PHOTOS: Polar Bear Plunge into Flathead Lake kicks off 2026
Steve Mitchell | Bigfork Eagle | UPDATED 3 days, 18 hours AGO
A group of participants in the plunge go for it.
Search and rescue personnel on hand to ensure everone's safety.
A trio of polar plungers ready for the big event.
Search and rescue keeping a close watch at the Raven's New Years Day Polar Bear Plunge.
A trio having fun at the plunge at the Raven on New Years Day.
Search and Rescue personnel going over safety procedures.
Starting the New Year with a nice, cool wake up plunge.
It's easy to smile when you're going to watch someone else jump in the nearly frozen lake.
Plungers take an icy dip in Flathead Lake to kick off the new year during the Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 1, 2026 at The Raven in Woods Bay. Due to debris on the lakeshore from recent windstorms, participants went into the lake in smaller groups throughout the day. (Steve Mitchell photos)
Search and rescue personnel on hand to ensure everone's safety.
A trio of polar plungers ready for the big event.
Search and rescue keeping a close watch at the Raven's New Years Day Polar Bear Plunge.
A trio having fun at the plunge at the Raven on New Years Day.
Search and Rescue personnel going over safety procedures.
Starting the New Year with a nice, cool wake up plunge.
It's easy to smile when you're going to watch someone else jump in the nearly frozen lake.