Quote: Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River, one of the 300 largest lakes in the world, and one of the cleanest. It has 161 miles of shoreline, including all its islands, and it covers 191 square miles. It took us most of one day to drive completely around it. Of course, there were frequent stops along the way.

Here are a few interesting facts about Flathead Lake:

• Wild Horse Island is the largest island in the lake, covers 2,100 acres, and is a wildlife refuge for bighorn sheep and wild horses.
• There are 25 different species of fish in Flathead Lake.
• It is 27.3 miles in length and 15.5 miles in width.
• Maximum depth is 370.7 feet.

Most lodging establishments were closed, as were most of the restaurants. It was perfect--we felt as if we had the entire lake to ourselves. During our drive, we stopped at several state parks--most were relatively small, with a few camping sites and day-use areas, all with lake access. But they all had one thing in common--the view.

The beauty of the lake is incredible. Sitting on a long pier, dangling my feet over the water, I realized that the lake bottom and the shoreline were covered with the most beautiful stones in hues of blue, purple and greens. Because we were there before the official season opened, there was little traffic on the road or on the lake. At times it appeared as smooth as glass, and not a ripple could be seen.

Sweet cherry orchards occupy most of the southern shoreline, along with large, elegant homes. Deer run free throughout the area. With plenty of time on our hands, we drove many of the back roads and dreamed of what it would be like to live there. We drove through towns like Woods Bay, Big Fork, Finley Point, and Lakeside.

The densely wooded orchards gave way to a more arid landscape on the southern end of the lake and then back into gently rolling hills as we headed north towards Glacier National Park. And, as usual, we have added this location to our list of favorites.

During the summer tourist season, there are many activities to choose from: kayaking, Wild Horse Island boat trips, bike tours, sailing, canoeing, horseback riding, and extreme water sports. There are seven art galleries in the area, featuring wildlife and landscape paintings, Native American crafts, Western art, handmade stoneware pottery, bronze sculptures, and jewelry.

From journals KALISPELL- OH, WHAT A SPELL I'M IN