Drives Montana Glacier, the Flathead and Northwest Montana
Flathead Lake West Shore: US-93
US 93 · Somers → Polson
The drive
US 93 runs down the western shore of Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. The drive runs south from Somers to Polson, through Lakeside and Elmo, with the lake and the Mission Range across the water most of the way.
The west shore has vineyards, and the south half crosses the Flathead Indian Reservation. It's the busier side of the lake: 41.2 miles of easy rolling curves, about 45 minutes. At Polson, Highway 35 leads north along the east shore to Bigfork, which closes the loop.
Along the way
- Somers
- Lakeside
- Elmo
- Polson
Good to know
- This is the busier side of the lake, so expect steady traffic in summer.
- The south half of the drive crosses the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Montana 511 Travel Information.
Questions about this drive
How long does US 93 along the west shore of Flathead Lake take?
Somers to Polson on US 93 is 41.2 miles and takes about 45 minutes.
What is the loop around Flathead Lake?
US 93 runs down the west shore and Highway 35 returns up the east shore from Polson to Bigfork.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.