Echo Lake resident sues county over kayak tour decision
A property owner along Echo Lake is suing the Flathead County Board of Adjustment over its decision to approve a conditional use permit for a business that offers kayak tours from a private residence on Peterson Lake. Rowland and Jaimie Day, who own property along Echo Bay Trail, allege in the lawsuit that the permit approval will lead to more traffic on the narrow private road, increased vehicle conflicts, trespassing, noise and "interference with the use and enjoyment of their property." The lawsuit argues that the board's approval of the permit is illegal because the application failed to address concerns brought forth by other agencies and the public. Rocky Mountain Glass Kayaks offers guided sunset tours in LED-illuminated kayaks and operates tours throughout the Flathead Valley, including on Whitefish River and in Somers Bay. The company has guided kayakers through the string of lakes that includes Echo Lake, Peterson Lake and Abbott Lake since 2025, although it only applied for a conditional use permit this year. Property owner Maray Brinhurst previously told the county that the tour company received no complaints until the county sent letters to the adjoining property owners. In August, the Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to
