Western Montana's Largest State Park Is A Former Logging Area That Now Offers Fishing And Scenic Mountain Views

Western Montana dazzles with incredible natural scenery. While many visitors make the trek up to Glacier National Park or Flathead Lake to see some of the region's natural jewels, travelers should also consider visiting Fish Creek State Park, the largest state park in the region and second-largest in the state. Unique to the state park, outdoor lovers can also witness nature's resilience while exploring the incredible scenery of Big Sky Country.

Located about 45 miles west of Missoula, Fish Creek State Park showcases spectacular mountain scenery that will delight all types of outdoor lovers eager to spend time in a more natural environment. For decades, the area that makes up the state park was logged before it was purchased by The Nature Conservancy, and later by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in 2010. Once the state obtained the land, it carved out a 5,600-acre state park from a greater 41,000-acre wildlife management area for recreational activity. The full development of the park is in the planning phases and is purposefully intended to have a "rustic" feel. Rather than having a major visitor center or any basic amenities inside the park, it provides easy access for outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.

Compared to crowded Glacier National Park, one of the national parks that tourists are cautioned to avoid, Fish Creek State Park had fewer than 60,000 total visitors in 2025. For travelers flying into Missoula Airport (MSO), it's easy to access from Interstate 90 and a quiet world away from everyday life, especially when you've got a trout on the line (and not another call). There is an $8 entry fee for out-of-state vehicles as well as for locals who did not purchase a state park pass while registering their vehicle.

Montana has been described as a top destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, and Fish Creek State Park fits that description well. What the park lacks in human development, it makes up for with scenic beauty on the doorstep of adventure. The park's namesake, Fish Creek, meanders through the heart of the park and the neighboring Fish Creek Wildlife Management Area and has several access points to fishing spots. Once you're on the water, you'll likely catch your limit of trout; however, be careful to distinguish between the different species. Cutthroat trout and bull trout are catch-and-release only. Be sure to check the local fishing regulations before tossing a line in the water. Another hotspot for fishing in the park is the Clark Fork River, where you can spend a summer afternoon watching fish chase your fly or chasing down class II and III rapids. Local rafting company Zoo Town Surfers is located on the east edge of the park and arranges day trips through the nearby Alberton Gorge. Trips only run during the summer months, so plan properly if this is something you're interested in.

Perhaps one of the biggest legacies left by decades of logging is miles of roads meandering through the state park. A 70-mile section of the roads is maintained for OHV riders and off-roading, while others are closed to vehicles and offer access to hikers. If you're ready for a challenge, drive to the Williams Peak trailhead, lace up your boots, and climb just over a mile and a half to the summit of Williams Peak. Though the lookout tower is closed, you'll still be rewarded at the end with an incredible bird's-eye view of the forest, and you will be surrounded by the power of nature. The surrounding area and 3 million total acres in the Inland Northwest were scorched in the 1910 Great Burn in less than three days.

Having thousands of acres to explore, you'll likely want to spend a night or two in the area to fully enjoy your time in Western Montana. While Fish Creek may not have amenities or — even a campground – it's surrounded by other land administered by the National Forest and the state of Montana. Just a few hundred yards outside the park lies the secluded five-site Big Pine Campground. All campsites are unreserved and have all of the essentials for a camping trip in the woods, including a small campfire area, vault toilet, and picnic table. Smaller RVs and trailers up to 23 feet long can make the trip up the gravel road; however, there is no electricity, water, or sewer. Even if you're not coming to camp, visit the area to see the tallest ponderosa pine in the state, towering over 200 feet tall. The tree is estimated to be more than 350 years old, and survived the Great Burn in 1910.

If you're looking for a more comfortable stay near Fish Creek, you'll also find a handful of lodges and guest houses in the area. The River Edge Resort & Steakhouse in nearby Alberton is noted to be an excellent value for money, has comfortable rooms and serves hearty meals nightly. On the weekends, the restaurant serves breakfast favorites, including biscuits and gravy and country fried steak. For more places to stay and things to do in the area, check out nearby Missoula, a snow-capped beauty that boasts plenty of winter charm and activities even during the cold Montana winters.