Swan Meadows (Flathead County Park) - Bigfork, MT
Swan Meadows Dog Park in Bigfork, Montana
Swan Meadows (Flathead County Park) is a unique green space located near Bigfork, Montana. This county-owned parcel is just under an acre and consists primarily of wetland, set aside as part of a subdivision in 1973. While it’s technically a public park, visitors note it is largely overgrown and lacks typical park amenities such as restrooms, playgrounds, or seating areas.
Access to the park is very limited, with several sources indicating the only feasible entrance is via the water, making it challenging for most pet owners. The area floods when river levels are high and is mainly covered in vegetation like Hawthorne, which can make conditions swampy or inhospitable—especially after rains. This spot might appeal to adventurous local dog owners looking for rarely-used open space but is not a typical dog-friendly park with managed trails or facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is no fenced-in section at this park.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? No, there are no water fountains or bowls available.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There is natural shade from vegetation, but no built shelters.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? No, there are no waste stations or poop bag dispensers.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? No, there are no benches or seating areas at this park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? No, there are no restroom facilities.
- Is the park open year-round? The park is a public space and can be accessed throughout the year, though it may be underwater when river levels are high.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? The area may be accessible by water, and it floods seasonally, but there is no designated swimming spot for dogs.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, as a wetland area, it can be very muddy or even flooded after rain or during high river levels.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? The wetland is known for mosquitoes and possibly other pests.
Reviews
Only accessible from the water. Park is not managed, no amenities, overgrown. Inhospitable.
Not a park. Its a one acre wetlands that can be accessed via water. Move along.
This one acre wetland was set aside as part of a subdivision in 1973. It is under water when the river level is high and is covered in Hawthorne and 🦟. Not what most people think of when it is classified as a park
I’ve been told it only accessible from the river.
Swan Meadows Park is a park owned by Flathead County that sits just off of swan Retreat Road and it’s an open space area that’s a little less than an acre and is basically just some green space owned by the county.
It doesn’t have any amenities: no playground no restroom or anything of that sort. however it is still public area so it’s open for the general public to use. After investigating this parcel of land, I am uncertain how to access it. The county Plat Room map shows clearly a wedge that is owned by the county, but it looks like private land with “no trespassing” signs are blockading entrance to get to it, even though it is listed on the public parks on the Flathead County website. Does anyone else know?