Your Nissan dealer for Bigfork, Lakeside, Somers and all of Flathead Lake
For drivers around the north end of Flathead Lake, Clark Nissan in Kalispell is the nearby place to shop, buy, rent and service a Nissan. From Bigfork, Ferndale and Creston on the east side to Somers and Lakeside on the west shore, we're a short, scenic drive away with the full Nissan lineup, Certified Pre-Owned and used vehicles, flexible financing and a Nissan-certified service department.
Life around Flathead Lake runs on its own calendar. Summers mean towing boats to the launch, hauling paddleboards to the shore and driving visitors to cherry stands along the east shore. Fall and winter bring hunting trips, snowy roads into the Swan Valley and early commutes into Kalispell. This guide covers which Nissan models suit lake living, what to know about towing, how to get ready for winter, and why so many lake-area drivers choose Clark Nissan.
Why Flathead Lake drivers choose Clark Nissan
A short drive from the lake
Most Bigfork drivers reach our store on US-93 South in Kalispell in about 25 to 30 minutes, and Somers and Lakeside are typically 15 to 25 minutes up US-93. The next nearest Nissan dealerships are in Missoula and Great Falls, hours away, so a Nissan dealer close to home makes maintenance, warranty work and test drives far more convenient.
Vehicles that work as hard as you play
Lake-country drivers need vehicles that tow, haul, carry gear and handle winter. Our new Nissan inventory includes SUVs and trucks with available AWD and 4x4, plus efficient commuters for the daily drive into town. Browse online before you leave home to see exactly what's on the lot.
Straight answers from local people
Our team lives in the Flathead and understands lake life. We'll help you match a vehicle to your boat, camper or trailer, and tell you plainly which trims and options matter for your needs. Learn more on our Why Buy From Clark Nissan page.
Certified service close to home
Our Nissan-trained technicians use factory diagnostic equipment and genuine Nissan parts. From oil changes to warranty repairs and towing-related maintenance, you can schedule service online in a few minutes.
Best Nissan models for lake country
Nissan Pathfinder
Three-row family seating, available Intelligent 4x4 and the ability to tow a small boat or camper when properly equipped. A natural fit for summer lake weekends and winter ski trips.
Shop Pathfinder in KalispellNissan Armada
Nissan's full-size SUV for larger boats, travel trailers and big families, with a spacious, comfortable cabin built for long highway trips and heavy summer use.
Shop Armada in KalispellNissan Frontier
A practical midsize pickup for firewood, garden supplies, fishing gear and kayaks. Available 4x4 and V6 power make it dependable on rural roads and launch ramps.
Shop Frontier in KalispellNissan Rogue
A comfortable, efficient compact SUV with available Intelligent AWD, room for groceries and beach gear, and roof rails for paddleboards. Ask about the Rogue plug-in hybrid for electric around-town driving.
Shop Rogue in KalispellNissan Murano
More comfort and style in a two-row SUV, with a refined interior, smooth ride and all-wheel-drive confidence for year-round lake roads.
Shop Murano in KalispellNissan Kicks
An affordable, efficient crossover that's easy to drive and park in downtown Bigfork. A great second vehicle or first car for a new driver. Ask about all-wheel-drive availability.
Shop Kicks in KalispellComparing brands? Read our Nissan Rogue vs. Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma comparisons, and check current new Nissan specials.
Towing on Flathead Lake: a practical guide
Boating is a way of life on Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Whether you tow a fishing boat, pontoon, wakeboard boat or camper, the right vehicle and setup make every trip easier and safer.
Know your numbers
Start with your trailer's loaded weight, including the boat, motor, fuel and gear. Compare it to the tow rating and payload for the exact vehicle configuration you're considering. Ratings vary by model, trim, drivetrain and equipment, so ask our team to confirm the numbers for the specific vehicle on the lot.
Get the right equipment
- A properly rated hitch receiver and ball mount
- Trailer wiring and, for heavier trailers, a brake controller
- Safety chains crossed under the tongue
- Extended mirrors if your trailer is wider than your vehicle
Launch ramp tips
Ramps around the lake can be steep and slick. Use 4x4 or AWD if equipped, take it slow, and practice backing in an empty parking lot before your first trip of the season. Many Nissan models offer the available Intelligent Around View Monitor, which makes hitching up and backing down the ramp much easier.
Maintain your tow vehicle
Towing adds strain to your transmission, brakes and cooling system. Book a brake and fluid check before summer, and look for current service specials.
Winter around the lake
The lake moderates temperatures a little, but winter still brings snow, ice and fog, especially on MT-35, MT-82 and US-93 around the north end. Here's how to prepare:
- Choose AWD or 4x4. Nissan's Intelligent AWD and 4x4 systems help you accelerate and stay composed on slick roads.
- Use winter tires. They make a dramatic difference in braking and cornering on snow and ice. We can mount and balance them each fall.
- Check your lights. Lake fog and short days make good headlights and clean lenses essential.
- Test your battery. Cold mornings are hardest on older batteries, and a quick test can prevent a no-start.
- Wash the underbody. Regular washes help protect your vehicle from road treatments.
Read our winter service guide for Kalispell drivers for a full checklist, then schedule a winter readiness visit.
Exploring beyond the lake
Bigfork is a gateway to some of the Flathead's best outdoor spots. Jewel Basin offers alpine lakes and hiking, the Swan River runs right through town, and the Swan Valley stretches south toward Seeley Lake. On the west shore, Lakeside and Somers put you close to the water and the Salish Mountains. Features worth looking for:
- Ground clearance and 4x4 for trailheads and forest service roads
- Roof rails and crossbars for kayaks, skis and bikes
- All-weather floor liners for sand, mud and snow
- Cargo organizers to keep gear secure on winding roads
Seasonal homes, lake cabins and summer visitors
Many families around Bigfork, Lakeside and Somers split time between the lake and somewhere else, or host friends and relatives all summer. If your vehicle sits for weeks at a time, drive it regularly when you can, use a battery maintainer for long stretches, and schedule maintenance before your busy season rather than in the middle of it. Our service team can inspect a vehicle that's been parked all winter and get it ready for towing and road trips.
A three-row Pathfinder or Armada makes it easy to pick up guests at Glacier Park International Airport, carry groceries for a full house and tow the boat, all with one vehicle. For off-season driving around town, the Rogue or Kicks is efficient and comfortable.
Need an extra vehicle for the summer?
When the cabin fills up with guests, or your own vehicle is in for service, rent a Nissan from Clark Nissan. It's a simple way to give visitors their own wheels for Glacier National Park, Whitefish and the lake.
Choosing your next lake vehicle
Before you visit, list the trips you take most often: commutes to Kalispell, weekend launches, Jewel Basin trailheads or winter drives into the Swan Valley. Note your trailer's weight if you tow, how many people you usually carry and how much gear comes along. With those answers, our sales team can narrow your options to one or two models and trims and line up back-to-back test drives on the same roads.
New, Certified Pre-Owned and used vehicles
- New Nissan vehicles with full factory warranty and available features like Nissan Safety Shield 360 and ProPILOT Assist.
- Nissan Certified Pre-Owned vehicles that pass a detailed inspection and include Nissan-backed warranty coverage.
- Used cars, trucks and SUVs from many brands, inspected before sale.
Shopping for something specific? Browse our used trucks for sale in Kalispell and used SUVs for sale in Kalispell. If you're shopping from Bigfork or Lakeside, ask for extra photos, a video walk-around or a vehicle history report, and we'll have your vehicle ready when you arrive.
Financing, leasing and trade-ins
Our finance team works with Nissan Motor Acceptance Company and a network of lenders to find a plan that fits your budget, and we'll explain buying, leasing and used-vehicle financing clearly. Save time at the dealership by applying for credit online.
We also buy vehicles of every make, whether or not you're buying from us. Get your Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer in minutes, or learn more on our We Buy Cars in Kalispell page.
Nissan service for Bigfork, Lakeside and Somers
Our Kalispell service department takes care of every Nissan, no matter where it was purchased:
- Routine maintenance: oil changes, filters, fluids, tire rotations and multi-point inspections.
- Tires: winter, all-season and all-terrain tires, plus changeovers, balancing and alignments.
- Brakes: inspections, pads, rotors and fluid, important for towing and hilly roads.
- Towing-related service: transmission, cooling system and hitch inspections.
- AWD and 4x4 service: differential and transfer case maintenance.
- Batteries and electrical: testing and replacement before winter.
- Warranty and recalls: factory repairs and recall work at an authorized Nissan dealer.
- Accessories: hitches, roof rails, floor liners, bed accessories and more.
Many lake-area customers combine service with errands in Kalispell. If you need wheels while your Nissan is in the shop, ask about our Nissan rental fleet when you book.
Directions to Clark Nissan
We're at 2915 US Highway 93 South in Kalispell, on the south side of town.
- From Bigfork: take MT-82 west to US-93, then head north toward Kalispell. You can also follow MT-35 north and west.
- From Ferndale and Creston: head to MT-35 and continue west into Kalispell.
- From Somers and Lakeside: take US-93 north along the west shore. We're on the highway as you enter Kalispell from the south.
Search "Clark Nissan Kalispell" in your map app for turn-by-turn directions, or contact us with questions before you visit.
Helpful pages on our website
- Shop new Nissan vehicles
- Shop pre-owned vehicles
- Nissan Certified Pre-Owned
- Used trucks in Kalispell
- Used SUVs in Kalispell
- New Nissan specials
- Apply for credit
- Value your trade
- We buy cars in Kalispell
- Schedule service
- Service specials
- Rent a Nissan
- Winter service guide
- Why buy from Clark Nissan
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Nissan dealer near Bigfork, MT?
Yes. Clark Nissan at 2915 US Highway 93 South in Kalispell is the nearby Nissan dealership for Bigfork, usually about 25 to 30 minutes away.
What's the best Nissan for towing a boat on Flathead Lake?
The Armada is Nissan's strongest tow vehicle, while the Pathfinder and Frontier handle smaller boats and trailers when properly equipped. Ask us to confirm the tow rating for the exact configuration you're considering.
Do you service Nissans purchased elsewhere?
Yes. We service all Nissan vehicles, including warranty and recall work, no matter where you bought them.
Can I rent a Nissan for summer guests or while my car is in service?
Yes. Clark Nissan has a Nissan rental fleet in Kalispell. Check availability on our rental page or ask when you schedule service.
Do you install hitches and towing accessories?
Our parts and service team can help with genuine Nissan towing accessories. Contact us to check availability for your model.
Can I start shopping online from Lakeside or Somers?
Yes. Browse inventory, get an instant cash offer on your trade, apply for credit and schedule service online, then finish in person at our Kalispell store.
Do you buy used vehicles?
Yes. We buy cars, trucks and SUVs of all makes, even if you aren't buying from us.
Your Nissan dealer for Flathead Lake
From Bigfork's harbor to the west shore of Lakeside and Somers, Clark Nissan is proud to serve the Flathead Lake community. Shop online, value your trade, apply for credit or book service, then take the short drive to Kalispell.