Hebgen Lake

A Mountain Lake Day Trip from Big Sky

Just south of Big Sky, Hebgen Lake is a mountain lake for trout fishing and glassy water for kayaking, water skiing, tubing and swimming. It is the easy lake day in a Big Sky stay: a scenic drive south, a few hours on or by the water, and plenty of time to be back in Big Sky for dinner.

From Big Sky Town Center, Hebgen Lake is about 54 miles and about 1 hour 5 minutes by car. Head south on US-191 toward West Yellowstone and follow the signs for Hebgen Lake and West Yellowstone. Allow extra time for wildlife, weather and summer traffic, and for stops along the way.

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When to Go and What a Day Looks Like

Summer is the main lake season, when marinas, campgrounds and boat launches around Hebgen Lake are operating. A simple day trip works well: drive down from Big Sky in the morning, rent a boat or paddle craft or settle in at a shoreline access point for fishing and a picnic, and head back north later in the day.

Hebgen Lake is a large mountain reservoir on the Madison River, about 12,563 acres at roughly 6,538 feet in elevation. That high-elevation setting is part of the appeal — big open water ringed by mountains and forest — and it also means the water stays cold and the weather can change quickly, even on a warm day.

Things to Do on Hebgen Lake

• Fishing: Hebgen Lake is known for wild rainbow and brown trout, with cutthroat trout also present. Fish from shore at public access points, from your own boat, or with a local guide based in the West Yellowstone and Big Sky area, who can supply the local knowledge and gear. Anyone 12 or older needs a valid Montana fishing license, and most anglers also need a Conservation License and AIS Prevention Pass — check the current Montana FWP regulations before you go.
• Boating and watersports: Rent a pontoon or fishing boat for cruising, fishing, waterskiing and tubing, or bring your own boat and use a public launch such as Rainbow Point Boat Launch on the north side of the lake, which is day-use only.
• Kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming: Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are a quiet way to explore the shoreline. The Forest Service lists swimming among the activities at places including Rainbow Point Picnic Area and Campground, Spring Creek Campground, Lonesomehurst Campground and Cherry Creek Campground. Always treat Hebgen as cold mountain water: wear a life jacket, supervise children closely, and get off the water if storms build.
• Pair it with Yellowstone: Hebgen Lake sits just northwest of West Yellowstone and the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, so a lake day pairs naturally with time in West Yellowstone or a Yellowstone day. On the history side, the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center, about 27 miles northwest of West Yellowstone on US-287, tells the story of the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake, when a massive landslide dammed the Madison River and formed Earthquake Lake.

Boat Rentals on Hebgen Lake

Hebgen Lake Boat Rentals – Kirkwood Marina

Kirkwood Resort & Marina is a relaxing base on the north shore of Hebgen Lake that allows you to enjoy all types of water activities. Their marina has rental boat slips, fishing boats and pleasure boats for fishing, waterskiing & tubing, sightseeing or even birding on Hebgen Lake!

Kirkwood rents pontoon and fishing boats, as well as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Rentals are seasonal, so check their website or call ahead for current availability before you drive down.

Location: 11500 Hebgen Lake Road, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Phone: 406.646.7540

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Another marina option on the lake is Yellowstone Holiday, which offers boat rentals, slips and a launch ramp on Hebgen Lake Road. As with Kirkwood, confirm seasonal hours and availability directly before your trip.

Planning Your Hebgen Lake Day

• Route: From Big Sky, drive south on US-191 toward West Yellowstone, then follow signed turnoffs for the part of Hebgen Lake you are visiting. Put your marina or access point address in your phone before you leave.
• Parking and access: Use designated boat launches, picnic areas and campground or marina parking rather than pulling off on the highway shoulder. Some Forest Service sites are day-use only, and some launches have no restrooms or drinking water, so plan accordingly.
• Cell coverage: Do not count on strong cell service around the lake. Download directions and any rental confirmations for offline use, and agree a meeting plan with your group before you split up.
• Weather: Mountain weather changes fast and afternoon storms are possible in summer. Check the forecast the morning you go, bring layers and sun protection, and get off the water at the first sign of lightning.
• What to bring: Sunscreen, hats, layers, drinking water, snacks or a picnic, towels and dry clothes for the ride back, and life jackets if you are not renting them with a boat or paddle craft.
• Leave no trace: Pack out all trash, keep food away from wildlife, give animals plenty of space, and leave shoreline and access areas as you found them for the next guests.

Back in Big Sky, browse dining in Big Sky for dinner after your lake day, or see all vacation rentals to find your base for the trip.