Whitefish Lake sits just north of downtown. City Beach is about two miles from our shop by bike, and Whitefish Lake State Park, off West Lakeshore Drive, is under four. The state park has a swimming beach, a boat launch, 25 campsites and paddleboard and kayak rentals from mid June through Labor Day. Every boat, paddleboard included, must be inspected before it goes in.
Updated October 22, 2026
The lake is the reason the town is where it is, and it is the easiest afternoon you will have here. Leave the car at your lodging, take a bike, and go.
City Beach
The town’s own beach sits at the foot of the lake where Whitefish turns from downtown into lakeshore. It is about two miles from the shop by bike, with a swimming area, a lawn and a view straight up the lake toward the mountains. Lock the bike and go in.
Whitefish Lake State Park
Off West Lakeshore Drive, under four miles from the shop, the state park is where the boats launch and the campers stay. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks lists a swimming beach, a boat launch, 25 campsites, a hike-bike campsite for cyclists, showers, a picnic shelter and bear-resistant lockers. The park sits at 3,012 feet in a stand of mature forest, and the lake is rarely windy, which makes it ideal for water skiing.
Paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats rent from the concession in the park from June 15 through Labor Day. Nonresident day use is $8 with a vehicle and $4 if you arrive on a bike, which is one more reason to ride. Campsites run $4 to $34 a night and book through Reserve America. Trains pass close to the campground, so light sleepers should pack earplugs.
One rule the park enforces: every watercraft, motorized or not, must be inspected before it launches in Whitefish Lake. Give yourself a few extra minutes.
The Ride Around The Lake
East Lakeshore Drive is the classic lake ride along the shore; past Les Mason State Park the road narrows and you share it with cars. It is on our Where to Ride page with distance and turnaround notes. Our Five Whitefish E-Bike Rides page adds City Beach, the state park, Les Mason State Park and Upper Whitefish Road.
The Rest Of The Day
Ride back through downtown for dinner, or keep going to the Whitefish Trail trailheads for a walk (bikes stay at the trailhead; see the Whitefish Trail guide).
Rent an e-bike in Whitefish. Every rental comes with a phone mount and our turn-by-turn navigation app for our favorite rides.