Did you know that there are over 3,200 named lakes and reservoirs in Montana? While Alaska has more lakes than any other state (at three million!), that’s still an impressive number. Needless to say, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll see all of them in your lifetime, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to see all the best. Tally Lake is a beautiful and highly underrated body of water, and the Tally Lake Overlook Trail will give you the best views.
Tally Lake is located in the Flathead National Forest, about 16 miles from Whitefish.
Beverly LaMar / alltrails.com While it’s not as large or well-known as the nearby Flathead Lake, those who manage to find it tend to love it. The lake is fed from water from upstream Star Meadows, a large wetland that creates a tannic acid tint to the water. Still, the lake water is perfectly clean, and in comparison to some of the others nearby, it’s quite warm and pleasant for swimming.
Tally Lake Overlook Trail #804 is a nice 1.8-mile loop located next to the Tally Lake Campground.
Julie Lubick / alltrails.com The trail is ranked as moderate, mainly for its somewhat steep climb in the beginning. If you’re a fairly experienced hiker, it should be a breeze.
You’ll start off traipsing through the forest, which is always a beautiful way to begin a hike.
Clifford Roberti / alltrails.com If you do the loop in a clockwise direction, the climb can be a bit steep, but most agree that the lake views are better this way.
Speaking of lake views, it won’t be long before you’re enjoying glimpses of Tally Lake.
Clifford Roberti / alltrails.com It seems to stretch forever over the horizon.
Tally Lake is said to be the second deepest lake in Montana, although we can’t be completely certain.
Julie Lubick / alltrails.com Its dark waters are actually the reason it stays warm. This darkness absorbs the sunlight and retains it, keeping the water at an average temperature of 70 degrees all summer. For reference, Flathead Lake is about 65 degrees.
This trail is best hiked from June - September, when there (usually) isn’t snow on the ground.
Jay Perry / alltrails.com However, if the weather conditions allow, you won’t regret hiking it in the off-season. Everything looks especially enchanting when it’s covered in a layer of frost.
The Tally Lake Overlook Trail is a perfect afternoon hike for anyone spending time in the Whitefish area.
Andrea Barron / alltrails.com The views are truly remarkable, and it’s a pleasant afternoon hike.
Have you ever been to Tally Lake? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Beverly LaMar / alltrails.com
While it’s not as large or well-known as the nearby Flathead Lake, those who manage to find it tend to love it. The lake is fed from water from upstream Star Meadows, a large wetland that creates a tannic acid tint to the water. Still, the lake water is perfectly clean, and in comparison to some of the others nearby, it’s quite warm and pleasant for swimming.
Julie Lubick / alltrails.com
The trail is ranked as moderate, mainly for its somewhat steep climb in the beginning. If you’re a fairly experienced hiker, it should be a breeze.
Clifford Roberti / alltrails.com
If you do the loop in a clockwise direction, the climb can be a bit steep, but most agree that the lake views are better this way.
It seems to stretch forever over the horizon.
Its dark waters are actually the reason it stays warm. This darkness absorbs the sunlight and retains it, keeping the water at an average temperature of 70 degrees all summer. For reference, Flathead Lake is about 65 degrees.
Jay Perry / alltrails.com
However, if the weather conditions allow, you won’t regret hiking it in the off-season. Everything looks especially enchanting when it’s covered in a layer of frost.
Andrea Barron / alltrails.com
The views are truly remarkable, and it’s a pleasant afternoon hike.
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Address: Tally Lake, Montana 59937, USA
