Visits to Whitefish Lake state parks dip slightly in 2014

State parks in Montana were busier than ever last year with 2.25 million visitors recorded in 2014.

From January to December 2014, the statewide visitation numbers show a 3 percent increase over 2013, according to an annual report from Montana State Parks.

Wayfarers State Park on Flathead Lake near Bigfork was the most popular in Northwest Montana with 133,473 visits, up 7 percent over last year.

The most popular park in the state was Giant Springs in Great Falls, which recorded 316,483 visits.

While statewide visitation increased, visits to the two state parks in Whitefish slightly declined last year.

Whitefish Lake State Park was down 5 percent with 58,746 visitors, and Les Mason State Park was down 1 percent with 12,886 visitors.

The slight dip at Les Mason comes after five years of steady growth. Peak season visitation to Les Mason — from May to September —  is actually up 21 percent over the past five years.

Likewise, peak season visitation at Whitefish Lake State Park is up 2 percent between 2010 and 2014.

According to the study, 78 percent of visitors at Whitefish Lake State Park were Montana residents. Of the visits, 86 percent were for day-use and 14 percent stayed overnight at the campground. The state park was the 14th most visited in the state.

Montana residents accounted for 95 percent of visitors to Les Mason State Park. It was the 35th most visited state park in Montana.

The Top-5 Parks for annual visitation:

1- Giant Springs State Park in Great Falls (316,483 visits)

2- Lake Elmo State Park in Billings (163,265 visits)

3- Cooney State Park in Roberts (160,070 visits)

4- Spring Meadow Lake State Park in Helena (141,727 visits)

5- Wayfarers State Park in Kalispell (133,473 visits)