Here's the number one reason why the natural beauty of the Flathead County area in Northwestern Montana is so remarkably well-preserved: Close to eighty percent of the land is protected as either national or state forestlands.

But that still leaves plenty of land in Flathead County in private hands and means that select parcels of property are available for purchase by anyone who finds the local version of paradise inviting.

The abundance of state parks in the area, including Whitefish Lake and West Shore, provide visitors ready access to beaches, mature pine forests and stunning views of the valley all in one locale. Only residents, though, can take full advantage of year-round recreational activities that include hiking, camping, rock climbing, biking, hang gliding, horseback riding, rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting and golfing.

Flathead County is the third-largest county in Montana and home to Flathead Lake, the southernmost portion of the Rocky Mountain trench. The high mountain ridges to the east and west protect most of Northwest Montana from extreme weather and the many lakes and rivers in the area keep temperatures moderate in both winter and summer.

At 28 miles long and approximately 15 miles wide, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. The lake contains 22 islands, miles of tree-lined shores, clean beaches and crystal clear waters. The abundance of lake trout make this a renowned spot for anglers looking for trophies: fifteen to twenty pound "lakers" are regularly landed. Sailing, kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities around the lake.

The northernmost tip of the area, known as Flathead Valley, is approximately an hour's drive south from the west entrance of Glacier National Park, which contains some of America's most splendid mountain scenery. With more than one million acres in lakes, breathtaking valleys and majestic glacier-carved mountains, this is a destination for many travelers; if you live here, it's where you go to hike in any season.

And consider this: Flathead Valley was named one of Golf Digest's "Top 50 Golf Destinations" in the world - for its public courses!

Flathead Valley has several growing cities that have successfully maintained their small-town feel. Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork and Polson are often seen as gateways to the outdoors. They offer an array of recreational activities at local parks and also sustain a thriving arts and cultural scene.

Within Flathead County, Big Mountain and Blacktail Mountain provide acres of good trails for skiers at all levels. There are also hundreds of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Glacier National Park, the Flathead National Forest and around the valley. In springtime, cherry orchards cover the surrounding hillsides in beautiful blossoms.

This is Big Sky Country, where the pristine beauty of the mountains and forests is being preserved in perpetuity. The slower pace of life here is an invitation to find some peace and quiet but remain as active as you like. If you're looking for outdoor adventure, you'll be happy to hear the good news: thousands of acres of open land in Northwestern Montana are still available - and are for sale.