Distinctly Montana Magazine

90 D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 5 - 2 0 2 6 tures, and the first word is usually a seemingly unpronounce- able string of consonants. This is the Salish name for the feature. Also, as you enter each community on the reservation, there is a large wooden sign with the Native name for that community. Some of these signs have three lines of text: the Native name; an English translation; and the English name—usually quite differ- ent from the translation. Lake County is a four-season playground, although most people will want to visit in the Summer. Cherry orchards thrive on both sides of Flathead Lake, and when the cherries are ripe, you'll pass a fruit stand every mile or so. I grew up on these cherries, and they spoiled me for fruit from any other region. The Mission Valley Cruisers, a classic car club based in Ronan,, sponsors a car show, Cruisin' By The Bay, in Polson each August. The Mission Mountain Golf Course in Ronan offers spectacular views of the mountains from its links and from the cantina in the clubhouse. Ninepipes Lodge with its Allentown Restaurant and Sports Bar, offers fine dining and excellent views of the moun- tains reflected in the pond just outside the restaurant's picture windows. It also is home to the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana. The address shows up as Charlo, but the facilities are located right on US 93 halfway between St. Ignatius and Ronan. Flathead Lake State Park now has seven units scattered around the Lake. Five of those are in Lake County. Finley Point and Yel- low Bay are on the east side of the Lake. Big Arm and West Shore on the west side. The Wild Horse Island unit covers most of the largest island in the Lake and is accessible only by watercraft. One unusual place to visit is the Ewam Garden of 1,000 Bud- dhas. Located just a short distance off US 93 north of Arlee, the IF YOU'RE A BIRDWATCHER, LAKE COUNTY OFFERS MANY VENUES. AND THE FISHING AIN'T BAD EITHER.

• Cover