FLATHEAD LAKE STATE PARK - YELLOW BAY UNIT
FLATHEAD LAKE STATE PARK - YELLOW BAY UNIT490 North Meridian Road
Kalispell, Montana 59901
Phone:
406-752-5501
Yellow Bay is in the heart of the famous Montana sweet cherry orchards. Cherry blossoms color the hillsides during spring. In the summer, cherries can be purchased at nearby roadside stands or U-Pick orchards. The park includes Yellow Bay Creek and a wide, gravelly beach. Among its attractions are boating, lake trout fishing, waterskiing, bird watching, swimming, camping, and scuba diving. The park is 15 acres in size at an elevation of 2,973 feet. It offers four tent sites and 1 RV site with a 30 foot limit. There are both flush and vault toilets, a group use area, grills/firerings, picnic tables, trash cans, and drinking water. No open fires are allowed and there is a 7 day camping limit during a 30 day period. A joint state/tribal fishing license is required at this site and it is DAY USE ONLY from 10/1 through 4/30. A golf course is located nearby in Polson, as well as three museums.
1. Flathead Lake State Park - Yellow Bay Unit offers a designated swimming area for visitors.
2. The lake's clear, cool waters are perfect for refreshing summer swims.
3. Lifeguards aren't present; swimmers should exercise caution and swim at their own risk.
4. Swimming is allowed during park hours from 10 AM to sunset daily in the summertime.
5. Children must be supervised by an adult while swimming due to deep water areas near shorelines.
6. The beach can get crowded on hot days so arrive early if you want a good spot.
7. There are no fees or permits required specifically for swimming activities within the state park.
Yellow Bay Unit offers a variety of boating options for visitors. The park features a boat launch that allows easy access to the water, making it ideal for motorized and non-motorized boats alike. Visitors can enjoy activities such as sailing, powerboating, jet skiing or paddling in kayaks and canoes on Flathead Lake's waters. Boat rentals are not available within the park itself; however there are several nearby marinas where equipment hire is possible.
Yellow Bay offers diverse fishing opportunities with species like Lake Trout, Whitefish and Yellow Perch. Northern Pike is also abundant.