Wayfarers State Park

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Hwy 35 Flathead Lake Bigfork, Montana

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FAQ

Wayfarers State Park – Bigfork, Montana FAQ
General Questions
Q: What is Wayfarers State Park?
A: Wayfarers State Park is a popular state park located in Bigfork, Montana, situated on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. It offers beautiful lake views, hiking trails, camping opportunities, and access to Flathead Lake for boating and fishing.
Q: Where is Wayfarers State Park located?
A: The park is located in Bigfork, Montana, at 8600 MT, Hwy 35. It’s approximately one-half mile south of Bigfork.
Q: What type of park is Wayfarers State Park?
A: It’s a state park and also functions as a dog park.
Q: What are the park’s hours of operation?
A: The park is open year-round, with day-use access from 7 AM to 10 PM.
Q: How large is Wayfarers State Park?
A: The park encompasses 67 acres (27 hectares).
Q: What is the annual Northern Rockies Paddlefest?
A: The Northern Rockies Paddlefest is an annual event held at Wayfarers State Park, attracting over 200 participants. It was held in 2013.
Q: What is the park’s significance?
A: Wayfarers State Park is significant due to its location on Flathead Lake, its natural beauty, and its role in hosting the Northern Rockies Paddlefest.
Camping & Facilities
Q: How many campsites are available at Wayfarers State Park?
A: There are 30 campsites available.
Q: Does Wayfarers State Park have a hike-bike campsite?
A: Yes, it features a hike-bike campsite with 9 tent pads.
Q: What amenities are available at the park?
A: Amenities include a boat ramp, showers, and ADA-accessible sites. There are also bicycle-related amenities planned for development.
Q: Are there bicycle campgrounds?
A: The park has plans for the development of a bicycle campground area to include 10 campsites and bicycle-related amenities.
Q: Are there planned improvements?
A: Montana State Parks announced development plans for the improvement of the bicycle campground area, planned for 2016.
Seasonality & Weather
Q: When is the best time to visit Wayfarers State Park?
A: The park is open year-round, but spring and fall offer beautiful wildflower displays.
Q: How does the lake level affect the park?
A: The park is located on Flathead Lake, and the lake level fluctuates significantly between mid-June and early September. This can impact access to the dock and certain activities.
Q: Where can I get weather forecasts for Flathead Lake?
A: You can find forecasts at NOAA’s Graphical Flathead Lake Forecast: [https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mso/flatheadlake/](https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mso/flatheadlake/)
Flora, Fauna, and Activities
Q: What kind of plants and animals can I see at Wayfarers State Park?
A: The park’s canopy is dominated by pine and fir trees. Seasonal wildflowers, including arrowleaf balsamroot, indian paintbrush, silky lupine, and death camas, bloom throughout the summer.
Q: What activities can I do at Wayfarers State Park?
A: Activities include hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Q: Is there a boat ramp?
A: Yes, the park has a boat ramp for accessing Flathead Lake.
Q: Are there fishing opportunities?
A: Yes, visitors can fish in Flathead Lake.
Q: Is there a Harry Horn Native Plant Garden?
A: Yes, the park features the Harry Horn Native Plant Garden, offering botanical education opportunities and many wildflowers.
Important Information & Regulations
Q: Are reservations required?
A: Reservations are strongly recommended due to potential crowding.
Q: What safety precautions should I take?
A: It’s important to check park regulations, weather forecasts, and utilize bear-resistant storage lockers.
Q: How can I find more information about the park?
A: You can find resources on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website: [Wayfarers State Park Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks](https://fwp.mt.gov/state-parks/wayfarers-state-park/)<br>and [Wayfarers State Park Tr ail Map Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks](https://fwp.mt.gov/state-parks/wayfarers-state-park/trail-map/)
and [Wayfarers State Park Tr ail Map Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks](https://fwp.mt.gov/state-parks/wayfarers-state-park/trail-map/)

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