Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Distance
- ~45 miles Polson to Bigfork
- Elevation gain
- Minimal
- Season
- Year-round
- Managed by
- Montana FWP
- Permit
- Not required
- Access road
- Two-lane paved (MT 35)
Permit notes: State park entry along route requires Montana State Parks pass.
Highway 35 runs forty-some miles along the east shore of Flathead Lake between Polson and Bigfork. It is the longer, slower, more scenic alternative to US 93 along the west shore, and the better drive in either direction when light and time allow.
The east shore is the cherry orchard side of the lake. From late June through August, fruit stands operate along the highway and several orchards offer u-pick. Yellow Bay State Park and Finley Point State Park both sit on this stretch. Wayfarers State Park is at the north end near Bigfork.
The road is two-lane with intermittent passing lanes. Cell service is patchy. Driving the east shore in the late afternoon, with the western sun catching the Missions across the water, is one of the iconic Flathead drives in any season. From Bigfork the route continues toward Glacier via US 2 along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
Features
Current conditions, hours, and permit rules change. Always check the authoritative source before going. See the full permits and licenses guide →