule.

Getting there

Address
300 Lone Pine Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901, USA
Accessibility
ADA-accessible facilities and an all-terrain wheelchair; flush restrooms at the visitor center.
ADA Accessible
Yes

What to expect

Main Activities
  • Hiking
  • Mountain biking
  • Horseback riding
  • Archery (10-station range)
  • Snowshoeing
  • Bird and wildlife watching
  • Photography
  • Picnicking
Best For
  • Rest-day walks
  • Sunset views over the Flathead Valley
  • Families with young kids
  • Winter snowshoeing near town
Unique Features
Elevation from 2,959 to 3,644 feet gives the overlook its view; a free Action Trackchair all-terrain wheelchair is available; the archery range is open year-round at no charge.
Why Visit Here
It gives a wide view of Kalispell and the Flathead Valley minutes from town, with short, mostly gentle trails that suit a travel day or a weather day when the park's high country is socked in.
Comparison To Park
Expect valley and foothill scenery rather than Glacier's peaks and lakes; trails are short and rolling, and crowds are light compared with Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Facilities & advice

Restrooms Available
Yes
Family Friendly Notes
Short trails, a picnic shelter, children's activities and a beginner-friendly archery range; pets are allowed on a leash.
Best Time To Visit
Early morning or sunset.
Tips Advice
  • Ample parking; arrive early on weekends
  • For non-residents, consider an annual or 7-day pass to save daily fees
  • Bring water, good walking shoes, and dress for the weather; binoculars help for wildlife
  • Tripods are generally permitted if they do not obstruct trails
  • Some cash-only envelopes may apply for non-residents; plan accordingly

More details

Parking Type
Parking
Time Needed
1 to 3 hours for the overlook and a trail loop; longer if you use the archery range or picnic.
Accessibility Details
Montana FWP lists the park as ADA accessible; a free Action Trackchair all-terrain wheelchair is available.
Food Available
None in the park; bring your own for the picnic shelter. Kalispell restaurants are 5 miles away.
Facilities
  • Visitor center with gift shop
  • Meeting room with audio-visual equipment
  • Wraparound decks at the visitor center
  • Picnic shelter
  • Established fire pits
  • Flush and vault toilets
  • Parking
  • Archery range
  • Action Trackchair all-terrain wheelchair (free)
Summer Notes
Open trails can be hot and exposed midday; mornings and evenings are better for the overlook. Regular adult workshops, children's activities and interpretive programs run through the season.
Winter Activities
Snowshoeing on the trail system; snowshoe rentals are available at the visitor center for a small fee.
Best Visit Times
Late afternoon to sunset for valley light; weekday mornings for solitude; the visitor center is only open Wednesday through Sunday.
Insider Tips
  • The visitor center is closed Mondays and Tuesdays; the trails and overlook stay open.
  • Bring your own bow and arrows for the archery range; it is free and open 8 AM–10 PM year-round.
  • A free Action Trackchair all-terrain wheelchair is available if someone in your group needs it.
  • Nonresidents pay a day-use fee.
  • Dogs are welcome on leash.
Nearby Facilities
Full services in Kalispell 5 miles away; Glacier Park International Airport near Kalispell.
Review Summary
Google shows a 4.7 rating across roughly 750 reviews, with the overlook and easy trail access the consistent draw.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How far is Lone Pine State Park from Glacier National Park?

It is 5 miles southwest of Kalispell, and Kalispell is about 33 miles from the West Entrance, so plan on roughly 40 miles to West Glacier.

Is there an entrance fee?

A day-use fee applies for nonresident vehicles and walk-ins. Check Montana FWP for current amounts.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, pets are allowed on a leash.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. Trails are short, there is a picnic shelter and archery range, and the park offers children's activities and interpretive programs.

When is the visitor center open?

Wednesday through Saturday 10 AM–3 PM and Sunday 12:30–3 PM, closed Monday and Tuesday. The park itself is open daily 8 AM–10 PM.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated September 2026. Report an issue.