When the chill of Montana sets in, nothing beats the warmth of a crackling fire. Whether you live year-round in Kalispell, spend weekends at a cabin in Whitefish, or are planning a camping trip near Glacier National Park, having access to good firewood is essential.
But if you’re new to the Flathead Valley or just looking for the best deals and most reliable suppliers, you might be wondering: where exactly can you buy firewood in Flathead Valley?
This blog will walk you through the most trusted firewood suppliers in the area, tips on choosing the right type of wood, seasonal buying advice, and practical things you should know before you stock up for the season.
Why Firewood Matters in Flathead Valley?
Flathead Valley is known for its crisp winters and cool evenings, even outside the heart of winter months. Many homes, cabins, and lodges still rely on wood stoves or fireplaces as a primary or supplementary source of heat. Beyond heating, firewood adds atmosphere—think cozy winter nights by the hearth or outdoor gatherings around a fire pit.
But not all firewood is the same. The type, quality, and even the way it is stored makes a huge difference. Buying the right wood ensures:
- Longer burn times (so you don’t constantly have to refuel).
- Less smoke and creosote buildup (which is safer for your chimney).
- More heat efficiency (especially with hardwoods).
- Better overall value for money.
That’s why knowing the right suppliers is just as important as knowing how to stack or season wood.
Top Places to Buy Firewood in Flathead Valley
Here are some of the best-known and most reliable firewood providers around the Flathead region:
1. Wild Montana Wood (Kalispell, MT)
If you’re looking for a trusted, long-standing supplier, Wild Montana Wood has been serving the Flathead Valley for over 15 years. They specialize in locally harvested, seasoned firewood and have built a reputation for quality.
- Why Choose Them: Their wood is properly seasoned, meaning it’s ready to burn efficiently right away. They also take pride in sustainable sourcing, which appeals to buyers who care about supporting local forestry practices.
- Perfect For: Families who want consistent, premium firewood without worrying about moisture issues.
📍 4440 Farm to Market Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901
This family-operated business makes firewood buying incredibly convenient. They not only deliver but will also stack your wood neatly, saving you the labor. In addition to standard firewood, they sometimes offer specialty woods like birch, which burns beautifully and gives a nice flame.
- Why Choose Them: Convenience. If you don’t have the time or energy to haul and stack your firewood, they’ll take care of everything.
- Perfect For: Cabin owners, retirees, or busy families who just want firewood delivered and ready to use without lifting a finger.
3. Independent Tree Service (Kalispell Tree Service)
If you like to pick your wood yourself, this is one of the most flexible options. Independent Tree Service offers a self-serve yard in Kalispell where you can buy firewood by the cubic foot or cord. Their pricing is straightforward and depends on the type of wood:
- Low-density hardwoods (like cottonwood, willow, poplar) – $154/cord
- Softwood mix (fir, larch, spruce, pine) – $242/cord
- High-density hardwoods (birch, maple, elm, ash) – $352/cord
They even use moisture meters on site so you can confirm the wood is ready to burn. However, note that they don’t offer delivery, so you’ll need to haul it yourself.
- Why Choose Them: Clear pricing, variety of wood types, and control over how much you want.
- Perfect For: Budget-conscious buyers and do-it-yourself folks who don’t mind the pickup.
📍 Kalispell, MT
4. Valley Firewood
Valley Firewood is a great choice if you have your own property with fallen or standing trees that need processing. They bring portable equipment right to you, offering mobile cutting and milling services.
- Why Choose Them: They save you the trouble of transporting logs and help you turn your own trees into ready-to-burn firewood.
- Perfect For: Property owners, ranches, or anyone with access to their own timber who needs help processing it.
Choosing the Right Type of Firewood
Before you place an order, it’s important to know what kind of wood suits your needs best.
Hardwood vs. Softwood
- Hardwoods (birch, maple, oak, ash): Burn hot and slow, giving off consistent heat. They’re more expensive but ideal for long winter nights.
- Softwoods (pine, fir, spruce): Ignite easily, burn faster, and are perfect for kindling or quick fires. They can create more creosote in chimneys, so regular cleaning is important.
Low-Density vs. High-Density
- Low-Density Hardwoods: Easy to burn, but they don’t last long. Better for shoulder seasons (fall and spring).
- High-Density Hardwoods: Best for the coldest months, when you need long, overnight burns.
Seasoned vs. Green Wood
- Seasoned Wood: Dried for at least 6–12 months, has lower moisture, burns efficiently.
- Green Wood: Freshly cut, high moisture content, smokes a lot and doesn’t burn well. Always ask if the wood is seasoned before buying.
Tips for Buying Firewood in Flathead Valley
- Order Early
Firewood often sells out by late October, especially at places like Independent Tree Service. Don’t wait until the first snow to start calling suppliers.
- Ask About Delivery
Not all suppliers deliver. If you don’t have a truck or trailer, make sure delivery is included.
- Check for Seasoning
If the wood is green, you’ll need to let it dry for months before it’s ready. Ask for seasoned wood whenever possible.
- Know Your Cord Measurements
A full cord is 128 cubic feet (4 feet high x 4 feet wide x 8 feet long). Some sellers offer “face cords” or “stove cords,” which are smaller—so clarify what you’re getting.
- Plan Storage
Have a dry, ventilated place to stack your firewood. Proper stacking keeps it seasoned and ready for burning.
Seasonal Considerations
- Late Summer (August – September): Best time to buy. Wide availability and drier weather for storage.
- Early Fall (October): Demand spikes. Prices may rise and stock can run out quickly.
- Winter (December – February): Emergency buying only. Availability is limited, and you may end up paying more.
Who Should You Buy From?
- If you want convenience and delivery → Go with Flathead Father-N-Son.
- If you’re price-sensitive and don’t mind hauling → Check out Independent Tree Service.
- If you want reliable, premium local wood → Trust Wild Montana Wood.
- If you have your own logs and need help → Call Valley Firewood
Final Thoughts
Buying firewood in Flathead Valley isn’t just about finding a supplier—it’s about matching your lifestyle and heating needs to the right type of wood and service.
Whether you want the ease of delivered and stacked cords, the savings of self-serve pickup, or the sustainability of processing your own timber, the Flathead Valley has an option for you.
Plan ahead, ask the right questions, and secure your firewood before the coldest days set in. When the snow falls and temperatures dip, you’ll be glad you took the time to stock up with the right wood, from the right place.
