Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster
4.7(809)google
4.7(45)yelp
ThrillingKidsYouth-FriendlyOutdoorRoller Coaster
Overview
Located in the beautiful lakeside community of Lakeside, Montana, the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster delivers an exhilarating, gravity-driven mountain adventure combined with unmatched scenic views. Riders sit in individual bobsled-style carts and control their own speed using manual hand brakes as they zoom down a twisting stainless steel track built into the mountain slope. The track winds through tall alpine pine forests, featuring sharp hairpin turns, thrilling dips, and strategic windows offering beautiful panoramic looks over the deep blue waters of Flathead Center. It represents a fantastic, high-energy excursion perfect for families looking to add a thrilling rush to their Montana lakeside vacation.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeOperated seasonally across the warm months from May through October. The premier slot to ride is a summer late afternoon between 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM under a golden sunset sky. This off-peak block spares you from intense overhead rays while offering visual grandeur; as you gravity-race down the twisting mountain steel tracks, the panoramic vista of the sparkling Flathead Lake opens majestically directly before your sled.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned right off the main Western scenic corridor at 10425 US Highway 93 South in Lakeside, Montana. Drive along highway US-93 North directly into the Lakeside municipal fringe; the sprawling mountain alpine track rises steeply on the mountain-side of the highway corridor, complete with a dedicated free gravel visitor lot. No urban public transit services stop at this track entryway.
Travel Tips
- The mountain coaster enforces an absolute weather-dependent operations model; heavy rain, lightning, or track ice triggers immediate closure with no advanced notice.
- Drivers must be at least 56 inches tall to operate a sled alone; for tandem riding, passengers must be at least 38 inches tall and 3 years of age or older.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Stopping mid-track for photos is strictly prohibited; unsecured items like cellphones, loose hats, or glasses must be left in your car as staff will not retrieve items dropped under tracks.
Reviews
Positive
- This alpine coaster built into the hillside is highly fun and thrilling; the most breathtaking part is catching views of Flathead Lake and distant snow peaks while speeding down.
- Management is safe and professional; the handbrake speed control is entirely handled by the rider, allowing you to slow down for views or rush down full throttle. It's highly controllable.
- Ticketing and queue management are orderly; staff are sunny and welcoming, patiently checking seatbelts and explaining operations multiple times, putting parents at ease.
- Access is extremely convenient right off Highway 93 near the lake; parking spaces are clearly marked, and clean restrooms along with a tasty ice cream shack complement the trip.
Heads up
- Ticket prices are quite steep for the brief experience; a single coaster ride takes only 2-3 minutes. Riding multiple times requires multi-ride packs, which skew high in cost.
- During peak summer or sunny weekend afternoons, crowds surge; because coasters require safety gaps before launching, wait times often exceed an hour under the blazing sun.
- The overall footprint is tiny; besides the coaster track, a gift shop, and a small viewing deck, there are no extra recreational setups, making it unworthy of a long dedicated drive.
- The ride is heavily weather-dependent; sudden downpours, thunderstorms, or winter icing trigger unannounced safety shutdowns, frustrating guests who didn't check forecasts.