If you love the outdoors, you probably have hungry horse reservoir on your travel bucket list. This massive body of water is tucked away in the beautiful mountains of Northwest Montana. It is a place where the water is clear, the air is fresh, and the views never end. Whether you want to catch a big trout or just sit by a campfire, this spot has it all.
Many people visit hungry horse reservoir every single year to escape the busy city life. It is located right near Glacier National Park, so it is a perfect stop on any Montana road trip. In this guide, we will look at the history, the best places to sleep under the stars, and why this area is so special to the locals. Let’s dive into the story of this amazing mountain lake!
Quick Facts About Hungry Horse, Montana
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Flathead County, hungry horse mt |
| Dam Height | 564 feet (One of the tallest in the US!) |
| Reservoir Length | 34 miles long |
| Primary River | South Fork Flathead River |
| Top Activities | Fishing, Boating, and hungry horse campground visits |
| Nearby City | Columbia Falls and Kalispell |
The Fascinating History of Hungry Horse Montana
The story of hungry horse montana is actually quite a famous legend. Back in the winter of 1900, two big freight horses named Tex and Jerry got lost. They wandered away into the deep snow of the Flathead River woods. For a whole month, they struggled to find food and stay warm. Everyone thought they were gone for good.
Luckily, their owners found them just in time! They were very skinny and weak, but they were still alive. The owners nursed them back to health, and the name “Hungry Horse” was born. Today, the town of hungry horse mt carries on that name. It reminds everyone of the tough spirit needed to survive a Montana winter.
How Hungry Horse Got Its Name: Tex and Jerry’s Tale
You might wonder exactly how hungry horse became the name for a whole dam and reservoir. After the story of Tex and Jerry spread, people began calling the nearby creek and mountain “Hungry Horse.” When the government decided to build a massive dam in the 1940s, it only made sense to use the local name.
It’s a sweet story for a place that looks so rugged. When you stand on the edge of the hungry horse reservoir, you can almost imagine those two horses wandering through the pine trees. It gives the whole area a very personal, “wild west” feeling that you won’t find at other tourist traps.
Camping at the Best Hungry Horse Campground
If you want the full experience, you have to stay at a hungry horse campground. There are several spots along the 170 miles of shoreline. Emery Bay and Riverside are two of the most popular places to pitch a tent. These sites offer basic amenities like fire rings and vault toilets, but the real prize is the lake access.
Waking up at a hungry horse campground means you are just steps away from the water. You can launch a kayak before the sun even gets too high. The sites are usually shaded by tall larch and fir trees, which keeps you cool during the hot Montana summers. Just remember to bring your bear spray, as this is grizzly country!
Recreation and Fun at Hungry Horse Reservoir
The hungry horse reservoir is a giant playground for people who love the water. Because it is 34 miles long, there is plenty of room for everyone. You can go motorboating, water skiing, or just float on a paddleboard. The water is usually very calm because the surrounding mountains block the heavy winds.
Hiking is another great way to see the area. There are trails that lead up to high ridges where you can look down at the entire hungry horse reservoir. The view from the top is breathtaking. You can see the snow-capped peaks of the Jewel Basin and even into Glacier National Park on a clear day.
Fishing in the Clear Blue Waters of Hungry Horse MT
Anglers love coming to hungry horse mt because the fishing is top-notch. The reservoir is home to Bull Trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout. The water is deep and cold, which is exactly how these fish like it. If you have a boat, you can find quiet coves where the fish are hiding near the underwater logs.
Even if you don’t have a boat, you can fish from the shore near many of the access points. The hungry horse reservoir offers a peaceful environment where you can listen to the birds and wait for a bite. It is one of the best places in the state to teach a child how to fish because the scenery is so beautiful.
Visiting the Iconic Hungry Horse Dam
You cannot visit hungry horse reservoir without stopping at the dam itself. At 564 feet tall, it is a massive wall of concrete that holds back the South Fork Flathead River. When it was finished in 1953, it was one of the largest dams in the world. It still provides a lot of electricity to the local towns today.
There is a visitor center at the dam that is open during the summer. You can take a walk across the top of the dam and look straight down! It might make your stomach flip a little, but it’s a cool sight. The “Morning Glory” spillway is also a must-see—it looks like a giant drain hole in the middle of the water.
Staying Connected with Hungry Horse News Obituaries
For the people who live in hungry horse mt, the community is very tight-knit. They stay connected through the local newspaper. Many people look at the hungry horse news obituaries to honor neighbors and friends who have passed away. It is a way for the small town to stay close and support each other through hard times.
Reading the hungry horse news obituaries tells you a lot about the people who built this area. Many were loggers, dam workers, or forest rangers. These stories show the deep roots that families have in the Flathead Valley. It’s a reminder that hungry horse montana is more than just a vacation spot; it’s a home.
Wildlife Watching Near the Reservoir
The area around hungry horse reservoir is full of amazing animals. It is very common to see deer and elk grazing near the roads. If you are lucky, you might even spot a bald eagle soaring over the water looking for a fish. The forest is thick, so the animals have plenty of places to hide.
Because the hungry horse reservoir is part of the Flathead National Forest, it is protected land. This means the habitat stays healthy for the creatures that live there. Always keep your distance from wildlife and never feed the bears. Seeing a moose at the water’s edge is a memory you will never forget!
The Best Time of Year to Visit Hungry Horse MT
The most popular time to visit hungry horse mt is from late June through September. This is when the snow has melted and the roads are easy to drive. The summer weather is perfect for swimming and camping. However, the fall is also a beautiful time to see the western larch trees turn a bright golden yellow.
In the winter, the hungry horse reservoir becomes a quiet, frozen wonderland. While most of the campgrounds are closed, people still come to the area for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Just like the horses Tex and Jerry found out, the winters here are serious, so you have to be prepared for the cold!
Exploring the Nearby Town of Hungry Horse Montana
The small town of hungry horse montana is a fun place to explore before you head to the lake. There are several unique shops where you can buy huckleberry jam or handmade gifts. It has a very vintage feel, with old-fashioned signs and friendly shop owners who love to chat about the local area.
You can grab a burger or a slice of pie at one of the local diners. Most of the businesses are located right along Highway 2, which is the main road into Glacier National Park. Stopping in hungry horse mt is a great way to support the local economy and get some tips on the best hidden spots at the reservoir.
Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Today
The hungry horse reservoir is a true Montana gem. From the brave story of the two lost horses to the massive wall of the dam, there is so much to see and do. It offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and fun. Whether you are staying at a hungry horse campground or just driving through for the day, you will feel the magic of the mountains.
I personally recommend taking the drive along the West Side Road. It offers some of the best views of the water and plenty of quiet spots to pull over. So, pack your bags, grab your fishing pole, and head to hungry horse montana for an adventure you will always remember!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a fee to visit Hungry Horse Reservoir?
While driving to the dam is usually free, most hungry horse campground sites and day-use areas require a small fee. This helps the Forest Service keep the park clean and safe for everyone.
2. Can you swim in the reservoir?
Yes! The water in the hungry horse reservoir is clean and refreshing. Just be aware that because it is fed by mountain snow, it can be quite cold even in the middle of summer.
3. Are there bears at the campgrounds?
Yes, both black bears and grizzly bears live in the woods around hungry horse mt. Always keep your food in bear-proof containers and keep a clean campsite to stay safe.
4. How long is the drive from Glacier National Park?
The town of hungry horse montana is only about 10 miles from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park. It takes about 15 minutes to drive there, making it a very convenient side trip.
5. Can I bring my dog to the reservoir?
Yes, dogs are allowed at the hungry horse reservoir, but they should be kept on a leash in developed areas like campgrounds. Make sure to clean up after your pet to keep the trails nice for others.
6. Where can I find the Hungry Horse News obituaries?
You can find the hungry horse news obituaries in the weekly print edition of the local newspaper or on their official website. It is the best way to keep up with local community news.
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