Tour: Kayak to Wild Horse Island - Self Guided

Flathead Lake in Northwest Montana is 28 miles long, 15 miles wide and bordered by the beautiful Mission Mountains.  The Largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Located just 20 minutes from Kalispell, Montana and a short hour from Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake offers predictable winds for amazing sailing experiences. There are several islands close to our launch.

Wild Horse Island State Park is one of the larger islands on Flathead Lake. It is a primitive 2,200 acre State Park that is only accessible by boat. A Kayak is perfect calming way to get there. The hike is optional and can be challenging depending on the route. The Skeeko bay is our recommended landing site on Wild Horse Island. There are several trailheads and a welcome sign.  It is a great place to swim and relax in the cool glacier green water. Water temperatures range from 60 degrees to 74 degrees.

Wild life can be spotted from the water as well as the shore. We typically see osprey, big horn sheep, deer, bald eagles, and the 6 wild horses that call this remote state park home.

wild-horse-island-state-park-map

We are open Memorial Day to Mid September. 

The best paddling area is in the bay between the Dayton shoreline and Wild Horse Island. However; this is Montana weather and it can change and there can be weather events that may change the daily schedule. We closely monitor this and will be sending you a confirmation 7 days before the trip to verify the conditions are safe or if we need to cancel or reschedule.

We recommend using this site for the most accurate water temperatures and weather conditions. Flathead Lake Biological Station 

This tour is best suited for the adventurous minded explorer. You are on your own so we recommend some paddling experience and comfortable navigating a 2 mile paddle round trip.  You will be required to wear a life jacket while paddling but strong swimming skills are recommended.

We provide a 9ft Kayak or an 8ft Kayak with a paddle and life jacket for the tour. Built-in Padded CRS + UltraLite Seat. Rear Tankwell with Cargo Net Lacing for Storage. Storage Hatch for Added Storage Beneath the Deck.
Molded-In Paddle Keepers and Side Carry Handles. Molded-In Freedom Footwells for Comfort and Secure Foot Bracing.
Self-Bailing Scupper Holes to Drain Water from the Cockpit and Tankwell. Front and Rear Handles for Easy Transport.
Hull Design Provides Ultra Stability and Great Tracking. UV-Protected High-Density Polyethylene Construction
Lightweight 38 lb. Design

This tour can easily be done in 3 hours if you are reasonably fit. If you think you would like to take your time and not rush we suggest the 6 hour rental. You can always come back early or relax a bit longer on the island. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.

• Meet at the Shop in Dayton 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
  • Make sure you have water and appropriate clothing.
• Check-in and get your equipment.
• Walk 2 blocks to the Dayton launch  for a quick equipment orientation and guide to paddling on Flathead Lake.
• Self Guided Paddle 2 miles to Skeeko bay Wild Horse Island State Park.
• Spend 1 hour or more on shore hiking, swimming, relaxing.
• Paddle 2 miles back to Dayton launch.
• Check in at the shop and regale the tails of your adventure on Flathead Lake.

Bring a camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are also recommended. Also bring socks and tennis shoes or hiking boots to navigate the rugged terrain on Wild Horse Island. a WATER PROOF BAG IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Wear something on your feet that you don’t mind getting wet such as water shoes and bring shoes suitable for hiking. A bathing suit can be worn under synthetic, exercise-type clothing. For cooler weather wear a synthetic base layer and/or fleece top, hat and gloves. Please do NOT wear jeans or cotton clothing. For safety reasons we are unable to paddle with individuals wearing jeans, heavy boots, etc.

Water

Please bring a refillable water bottle with you. We have Drinking Water in the shop for you to fill your bottles. ***Help us save the planet, one bottle at a time!

We offer a full refund if we must cancel your rental due to the weather.
You may cancel or no show, the Sailboat, Kayak and/or Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Rental at anytime subject to the following penalties:
Any cancellations more than 7 days prior to the start time of 0% of the payment collected.
Any cancellations between 7 and 2 days prior to the start time 50% of the payment collected.
Cancellation or now show, less than 48 hours prior to the start time 100% of the payment collected.
Cancellations must be notified to us by phone 406.515.9585 or email and confirmed for approval. The penalties will be calculated from the date we receive your cancellation.
We may need to cancel a course due to unforeseen circumstances or natural events outside the control of Go Sail Partners, LLC including but not limited to lake wind advisories, thunderstorms, heavy rain, extreme cold, or high wind areas. Refunds will be issued if an alternative date or time cannot be met. We reserve the right to cancel a rental at any time without reason. If we cancel without reason, we shall return all collected payments paid by you.