Calling for Smith Lake stories! Tell us why Smith Lake and Swift Creek are important to you and worthy of permanent conservation. Read the latest trail report below and sign up for this year's Whitefish Trail Legacy Run.
Call for stories!
Why is Smith Lake important to you?
WLP and the City of Whitefish are working hard to permanently protect Smith Lake to secure public access, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and our community's views FOREVER. The lands at the head of Whitefish Lake are important community lands that could be sold for development, and we are working hard to ensure this is not possible. We'd like to hear why Smith Lake and Swift Creek are important to you and your family and friends. This gentle landscape has provided a quiet backdrop for fishing, hiking, hunting, and berry picking to so many over the last century. Do you have a personal story or experience from Smith Lake that would help us celebrate the importance of protecting this landscape? Please get in touch...we'd love to hear your story. 

Email info@whitefishlegacy.org or call (406) 862-3880
Whitefish Trail Legacy Run - Registration now OPEN



The 2020 Whitefish Trail Legacy Run is now OPEN for registration. We are excited to bring back a full weekend of running events for all abilities, including a 50k Mountain Run, Half marathon,10k, and 5k. 

Saturday, October 3rd - 50k Mountain Run Presented by Whitefish Credit Union

  
Brought to you by Whitefish Credit Union, the 50k Mountain Run will start and finish at the Great Northwest Oktoberfest in Depot Park in downtown Whitefish. Runners will climb to the summit of Big Mountain via the Whitefish Trail in Haskill and explore high alpine trails at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Racers will enjoy awards and after party at the Biergarten at Oktoberfest with free entry, beer, and food.

Sunday October 4th - 1/2 Marathon, 10k, 5k, and Family Fun Run presented by   Whitefish Therapy & Sport Center

   

Brought to you by Whitefish Therapy & Sport Center, Sunday's races will explore the beauty of Beaver Lakes. Try a fun 5k on the South Beaver Loop, a 10k to the shores of Beaver Lake, or test yourself in a challenging Half Marathon around Woods, Dollar, and Little Beaver Lakes. The races will start and end at the Whitefish Bike Retreat followed by post-race celebration, picnic, and awards. 


It literally takes a village to keep WLP and the Whitefish Trail thriving. Do your part today!


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

Spring Cleaning on the Trail

As the snow melts out this spring, it's sure to uncover litter that was buried through the winter, from wrappers and mutt mitts to lost gloves. We appreciate your help in picking up litter or pet waste you find along the trail or at trailheads. Please remember to pack it in and pack it out.

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


Spring is certainly in the air. Daylight Savings Time has made after-work excursions possible, and it is hard not to think about the upcoming summer trail season. The Whitefish Trail is often the first regional trail system to melt out because of it's low-elevation, open and managed forests, and southern exposure. As your trail shoes and bike tires start yearning for dirt, it is important to remember some basic trail etiquette, especially as the tread adjusts to melt-freeze cycles.
  • Bikers should yield to hikers and both must yield to horseback riders.
    Step off the trail on the downhill side to allow horses to pass. Because bikes move quickly and relatively quietly, please let others know when you are approaching, control your speed, and never startle wildlife.
  • The Whitefish Trail is a user maintained trail.
    Everyone maintains the trail - do not cut switchbacks, widen trails, or create new trails. Please avoid using the trail during muddy conditions.
  • Dog walkers must have control of dogs at all times.
    Dogs should never chase wildlife. If your dog is not under strict voice control, they must be leashed. Please always remove pet waste. Mutt mitts are provided at all trailheads.
  • Remember, we are in bear country.
    Bear aware tips: hike in groups, control your dog, carry bear spray, keep food locked in vehicles, and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Report bear sightings. 
  • Portions of the Whitefish Trail travel through private property.
    Public access has been generously donated. Please respect these private lands and stay on the trail corridor. No hunting, shooting, or fires of any kind including smoking. 
It has been a windy winter season, and we have had a record number of trees come down along the Whitefish Trail. Our devoted trail volunteers, with help from the DNRC, have been working hard to get trails cleared, and we are happy to report that over 50 trees have been removed from the trail corridor in the last couple weeks. Lion Mountain and Skyles have been cleared to the Two Bear road crossing and the South Beaver Loop is now cleared. If you see volunteers or trail crews out working, shower them with high-fives and praise, and please continue sending in your trail reports to info@whitefishlegacy.org. 

   

Valley snow is melting fast, leaving sections of snow and ice on shady, north sections of trail. Lion Mountain and Skyles, for example, are 60-70% snow free.  South Spencer, Lion Mountain, and Skyles are great early season destinations while Haskill, Woods Lake, Swift Creek, and Twin Bridges take longer to melt out. As you start exploring our local trail this spring, avoid using the trail during muddy conditions and please hike or run in the trail's existing tread. Stepping around remaining ice and snow can widen the trail and create lasting damage. 

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.  
 






Whitefish Credit Union is back as Title Sponsor of the WT 50k Mountain Run! One in 7 local homes are financed by a loan from WCU. For all your banking needs, go with a local business with a depth of experience, knowledge, and local philanthropy. They give back to the Whitefish Trail because it brings real value to our community. 

Thank you Whitefish Credit Union for sponsoring the WT Legacy Run!

Whitefish Therapy & Sport Center is back for the 7th year as Title Sponsor of the WT Legacy Run in Beaver Lakes! Their therapy experts will get you back outside achieving your fitness and health goals. Consider choosing a local provider who gives back to the the community so generously every year. Get in touch with their experts for a free consultation. 
 
Thank you Whitefish Therapy & Sport Center for sponsoring the Legacy Run!