Along the northeast shore of Flathead Lake, about 7 miles from my house is a state park – Wayfarer’s State Park.  According to a marker in the park, Harry Horn made the funds and/or the land (it’s not clear) available so that this area would be a place for families to stop and enjoy the lake and the woods.  There is a boat launch, picnic areas along the shore, 20 tent/rv sites, 2 bath houses and a small system of walking trails.  In Montana part of the vehicle registration fee goes to the state park system so day use is free if you have Montana plates. 

I take Karl there year round – we walk 2 loops – maybe 3 miles – that start at a parking lot near the entrance, go up a hill which gives a view of a lake…then down to the lake and a loop along the shore.  The trails are maintained with chip shreds and although have the up and down they are good walking.  The park borders a dude ranch called Flathead Lake Lodge – they call it a dude ranch and it has the activities you’d assocate with a dude ranch but it’s location on the lake allows for it to also have lake activities like kayaking, swimming, and fishing.  There are peek-a-boo views into this property from the park.

When we go in the summer we often just do the “top” loop as between the rv/camping, boat launch and picnic areas there are often more people and other dogs than is fun – usually during the week we have the place to ourselves and we ignore the rules and go off leash – it’s a great running around area.  The “beach” area is rocky and treed – not wide open but  walkable.

Yesterday, a holiday, things were very quiet.  People had put in boats but the launch area and beach were not crowded like the middle of summer.  A few campers and rvrs were in residence but the 2 camp hosts were getting ready to leave the park for the winter – the bathhouses stay open until the end of September but you are on your own as far as getting into spots.  It was warm midday at 80 and Karl and I were both hot at the 1/2 way point of the first loop so we skipped the lake for probably the last time this summer and walked just the first loop. On the way back we passed a group of 2 families with what appeared to be all of the grandparents.  Karl always gets a lot of attention – he is a handsome dog and many people have never seen a Karelian.  He loves children and will stand waiting with tail wagging to say hello but he is not forward and will not approach them or other people unless they speak to him.  And sometimes they don’t – his size, blackness, still and quiet wolfish appearance frightens some.  This day he was hot, so panting slightly and the kids were not comfortable although their parents and I said they could pet him.  One of the boys remarked that it looked like he had very sharp teeth!  Karl has a gorgeous set of teeth – very straight and white – they ARE sharp but he’s never used them on a person or child – but mouth open, panting – I took a look – it was a bit frightening if you don’t know him.  So no petting and on we went and finished our walk.  A nice walk in the park and in the coming days we will have both loops to ourselves as the summer visitors dwindle.