Skeeko Bay has a trailhead for a 3 mile loop hike. From the lake, it rises gradually through an old-growth Ponderosa Pine forest …
to a hill top with a, primarily, southern view. There are remnants of the island’s earlier residents here.
An optional spur trail leaves the loop and steeply climbs to an panoramic overlook, revealing the lake north, west, and, south.
The little sailboat haven town of Dayton can be seen off in the distance.
The loop trail then gradually drops back down through another valley and another old-growth Ponderosa forest. Eventually, it rejoins the eastern shore of Skeeko Bay.
During the winter months, the lake’s level is dropped about 10 feet. This is near its pre-dam natural level. The lower water level enables better management of the rapid spring mountain melt-off. Here is a short time-lapse—filmed from the dock of good friends—of a Flathead Lake spring evening.
