Placid Lake State Park

Rate this place

Parks

Montana

Nearby: Salmon Lake State Park Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Placid Lake State Park is a beautiful state park located in the state of Montana.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a popular destination for people who love outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. The park is situated on the western slope of the Mission Mountains and is surrounded by lush forests and wildlife.

One of the good reasons to visit Placid Lake State Park is its scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the lake, the mountains, and the surrounding forests. The park also offers good opportunities for fishing, hiking, and camping. There are several campsites available in the park, ranging from primitive to fully serviced.

One of the main points of interest at Placid Lake State Park is the lake itself. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, and visitors can catch a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. The park also has several hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Interesting facts about Placid Lake State Park include that it was created in the 1930s as part of a public works program during the Great Depression. The park was originally named Lake Placid, but the name was changed to Placid Lake in the 1950s. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk.

The best time of year to visit Placid Lake State Park is during the summer months, from June to September. This is when the weather is the warmest, and the park is most accessible. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as Montana is known for its unpredictable weather patterns.

In summary, Placid Lake State Park is a beautiful and scenic park that offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast, a hiker, or a camper, this park has something to offer for everyone. With its stunning views, interesting history, and abundant wildlife, Placid Lake State Park is definitely worth a visit.

Explore Interactive Map

PLACID LAKE STATE PARK

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References