List of lakes of Flathead County, Montana (M-Z) facts for kids

Flathead County in Montana is a beautiful place with lots of water! It's home to at least 269 named lakes and reservoirs. These water bodies are super important for the environment and for people who live there or visit.

What are Lakes and Reservoirs?

A lake is a large body of water surrounded by land. Most lakes are natural, meaning they formed over a very long time, often from things like glaciers melting or rivers changing course.

A reservoir is a bit different. It's also a body of water, but it's usually made by people. Reservoirs are created by building a dam across a river or stream. They are used to store water for drinking, farming, making electricity, or even for fun activities like boating.

Why So Many Water Bodies Here?

Flathead County is in a part of Montana with lots of mountains and valleys. Many of these areas were shaped by huge sheets of ice called glaciers thousands of years ago. When these glaciers melted, they left behind dips and hollows in the land that filled up with water, creating many of the lakes we see today. The rivers and streams flowing from the mountains also feed these lakes and are sometimes dammed to create reservoirs.

Exploring Flathead County's Lakes

The many lakes in Flathead County are home to all sorts of wildlife. Fish, birds, and other animals depend on these waters for survival. For people, these lakes offer amazing opportunities for outdoor fun. You can go fishing, boating, swimming, or just enjoy the beautiful views. They also provide important water resources for the communities in the area.

Here are just a few of the many lakes you can find in Flathead County:

• Margaret Lake, located high up in the mountains at about 5,686 feet (1,733 meters) above sea level.
• McGregor Lake, a larger lake at about 3,894 feet (1,187 meters) above sea level.
• Moose Lake, there are actually two lakes with this name in the county! One is at 4,905 feet (1,495 meters) and another at 5,659 feet (1,725 meters).
• Mud Lake, another name used for several lakes, often smaller ones, at various elevations.
• Tally Lake, a popular spot at 3,356 feet (1,023 meters) above sea level.
• Whitefish Lake, a well-known lake at 2,999 feet (914 meters) above sea level.

Reservoirs in Flathead County

While there are many natural lakes, Flathead County also has some important reservoirs. These man-made lakes help manage water resources for the region.

• Pearson Reservoir, located at about 3,786 feet (1,154 meters) above sea level.

See also

• List of lakes in Montana
• List of lakes in Flathead County, Montana (A-L)