Hungry Horse

Set the scene surrounded by some of Western Montana's most spectacular mountains. Only a few minutes from Glacier National Park and the communities of Whitefish and Kalispell, this small town sits on the edge of scenic Hungry Horse Reservoir and the majestic Hungry Horse Dam with views of the park’s snowcapped peaks in the background. The Middle Fork of the Flathead River runs adjacent to town, making access to the river easy.

The scenic Hungry Horse Reservoir, a popular nesting spot for bald eagles, is fed by the South Fork of the Flathead River and stretches 34 miles long and boasts about 170 miles of shoreline. More than 25 towering peaks surround the reservoir, making this an unrivaled mountain-meets-lake location.

At 564-feet high, Hungry Horse Dam is one of the largest concrete arch dams in the United States, and its morning-glory spillway, with water cascading over the rim and dropping 490 feet, is the highest in the world. The dam is set in a dramatic, narrow canyon about 5 miles southeast of the South Fork's confluence with the main Flathead River. Hungry Horse Dam is named for two freight horses that wandered off from their logging shed during the severe winter of 1900 –1901 and almost starved to death.

The historic Spotted Bear Ranger Station, which is located 55 miles south of Hungry Horse down a dirt road, features breathtaking scenery, including a swinging bridge over the South Fork of the Flathead River along with a scenic beach. There’s also an airstrip here (Spotted Bear USFS Airport).

In Hungry Horse, Wi-Fi can be spotty, though general amenities and services are available. This is mostly a seasonal community, popular in the summer months. A notable Hungry Horse event includes with wildly spirited Cabin Fever Days—an ode to small-town charm.

Visitor + Business Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

Government

Flathead County

Fire + Safety

Hospitals

Logan Health Whitefish – 14 miles from Hungry Horse
Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell) – 24 miles from Hungry Horse

Transportation

Glacier Park International Airport – 14 miles from Columbia Falls, offering nonstop flights to major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles
Amtrak – 16 miles from Hungry Horse
Spotted Bear Airport – 54 miles from Hungry Horse

Population

891 (2022)

Elevation

3,100’

Climate

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High	30	34	43	53	64	72	82	81	68	52	38	31
Average Low	17	18	24	32	39	46	51	50	42	33	26	19

Public Lands

Accommodations

The surrounding area offers a wide array of accommodations, including bed and breakfasts, chalets, hotels, motels, lodges, resorts, vacation homes and RV parks. Click here for options.