Tally Lake, Montana, USA

Also known as:  Talley Lake

Tally Lake, in Montana’s Glacier Country region, is fast becoming a favorite among the adventurous. Located 15 miles west of the town of Whitefish, the lake lies in the Salish Mountains within the Flathead National Forest, providing tons of active outdoor entertainment for hikers, campers and water sport enthusiasts. Surrounded on three sides by towering cliffs, the lake is considered to be the deepest natural lake in…
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    • All About Tally Lake, MT

    Lake Locations: USA - US West Region - Montana - Glacier Country, MT -

    Tally Lake, in Montana’s Glacier Country region, is fast becoming a favorite among the adventurous. Located 15 miles west of the town of Whitefish, the lake lies in the Salish Mountains within the Flathead National Forest, providing tons of active outdoor entertainment for hikers, campers and water sport enthusiasts. Surrounded on three sides by towering cliffs, the lake is considered to be the deepest natural lake in the State of Montana. Fed by Logan Creek, the 1200-acre lake is at low enough elevation to become warm enough for swimming. It is a favorite of recreational boaters who enjoy water skiing, tubing, wake-boarding and sailing during the summer months. The only access to the lake is via the concession-operated campground and boat launch near the mouth of Logan Creek. Only 50 miles from famed Glacier National Park, Tally Lake provides year-round outdoor activities for hikers, campers and fishermen.

    The campground at Tally Lake serves as headquarters for most water-based activities on the lake, but water enjoyment is by no means limited to the designated swimming area of the park. One time-honored, although not officially-sanctioned, activity is cliff-jumping from the 100-foot cliffs into the water. A couple of generations of ‘kids’ have enjoyed this sport at Tally Lake, but Forest Service officials warn that noone’s safety is assured and that jumpers can, and occasionally do get hurt. Tubing is also popular on Logan Creek during the short window of time when the water is neither too high from springtime flooding nor too low in late summer to avoid the rocky bottom.

    The boat launch on Tally Lake greets many visitors who bring their power boats and equipment to enjoy water-skiing, while others launch their boats primarily to concentrate on fishing. The lake is reported to hold some sizable brook trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, bull trout, kokanee salmon, northern pike, perch and an occasional sturgeon; however most anglers say the fishing isn’t particularly productive. At nearly 500 feet, the depth of the lake makes it quite oligotrophic, meaning it does not produce much vegetation for fish spawning and protection of the young fry. These kinds of lakes often produce a limited number of large fish rather than a large number of small ones. Fishermen here are more likely aiming to catch one of the trophy-class fish rather than a few smaller ones for a shore lunch. Fly fishing is quite popular in local trout streams in the area, with likely better success.

    Tally Lake Campground is very popular with both tourists visiting the area and locals from the town of Whitefish. The picnic areas often attract groups and families to enjoy the open pavilion, horseshoe pits and volleyball courts. An interpretive trail leads to a site with a spotting scope. Other trails lead to more strenuous terrain such as the Tally Lake Overlook Trail. Accommodations are offered for both solo and group camping; reservations are suggested as the 40 campsites fill up fast. A number of trails usable by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders can be accessed from the campground, with other trailheads located nearby in the Flathead National Forest.

    The entire area is rich in wildlife, with bald eagles, waterfowl and migratory birds often sited. The Flathead Audubon Society produces a guide to some of the more common birds seen in the area, with hints on the best times and locations to spot them. Large animals in the area include bear, elk, moose, big horn sheep, mule deer, mountain lion, whitetail deer and Rocky Mountain goat, along with the occasional wolves and a number of smaller mammals. The Forest Service warns visitors to be aware that this is grizzly bear country and that hikers should acquaint themselves with practices to avoid conflict with these huge bears.

    The area around Tally Lake is often visited in winter by cross-country skiers and a few hardy winter campers. Some areas of the Flathead National Forest are open to hunting, and the Forest Service rents a a few cabins in the area to those who prefer a regular roof to a tent. Other activities in the area that draw visitors are whitewater rafting and downhill skiing. Both of these activities are centered near the town of Whitefish, with several well-known slopes just outside town on Big Mountain. Local guest ranches and outfitters around Whitefish arrange rafting and fishing trips along with guided excursions to nearby Glacier National Park.

    The town of Whitefish is well-supplied with lodgings and accommodations to keep visitors comfortable and well-fed. A small town, Whitefish has managed to maintain its western atmosphere while offering such tourism favorites as local craftsmen, antique stores, eclectic shops and interesting restaurants. The Stumptown Historical Society Museum offers a glimpse into the past with many original photographs from the Whitefish area, a preserved rail depot and exhibits detailing frontier life in the Flathead Valley. Those yearning for a more artistic experience will enjoy the Whitefish Theater Company’s contributions to the field of performance arts. Nearly 35 years old, the theater organization exists through the generosity of contributions from local business and ticket sales to an enthusiastic audience.

    There is no private real estate for sale directly on Tally Lake. Several pockets of private land do exist in the surrounding area, many on roads approaching the lake. Those wishing to purchase real estate may well find the perfect location just a mile or so from the lake or with frontage on Logan Creek. Although the only lodgings visitors will find along the lakeshore will be campsites, the surrounding area is well supplied with resorts, guest ranches, motels, bed-and-breakfasts and private cabins and homes available for weekly rental. The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce lists a number of these facilities as a convenience. So, no matter what your interests are, Tally Lake deserves a visit. Pick your season: something is bound to catch your fancy and make you another enthused Tally Lake visitor. Come make Tally Lake your favorite vacation spot!

    Things to Do at Tally Lake

    These are some activities in the Tally Lake, MT area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Water Skiing
    • Tubing
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Downhill Skiing
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • National Park
    • National Forest
    • Museum
    • Antiquing

    What Kind of Fish Are in Tally Lake?

    Tally Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Brook Trout
    • Bull Trout
    • Kokanee Salmon
    • Lake Trout
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Salmon
    • Sturgeon
    • Trout
    • Whitefish
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    Find Places to Stay at Tally Lake

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    More Sites to Book a Tally Lake Vacation

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    Tally Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 1,211 acres

    Shoreline Length: 9 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 3,349 feet

    Maximum Depth: 492 feet

    Drainage Area: 180 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Oligotrophic

    Tally Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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