We're half way to our 20,000 mile goal, so get out on the Whitefish Trail and log your miles today! Thanks to everyone who donated during this year's Day of Giving & Unity. Read the latest trail report below and join us to celebrate two recent grant awards. 
Hit the Trail Challenge Halfway to 20,000!

We've had a great spring this year, and NOW is the perfect time to get out and enjoy our local open lands on the Whitefish Trail. In the first two weeks of the Hit the Trail Challenge, 430 individuals + Whitefish Middle School students have logged 9,880 miles raising $9,880 for our local trail and protected lands! Help us reach our 20,000 mile goal by the end of May and log your miles today. 

Participate as an individual for FREE or compete as a Workplace Team.
Email info@whitefishlegacy.org for more information on creating a Workplace Team.
It's not too late to get a team together!


Tailwinds Charitable Foundation
Day of Giving & Unity -  THANK YOU!
61 donors raised $7,790 for WLP

We are overwhelmed by the 61 donors who gave in support of our local trail and protected lands during this year's Day of Giving & Unity. Thank you for investing in the future of our local lands and giving back to the Whitefish Trail this year! 

61 donors gave $7,790 to WLP and made us eligible for an additional $1,000 match from Whitefish Community Foundation. 

We are truly inspired by the generosity of our community. The Day of Giving raised over $560,000 for 78 local non-profits at a time when fundraising faces uncertainty. THANK YOU!


WLP Wins Two WT Program Grants!
We have been busy this spring applying for grants to support our programs and are excited to receive two major grants this year. 

Applied Materials Foundation

WLP has been awarded $10,000 from the Applied Materials Foundation to support our ever-changing education programs this year. They understand the challenges we are facing during Covid-19 and support the quick changes we have made to continue our programs online and offer independent learning opportunities. 


Montana Recreational Trails Program

WLP has been awarded $45,000 from the Montana Recreational Trails Program (RTP) to support new trail construction at Smith Lake and important maintenance projects on existing sections of the Whitefish Trail. Administered by Montana State Parks, RTP grant dollars come from fuel excise taxes collected by the Federal Highway Administration and are distributed to states to support recreational trail projects throughout the country. 

If you have been enjoying the Whitefish Trail recently,
we need your help with our 2020 fundraising!

Be a WT Friend or Family this year and make an investment
in the future of our local lands. 

Social Distancing on the Whitefish Trail


The Whitefish Trail is a non-motorized, multi-use trail system where hikers and bikers yield to horseback riders and bikers yield to both hikers and horseback riders.  As you approach other trail users, say hi to announce yourself, communicate a plan of who can step aside, and pass at least 6-feet wide. And please remember to drive with care when accessing our local trailheads. 

Whitefish Trail Report - Mid May 
by Alan Myers-Davis, WLP Director of Development 

Wildflowers are in bloom, and our local landscape is teeming with new growth. Heartleaf arnica, trillium, and serviceberry are just a few of the wildflowers that are in full bloom right now. Since Lion Mountain was logged 12 years ago, it has become a perfect place to search for these splashes of color. The Skyles Overlook is especially diverse with arrow-leaf balsam root, indian paintbrush, and bluebells present. Soon purple lupine flowers will be out too. 

NOW is the perfect time to explore the Whitefish Trail. This week's periodic rain has left the trail in perfect, tacky condition with only a few wet spots. The Haskill trail is now 100% snow-free, and with the first bear sighting on the Whitefish Trail this week, remember to be bear aware and carry bear spray while exploring local trails. More info HERE.

WT Coordinator Helen completed a few treadwork projects at Lion Mountain where the trail has become split-level over time. Since Lion Mountain opened 10 years ago, we estimate that section of trail has seen around 400,000 visits! That's a lot of trail shoes, bike tires, and doggie paws impacting the tread. Maintenance is a critical part of our work, and it's made possible by your support, donations, and volunteerism.

Smith Lake Downfall Update

Still wondering about the downfall at Smith Lake? Houston, we still have a problem.  The situation is more complicated than just getting an army of volunteers and chainsaws together. Thanks to everyone who has offered to help! We are working with the DNRC on the best plan moving forward. Parts of the trail are completely destroyed from root ball upheaval and hundreds of large diameter trees need to be salvaged for lumber. The devastation from March's windstorm is so extensive, the State must perform an environmental assessment to make sure it's done right. Work can't start until then, so long story short? We are working on a solution, but the 1.4 mile trail from Lower WF Lake Road to Smith Lake might not be open this season. Thanks for your patience as we deal with the unprecedented.

As you get out to explore the Whitefish Trail this spring, we'd love to see your photos and hear your trail reports! 

Email  info@whitefishlegacy.org 

WT Education Programs Continue!
Online learning continues with this week's The Power of Flowers with Christiane. Geared for youth ages 3-5, learn about the amazing power of flowers through stories, drawing, and songs. 
We have continued virtual learning online, so f ollow WLP on FaceBook and check our website to learn about upcoming events, independent field trips, and fun activities outside. Mark your calendar for our next virtual learning event:

Watch live-streamed WT Events HERE

Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
The Whitefish Trail relies on the generosity of trail users, conservation-minded supporters, and local businesses to create a year-round, sustainable asset for future generations.    




Wheelie Creative has been an Adopt-a-Trail crew since the beginning! Every spring and fall, they don hard hats, rakes, and polaskis to maintain the Skyles to Lion Mountain section of the Whitefish Trail. They are a professional graphic design and creative agency working with lead outdoor brands across the country. Next time you need a new logo, consider a local firm that gives back to the community in such a big way. 

Thank you  Wheelie Creative for being a WT Adopt-A-Trail Sponsor!
The Whitefish Bike Retreat has been volunteering to clean the Beaver Lakes, Woods Lake, and Dollar Lake Trailheads since the beginning! We truly appreciate their year-round commitment to the Whitefish Trail. The Bike Retreat is the perfect base camp for local mountain biking and fat biking adventures. Whether staying overnight or enjoying their skills park during the day, consider the Bike Retreat for your local trail adventures.

Thank you Whitefish Bike Retreat for adopting the Beaver Lakes Trailheads!

Click here to learn more about becoming a Corporate Sponsor of the Whitefish Trail.