Eastern Region: Kalispell, Montana

The eastern region of the greater Kalispell area begins with the unincorporated town of Evergreen. Evergreen is the unassuming extension of Kalispell resting in the apex of the confluence of the Stillwater, Whitefish and Flathead Rivers. Beyond the loose grid of Evergreen's tree-lined roads lies the Flathead River. The fertile soils in this 100-year-flood plain make for great agricultural opportunities and sweeping views of the abrupt Swan Mountain Range to the east.

As the Flathead River finds its way to Flathead Lake, it divides the valley. Evergreen's Hwy 35 has a bridge across the Flathead River and the valley division between west and east continues until Hwy 82 in Bigfork. Essentially this creates even more privacy on the east side of the Flathead River, despite the city of Kalispell being less than a mile away as the crow flies. This eastern pocket of the the valley is sparsely populated and rich in farm and ranch properties with spectacular 360° views of the river, gorgeous Flathead Valley and the mountain ranges that envelop them.

As the valley floor makes a gentle rise east into rolling farmland, beyond the meandering Flathead River, an array of small lakes align at the base of the Swan Range. They are remnants from the receding ice age glaciers. The largest of these lakes are Lake Blaine to the north and Echo Lake to the south. Between these two significant lakes are a large grouping of small lakes called Many Lakes. This belt of “puddles” creates ample opportunities for waterfront properties. This would be the best area to investigate owning your own lake in the Flathead Valley.

Immediately above these lakes, in the Swan Range, is the Jewel Basin Hiking Area. This 15,000 acre wilderness area is designated for hiking only and features 32 miles of regularly maintained trails connecting 27 pristine alpine lakes. High mountain views of the Continental Divide, Glacier National Park and even the south end of Flathead Lake's Mission Mountains are all visible as the impressive Flathead Valley unfolds before your eyes.