Just outside the West Entrance to Glacier National Park, the Hungry Horse Reservoir is one of Montana's most spectacular — and least crowded — bodies of water. Stretching 34 miles through the Flathead National Forest, the reservoir is flanked by peaks like Great Northern Mountain and surrounded by millions of acres of wild backcountry. There are no marinas, no jet skis, no crowds. Just wide open water and towering wilderness.

Pontoon Boat Rental on Hungry Horse Reservoir

The half-day Hungry Horse Reservoir pontoon boat rental gives you four hours on this remarkable water. You'll meet in the town of Hungry Horse — about 10 miles from the West Glacier entrance — for a quick orientation, then follow a guide to the boat launch. From there, you're on your own. Cruise the shoreline, drop anchor in a cove, swim in glacier-fed water, or just float and take in the peaks overhead.

The pontoon holds up to 12 people, making it perfect for a family or group looking to break away from the park crowds for an afternoon. No boating license is required, and no prior experience is needed. One important note: cell coverage is essentially nonexistent on the reservoir, so plan your day before you launch.

About Hungry Horse Reservoir

The reservoir was created in 1953 with the completion of Hungry Horse Dam, one of the largest concrete arch dams in the United States. Today it's managed as part of the Flathead National Forest, and the surrounding shoreline is almost entirely undeveloped — no private homes, no docks, no crowds. Wildlife sightings are common: look for osprey, bald eagles, deer, and black bears along the wooded shores.

The reservoir sits at a higher elevation than the valley lakes, which means water temps stay cool well into summer — great for a refreshing swim after a long stretch on the water. If you're spending time in the Glacier area and want something beyond the park itself, this is one of the best kept secrets in northwest Montana.

For more boating options across the region, explore all boat rentals near Glacier National Park including pontoon rentals on Whitefish Lake and a Sea Ray rental on Flathead Lake.