Wayfarers State Park

Wayfarers State Park
Flathead Lake with Wayfarers State Park on the opposite shore below the Swan Range
Map showing the location of Wayfarers State Park
Map showing the location of Wayfarers State Park
Location in Montana
LocationFlathead County, Montana, United States
Nearest townBigfork, Montana
Coordinates48°03′17″N 114°04′32″W / 48.0548°N 114.07543°W / 48.0548; -114.07543[1]
Area67 acres (27 ha)[1]
Elevation2,923 ft (891 m)[1]
Established1969[2]
Visitors196,434 (in 2019)[3]
AdministratorMontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
WebsiteWayfarers State Park

Wayfarers State Park is a 67-acre (27 ha) public recreation area overlooking Flathead Lake, one-half mile south of Bigfork, Montana.[4] The state park hosts the annual Northern Rockies Paddlefest, which in 2013 attracted over 200 participants.[5]

Flora and fauna

The canopy is dominated by pine and fir trees, beneath which bloom seasonal wildflowers.[6] In 1998, the Harry Horn Native Plant Garden was planted, featuring botanical education opportunities and many wildflowers including arrowleaf balsamroot, indian paintbrush, silky lupine, and death camas.[7]

Activities and amenities

The park offers 30 campsites and a boat ramp.[1] Visitors may access the boat ramp for aquatic activities, and fisherman may fish the waters of Flathead Lake.[8] In 2016, development plans were announced by Montana State Parks for the improvement of a bicycle campground area to feature spots for 10 campsites and bicycle-related amenities.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Wayfarers State Park". Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  2. ^ "Park Origin by Date". Montana State Parks. 2014. Archived from the original on January 1, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  3. ^ "2019 Annual Visitation Report". Montana State Parks. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  4. ^ "Montana State Parks Guide" (PDF). Montana State Parks. 2014. p. 22. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  5. ^ Tabish, Dillon (May 26, 2013). "Explore: Wayfarers State Park". Flathead Beacon. Kalispell Montana. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  6. ^ Graham, Kenneth L. (2003). Camping Montana. Regional Camping Series. Falcon Guide. p. 42. ISBN 978-0762710782.
  7. ^ "Harry Horn Native Plant Garden". Flathead Core. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  8. ^ Lomax, Becky (2015). "55. Wayfarers State Park". Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho Camping. Moon Outdoors. Avalon Travel. ISBN 9781631211270.
  9. ^ "Four Montana state parks getting new bicycle campsites". MTPR News. Montana Public Radio. February 23, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.