Lakeside and Sommers
The communities of Lakeside and Somers are nestled on the northwest shores of beautiful Flathead Lake and Blacktail Mountain. The two distinct towns are neighbors on the bay! Located 8 miles south of Kalispell, our communities are the destination spot for locals as well as tourists.
All four seasons in Lakeside and Somers offers something for everyone, from skiing the slopes of Blacktail Mountain to sailing and boating majestic Flathead Lake. While visiting in our area, please stop by our chamber office located in the West Shore Community Library in Lakeside at 100 Bierney CreekRoadfor local information and travel guides.
We invite you to come and visit our friendly communities and experience a true Montana lifestyle. You are sure to receive a warm and friendly Montana welcome as you visit our Flathead Valley. You may also decide to make Montana home, and in that case, we know that your wish has come true!
Lakeside and Somers are neighboring communities that encompass 13 miles of lake frontage on Flathead Lake, 100 miles north of Missoula, and minutes south of Kalispell, the valley's regional business center.
Prior to the 1900's the town of Lakeside was called "Stoner," after John Stoner, the first postmaster, who built and operated a hotel where the creek that still bears his name flows into Flathead Lake. The name was later changed to "Chautauqua," then "Lacon," and finally, in 1920 to "Lakeside."
In the early years, Flathead Lake was an important part of the trade route from Missoula to Canada, and steamers made regular stops here with passengers and freight. Somers owes it's existence to the Great Northern Railway. Railroad ties were needed for the extension of tracks throughout the west, and the ready supply of timber surrounding Flathead Lake made the north end of the lake an ideal mill site. From 1900 to 1949 the Somers Lumber Company produced thousands of ties. The first general store, built in 1900, and other historic buildings, are still in use by Sliters Lumber Company.
Lakeside and Sommers Attractions
Parks
Ben Williams Park
Accessed from Soren Lane off Blacktail Road in Lakeside. Facilities include playground equipment, picnic shelter, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and restrooms.
Lakeside Waterfront Park
On Flathead Lake just north of the intersection of Bierney Creek Road and US 93 on Lakeside Blvd. in Lakeside. Swimming area with dock, lawn beach and restroom. Day use only, no lifeguard, no boats – limited parking.
Somers Swimming Access – Somers Beach
On Flathead Lake just east of the Somers Fishing Access and boat ramp on US 93 in Somers. Swimming area with gravel beach, day use only, no lifeguard, no restrooms (restrooms at fishing access and boat ramp), and no motorized boats – adequate parking.
West Shore State Park
On Flathead Lake 5 miles south of Lakeside on US 93. Camping, picnic area, boat ramp. More information available at www.fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_280091.aspx
Additional Flathead Valley area Park information: http://www.kalispell.com/parks/
2009 Summer Park & Recreation Guide http://www.dailyinterlakeonline.com/e_edition_files/editions/aeb42adcc05a4bd1c7fdfba821e2ca10/PARKS%20&%20REC%20SPRING.pdf
Boating
Somers Fishing Access
On Flathead Lake off US 93 across from Boon Road in Somers. Two wide boat ramps, dock, restrooms, and good parking.
Lakeside Public Dock and Access - North
On Flathead Lake off US 93 across from Bierney Creek Road in Lakeside. Boat ramp with dock, no restrooms, very limited parking.
Lakeside Public Dock and Access - South
On Flathead Lake at the east end of Adams Street (blinking light) in Lakeside. Narrow boat ramp with dock, no restrooms, no parking. Best public dock for boaters visiting Lakeside – day use only.
More boating information listed under Recreation in our Chamber Member Directory on boat rentals, cruises, and fishing charters.
West Shore Community Library
100 Bierney Creek Road, 406-844-3917. Book lending, reading and study area, computers for Internet access, and community information.
Winter Attractions
Snow Skiing – Lift Served
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
At the end of Blacktail Road, 14 miles west of Lakeside. Lift served skiing, ski and snowboard rentals, lessons, resturant and bar. The lodge at the top of the mountain is located adjacent to the parking area and has facilities for both skiers and non-skiers to enjoy. More information at www.blacktailmountain.com .
Snow Skiing – Cross-Country
Blacktail Cross-Country Ski Trails
US Forest Service trails off Blacktail Road about 8 miles west of Lakeside. Groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, no restrooms, limited parking. Trails are groomed and maintained by the North Shore Nordic Club. There is no charge for skiing; however, donations are needed and appreciated (www.northshorenordic.com). Trail map at www.blacktailmountain.com .
Snowshoeing
Flathead National Forest
US Forest Service trails and open areas off Blacktail Road west of Lakeside. Many opportunities for snowshoeing exist on Forest Service logging roads and in open areas, limited parking along Blacktail Road. Extensive parking is available at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area.
Snowmobiling
Wild Bill Off Road Vehicle Trails
US Forest Service trails off Blacktail Road 12 miles west of Lakeside. Winter parking is available at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area. Snowmobiles are prohibited on the cross-country ski trails. For rental information contact Winter Wonderland Sports at www.winterwonderlandsports.com or call 844-2400.
Off Road Vehicle Trails
Wild Bill Off Road Vehicle Trails
US Forest Service trails for motorized vehicles off Blacktail Road 12 miles west of Lakeside. Limited summer parking. Information available at www.montanabackroads.org
Hiking
US Forest Service trails off Blacktail Road west of Lakeside
Many opportunities for hiking exist on Forest Service logging roads and in open areas, limited parking along Blacktail Road. US Forest Service maps and information is available at Sliters Ace Hardware in Lakeside and at the Forest Service office and retail locations in Kalispell.
Foys to Blacktail Trail
The trail runs, downhill, from the top of Blacktail Mountain to Herron Park near Foys Lake. See www.foystoblacktailtrails.org for more information.
Additional hiking related trails and information:
http://www.nps.gov/archive/glac/maps.htm
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/flathead/fishing_site/fishing/lakes/jewel_basin.htm
http://www.fws.gov/bentonlake/Lost_Trail_NWR.html
http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_280065.aspx
Road Bicycling
Paved bike paths and connecting low traffic paved roads extend for 7 miles from North Juniper Bay Road (near the Fish Hatchery), at the south end, to the Ashley Creek bridge on US 93, at the north end. A small parking area next to Tiebucker's in Somers is located about midway on the bike path. More road bicycling opportunities on paved low traffic roads can be found in the Lower Valley area by riding northeast from Somers on Somers Road.
Mountain Bicycling
Flathead National Forest
Many old logging roads and US Forest Service Roads crisscross the Flathead National Forest west of Lakeside and Somers and make great mountain biking terrain. Access can be found by taking Spring Creek Road to Cramer Creek Road west of the Fish Hatchery or off Blacktail Road west of Lakeside. US Forest Service maps and information is available at Sliters Ace Hardware in Lakeside and at the Forest Service office and retail locations in Kalispell.
Foys to Blacktail Trail
The trail runs, downhill, from the top of Blacktail Mountain to Herron Park near Foys Lake. See www.foystoblacktailtrails.org for more information.
