PacifiCorp Announces Intentions to Dispose of Bigfork Dam
PacifiCorp has begun the process of removing the Bigfork Hydroelectric Project from its generation portfolio, a process that could take several years.
Bigfork Community • Northwest Montana Real Estate • Summer 2026
Bigfork Is Buzzing
Art, Cherries, Homes & Community News
Local traditions, market perspective, community updates and a fresh collection of Montana properties.
Dear Friends, Family & Clients,
There is a rhythm to summer in Bigfork that is hard to resist. Mornings begin on the lake, afternoons spill into downtown, and evenings seem to invite one more stop, one more conversation or one more sunset.
Thank you to everyone who came by to see us during the Fourth of July Parade. It was such a pleasure to catch up with friends, clients, neighbors and familiar faces. Bigfork always knows how to celebrate, and having so many of you stop in made the day even more memorable.
The season continues with some of our favorite local traditions. The Bigfork Festival of the Arts brings artists, makers, visitors and plenty of energy downtown, while Flathead cherry season means roadside stands, orchard stops and bags of fresh cherries that rarely make it all the way home.
And, of course, Monday evenings belong to the Bigfork Monday Market. We are proud to support this gathering of local food, music, vendors and the easygoing community atmosphere that makes summer here so special.
According to Ceri, our current listings all have one important thing in common: the potential for a much better morning coffee break. Whether that means a mountain-view deck, a quiet porch, room for dogs to roam or a dock on the water, the right property should make everyday life feel a little more special.
A Brief Market Snapshot
The second quarter of 2026 brought encouraging activity across Northwest Montana. Home values remained steady or increased in most markets, closed sales rose nearly everywhere, and homes generally moved faster than a year ago in Flathead County, Kalispell, Bigfork and Lakeside.
Every neighborhood and property tells its own story. For a clearer look at what these numbers mean for your home or your plans, please reach out for a property-specific conversation.
Bigfork Bay Proposal Update
The proposed 97-dock development in Bigfork Bay is expected to return for consideration on August 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The matter was postponed in July while the developer completed documentation required for the 310 permit application.
The Flathead Conservation District’s review is limited to ecological impacts on the Bigfork Bay delta, including water quality, shoreline health and aquatic habitat. Environmental comments may be emailed to Samantha Tappenbeck, Jessie Walthers, Donna McDonnell or Ginger Kauffman.
Comments about parking, traffic, boat congestion or the broader development proposal should instead be directed to Flathead County: Erik Mack, Pete Melnick or Randy Brodehl. Clear, specific comments should be submitted before the meeting.
Local Reads
Newsy Reads
Digital Resources
Current Property Collection
From waterfront and golf-community living to acreage, privacy and mountain views, this month’s collection offers many different ways to live the Montana lifestyle.
Ceri’s Corner: Coffee & Conversation
Good morning, friends. Every morning begins the same way around here. Denise pours herself a fresh cup of coffee, and I perform my official quality inspection. She insists coffee is not for dogs. I continue to challenge this policy every single day.
Once she is properly caffeinated, we settle onto the deck and watch Montana wake up before the demands of her day begin. The birds sing, the breeze moves through the trees and, for a few quiet minutes, the only thing on the agenda is enjoying the view.
Then Denise starts answering calls, scheduling showings, meeting clients, negotiating contracts and touring properties. Being a REALTOR® looks exhausting. Luckily, she has me to supervise the rest of her life.
I believe every family deserves a place where mornings begin like this—a deck with a view, room to breathe, a favorite chair and perhaps enough space for a dog or two to supervise the coffee. If you are dreaming about your own slice of Montana, I happen to know the best REALTOR® for the job.
Give my hooman a call. She works harder than anyone I know, cares deeply about every client and somehow makes everyone feel like family.
Until next time,
🩷 Ceri
Denise’s Cooking Corner
Crema di Pomodoro
Denise’s Reading Corner
Atmosphere
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel follows Joan Goodwin into NASA’s 1980s space shuttle program, blending ambition, friendship, love and the extraordinary lengths people go to live beyond their limits.
Here for Your Montana Move
Whether you are searching for a Bigfork home, Flathead Lake property, acreage, waterfront real estate or a mountain retreat, I am here to help. My commitment remains clear communication, careful attention to detail, strong local market knowledge and representation built around your individual goals.
Let’s find the place that feels like your Montana.
Contact DeniseDeniseLangRealEstate.com