DAYTON KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddling to Wild Horse Island: A Montana Summer on Flathead Lake
A guided, family-friendly kayak tour that crosses Flathead Lake to Wild Horse Island for a hike, picnic and wildlife viewing — this guide explains what to expect on the day and how to prepare.
Paddling to Wild Horse Island: A Montana Summer on Flathead Lake.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Flathead Lake on a guided kayak tour to Wild Horse Island: paddle crystal-clear water, hike through a protected nature preserve and picnic while watching bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles and a herd of wild horses.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A direct paddle across Flathead Lake
Guides lead a roughly 2-mile paddle across Flathead Lake — about one hour on the water — delivering you from the Dayton shoreline to Wild Horse Island.
Big horn sheep, deer, eagles — and wild horses
The island is a state park and nature preserve where guides point out bighorn sheep, mule deer and bald eagles; a resident herd of wild horses is the trip’s namesake attraction.
An island hike and picnic in a protected landscape
After landing, the group hikes through the island’s trails and enjoys a picnic lunch within the state park and nature preserve.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day begins at the Sea Me Paddle main office in Lakeside with a short orientation, then you follow guides to the Dayton shoreline and paddle roughly two miles across Flathead Lake. Once ashore, the pace shifts to a nature-park hike and a relaxed picnic, with frequent stops to watch wildlife and take in broad lake views.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this trip, and who should check first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack footwear you don’t mind getting wet (water shoes or sandals) and something you can hike in, quick-dry clothing (no jeans or cotton), a bathing suit, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle.
The full experience is a 6-hour tour that includes orientation, travel to the launch site, the roughly one-hour paddle each way as appropriate, the island hike and picnic.
Meet at the Sea Me Paddle main office in Lakeside for orientation; do not go to other Sea Me Paddle rental locations. From there you will follow guides to the Dayton launch point on Flathead Lake.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at the Sea Me Paddle main office in Lakeside for a short orientation; do not arrive at any other Sea Me Paddle rental locations.
How long is the tour?
The tour runs approximately 6 hours from orientation through the paddle, island hike and picnic.
How far do we paddle and how long does that take?
Guides lead a roughly 2-mile paddle across Flathead Lake that takes about one hour.
Is this trip suitable for children?
Tours are family-friendly and the operator recommends ages 10 and up; for children under 10 you should call to book and discuss options.
What should I wear and bring?
Bring water-friendly footwear you don’t mind getting wet plus hiking shoes, quick-dry clothing (avoid jeans/cotton), a bathing suit, sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen) and a water bottle.
Will I see wild horses and other wildlife?
Yes; the island is a state park and nature preserve where guides help spot bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles and the herd of wild horses.