Somers is where the highway turns from the main Kalispell corridor onto the north shore of Flathead Lake, and where the Swan River ends its 70-mile journey from the Swan Valley by emptying into the lake.
That confluence — river meeting lake, mountains reflected in both — is one of the quieter, more genuine Flathead Lake moments available to travelers. The town itself is small and unincorporated, but it carries the most character of any north-shore community.
TL;DR
- Somers (~1,000, unincorporated) is on the north shore of Flathead Lake, 5 miles south of Kalispell via MT-82.
- The Swan River mouth at Somers is where the Swan Valley’s river enters Flathead Lake — excellent birding and the visual gateway to the Swan Valley.
- North Shore State Park provides lakeside recreation adjacent to Somers.
- Cherry orchards line the north-shore corridor — the same cherry-growing region famous at Polson’s Cherry Festival.
- Best for: travelers wanting a quiet north-shore Flathead experience, birders, cyclists on the Lakeside-Somers Trail, and Swan Valley gateway travelers.
Somers at a Glance
Population | ~1,000 (unincorporated)
County | Flathead County
Distance to Kalispell | ~5 miles south (~10 min)
Distance to Bigfork | ~15 miles east (~20 min)
Distance to Lakeside | ~10 miles south (~15 min)
What Makes Somers Different
Somers sits at a geographic transition point. The north shore of Flathead Lake is the lake’s narrowest end — MT-82 runs right along the shore, with the lake on one side and cherry orchards on the other.
The Swan River enters the lake here, and with it comes the Swan Valley’s entire watershed — a drainage that begins at the Bob Marshall Wilderness and runs 70 miles through loon-filled lakes before reaching Somers.
Located on the north shore of Flathead Lake, Somers is a gateway to recreation on and around the lake including sailing, boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking and camping. In the mountains nearby, downhill skiing at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area is affordable and family friendly.
The cherry orchards along the north shore are part of the same growing region that produces the famous Flathead cherries — the same variety celebrated at Polson’s annual Cherry Festival. Roadside stands in season (mid-July) sell fresh-picked cherries.
Top Things to Do
1. North Shore State Park
Explore the great outdoors at North Shore State Park, a lovely green space in Somers. Lakeside day use, picnicking, swimming, and fishing with lake and mountain views.
2. Swan River Mouth Birding
The Swan River delta where it enters Flathead Lake is prime birding habitat — osprey, bald eagles, herons, and migratory waterfowl in season. Bring binoculars.
3. Cherry Orchards (Mid-July)
Roadside cherry stands along the north-shore corridor sell fresh Flathead cherries during the brief mid-July season. Worth timing a Flathead visit around.
4. Somers Bay Yacht Club
Sailing on Flathead Lake — the north shore is popular for sailing because of consistent afternoon winds.
5. Somers Fishing Access
Public boat ramp and swimming beach — lake access without requiring a resort.
6. Lakeside-Somers Trail
The Lakeside-Somers Trail in Flathead Lake is perfect for a walk or bike ride. It runs along the western shore, offering beautiful views.
7. Day Trip to Swan Valley (MT-83 east)
MT-83 east from Somers enters the Swan Valley — Bigfork first, then 35 miles to Condon. See Condon guide.
8. Blacktail Mountain Ski Area (15 min via Lakeside)
North-facing slopes with Flathead Lake views. See Lakeside guide.
9. Day Trip to Kalispell (10 min)
Conrad Mansion, shopping, full city services.
10. Flathead Lake Boating
Multiple launch sites and rentals accessible from the north shore.
Where to Stay
- Lakeside properties (10 min south) — more variety; see Lakeside guide
- Kalispell hotels (10 min north) — full selection
- Bigfork (20 min east) — lakeside character
Where to Eat
- Local cafés and lakeside restaurants in Somers
- Kalispell (10 min) or Bigfork (20 min) for more variety
Getting There
MT-82 from Kalispell (5 miles south, 10 min) or from Bigfork (15 miles west, 20 min).
Quick Facts
Swan River: enters Flathead Lake at Somers after 70-mile Swan Valley run. Cherry season: mid-July. Average summer high: 81°F.
FAQ
Is Somers Montana worth visiting?
Worth a stop for the Swan River mouth birding, cherry orchard access in mid-July, and the quiet north-shore Flathead Lake character. Somers is primarily a residential community but serves as a gateway to both Kalispell and the Swan Valley, with good public lake access.
What cherries grow near Somers Montana?
The north shore of Flathead Lake, including the Somers area, is part of Montana’s primary Flathead cherry-growing region. Flathead cherries are a large, sweet variety prized throughout the Northwest. Fresh-picked cherries are available at roadside stands during the brief mid-July season.
