The Flathead Valley
The Flathead Valley area is a stunning destination known its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor opportunities. Nestled between the majestic mountains and pristine lakes, it offers activities such as hiking, fishing, and skiing. Visitors can explore nearby attractions like Glacier National and Flathead Lake, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. With charming towns and a vibrant community, the Flathead Valley is truly a hidden gem worth discovering.
Must Visit Spots in Mission Valley
Qalispé
Tribal Permit
Non-members must purchase a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Conservation Permit to fish, hike, or recreate on Tribal lands within the Flathead Reservation. Permits are required for activities like hiking, fishing, or camping for non-members and for short-term passes.
You can purchase a pass through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Salish and Kootenai Nations
"Séliš" and "Ksanka" Nations
The Flathead Indian Reservation is home to the Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai Tribes. Traditionally, these Tribes' homelands encompassed all of western Montana and extended into present-day Idaho, British Columbia, and Wyoming. The Hellgate Treaty of 1855 established the Flathead Indian Reservation. However, beginning with the federal allotment era in 1904, more than half a million acres of Tribal land passed out of Tribal ownership.
For countless generations, the Tribal people developed sustainable subsistence practices through careful observation, experience, and a deep spiritual relationship with the natural world. This knowledge—passed from one generation to the next—was closely connected to the seasons, the landscape, and the plants and animals that sustained life. Rich oral traditions and cultural teachings emphasized respect for the land and all living things, recognizing the interconnectedness of people and nature.
Today, these traditions remain a vital part of Tribal identity. Elders continue to share their knowledge, language, and cultural practices with younger generations, ensuring that the values, history, and stewardship of the Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai peoples endure for generations to come.
