BIG ARM SUP FIELD GUIDE
Paddle Out from Big Arm to Wild Horse Island: SUPs, Glass‑Bottom Kayaks and a 3.2‑Mile Crossing on Flathead Lake
Boat Rentals and Rides on Flathead Lake offers single and double kayaks, canoes and increasingly popular stand‑up paddleboards for the roughly 3.2‑mile route from shore to Wild Horse Island.
Paddle Out from Big Arm to Wild Horse Island: SUPs, Glass‑Bottom Kayaks and a 3.2‑Mile Crossing on Flathead Lake.
There is little to compare to crossing Flathead Lake from Big Arm toward Wild Horse Island—three-plus miles of open water punctuated by smaller islands along the way. Operators here provide a range of craft, from single and double kayaks and two‑ to three‑person canoes to stand‑up paddleboards and glass‑bottom kayaks, letting you tailor a day on the water for sightseeing, fishing or a shoreline picnic.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Direct Paddle to Wild Horse Island
The crossing to Wild Horse Island is approximately 3.2 miles from shore; paddlers can also follow routes that pass neighboring islands for added shelter and sightlines en route to the island.
Kayaks, Canoes and SUPs for Every Pace
Boat Rentals and Rides maintains a diverse fleet: single and double kayaks (including fishing and picnicking variants and glass‑bottom kayaks), standard two‑ to three‑person canoes, and stand‑up paddleboards that have grown rapidly in popularity.
Exercise, Sightseeing and Shoreline Picnics
Whether you’re working up a sweat on a SUP, casting from a fishing kayak, or carrying a picnic ashore on Wild Horse Island, the outing combines physical activity with wide views of Flathead Lake and opportunities for shoreline exploration.
What the day feels like
What the Paddle Feels Like
From launch at Big Arm you’ll settle into a steady rhythm: a few strokes to clear the nearshore, then longer sightlines across Flathead Lake as islands come and go. The water and the fleet you choose shape the day—SUPs for a balance of workout and vantage point, kayaks for speed or fishing, and canoes for small groups—ending with a landing and a relaxed shoreline pause on Wild Horse Island.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack sun protection, water and any picnic or fishing gear you plan to use; operators supply a range of craft including SUPs, single and double kayaks (fishing and picnicking models and glass‑bottom options) and two‑ to three‑person canoes.
Choose the craft that matches your group size and activity—canoes for two to three people, single or double kayaks for anglers or pairs, and SUPs for those seeking a standing vantage and workout.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How far is the paddle to Wild Horse Island?
The paddle from shore to Wild Horse Island is approximately 3.2 miles.
What types of boats and boards are available?
The operator offers single and double kayaks (including fishing, picnicking and glass‑bottom kayaks), standard two‑ to three‑person canoes, and stand‑up paddleboards (SUPs).
Are stand‑up paddleboards hard to learn?
Trying stand‑up paddleboards is easy, and renters reported that they have not had trouble learning how to operate them.
Can I fish or picnic on the trip?
Yes—fishing kayaks and picnicking kayaks are available, and many renters use the outing for fishing or shoreline picnics on Wild Horse Island.
How many people fit in a canoe?
The canoes provided are standard two‑ to three‑person canoes.