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TheFlathead Valley is aregion located in the northwestern part of theU.S. state ofMontana.[1]
It includes parts ofFlathead County andLake County. Notable communities includeKalispell,Bigfork,Whitefish,Columbia Falls,Polson,Ronan, andSt. Ignatius. Thegeography of the Flathead roughly corresponds to the valley whereFlathead Lake is located, with two distinct ends – the northern (or upper) Flathead Valley and the southern (lower) Flathead Valley.
In addition to Flathead and Whitefish lakes, the area's proximity to attractions such asGlacier National Park,Whitefish Mountain Resort, andBlacktail Mountain Ski Area have made the area a major summer and winterresort destination. Many outdoor activities can be pursued, includinghiking,backpacking,boating,rafting,canoeing,skiing,hunting, andfly fishing.
The lower Flathead Valley and the southern half of Flathead Lake are within theFlathead Indian Reservation, and is home to the historicSt. Ignatius Mission, founded in 1854.
As of July 2023[update], population growth was outstripping housing supply.[2]
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