News From Your Community Trail
What is the DNRC's proposed
'East Smith Lake Road' ?
Submit Public Comments!
The DNRC is proposing construction of 1.7 miles of new road through our community's proposed Smith Lake conservation and recreation project. The road would allow private access for three neighboring landowners - two of which already have legal access to their property. The DNRC has invited public comment on their 'Initial Proposal' however, the IP provides so few details that there is not sufficient information to appropriately review and consider.

We are left with so many questions: What will the impacts of the road and road construction be? Will the road be open to the public for recreation? How will it impact plans for the Whitefish Trail in the area? What will the State gain from the exchange and will it be enough to offset the impacts of the road? And since it provides a second access to 160+-acres, could the road be used as a thoroughfare for subdivision and future development? Lastly and most importantly, will there be another opportunity for public comment once more details are developed?

Given all these unanswered questions, we have serious concerns with how the state can consider this proposal to be compatible with the conservation and recreation project we're partnering with the City to pursue. The City's proposal was submitted in 2020 to permanently protect this same area with a Public Recreation Use Easement.

Please submit comments to the DNRC!
Here's our draft comments:

  • The proposal does not provide sufficient details to allow for proper review and comment. Additional information is requested as the project is developed to allow for a more thorough review and additional public input.
  • The proposal does not clearly identify what the State will gain, as is required in their administrative rules for evaluating easement exchanges.
  • A Road Users Agreement has been drafted but has not been shared publicly. The details of this agreement should be included in the initial proposal.
  • The City of Whitefish and Whitefish Legacy Partners have an active proposal with the State to secure a Public Recreation Use Easement (PRUE) at Smith Lake. This road proposal may significantly diminish the community’s PRUE project, including the high-quality recreation network, and may have other potentially negative cumulative effects including scenic, wildlife, wildfire, clean water, and the threat of subdivision.
  • The Smith Lake area is in the wildland urban interface and is a high fire risk area. The State’s road proposal should not foster subdivision in a high risk area.

Submit comments before August 11 directly to the Stillwater State Forest, Dave Ring at dring@mt.gov or by calling 406-881-2371.

F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co.
closes lands to public recreation on Monday, August 2, 2021
Due to hot and dry weather, and EXTREME wildfire danger, F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co., in coordination with Stimpson Lumber Co., Southern Pines Plantation, and Green Diamond Resource, will be closing all lands to ALL public recreation beginning Monday, August 2, 2021 until further notice.


In Whitefish, this includes Haskill Basin and Trumbull Creek areas. The closure is in effect on all Stoltze lands in Flathead, Lake, and Lincoln Counties.

The Whitefish Trail in Haskill will remain open with access from Reservoir and Big Mountain Trailheads. Users must stay on the designated Whitefish Trail and cannot access Stoltze roads or other trails In Haskill Basin from the trail.

Please follow the closure and be fire aware. The risks are too high!
Whitefish Trail Report
July 2021
The hot and dry conditions of the past month have brought an abundance of huckleberries on the trail along with an early start to fire season. To avoid the heat of the day and smokier afternoon conditions, get out early on the trail and enjoy a hike, bike, run, or ride in the cool mornings.

All of Flathead County, including all lands around the Whitefish Trail, entered Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Monday July 26. To protect our community and open lands from fire we all have a responsibility to follow the restrictions and take extra care when recreating:
  • Only park in designated parking areas. Parking outside of designated areas on grass or up against brush can start fires.
  • Never park blocking gates. Gates provide critical access for emergency response, including for fire.
  • Don't smoke while on trails, and if smoking at trailheads, ensure you meet the 3' non-flammable area requirement. Never throw lit cigarettes away in trash cans.

Report violations or possible fire concerns immediately.
Hootenanny Tickets Now on Sale!
The Whitefish Trail Hootenanny is back, and we invite you and the entire family to join us. While we are excited to come celebrate our community trail system, we are carefully watching the rising Covid-19 case numbers in the Flathead Valley, and are developing event health and safety procedures. Stay tuned for details.

This year, we are excited to present three live bands, including headliner River Valley Rangers hailing all the way from Chicago.

We'll have three live bands, local craft beer from Tamarack Brewing Company, food trucks, new WT merchandise, a giant raffle including two roundtrip tickets on Alaska Airlines, kids activities, and much more - all in support of the Whitefish Trail and WLP!
Whitefish Credit Union commits $50,000 as Whitefish Trail Legacy Sponsor!
Whitefish Credit Union has pledged $50,000 as a Legacy Sponsor to support Whitefish Legacy Partners and the Whitefish Trail for years to come. With an increased interest in outdoor recreation, rising development pressure, and a growing need for outdoor education opportunities, Whitefish Credit Union’s generous giving of $10,000 per year for five years is a long-term investment in the future of our local lands.

“Since 1934, we have been committed to a vibrant future for Whitefish. As a Legacy Sponsor of the Whitefish Trail, we wanted to give back to a project that has brought so much to our community. Yes, the economic impact of the Whitefish Trail is tremendous, but the benefits to our quality of life and overall health and wellness are even greater. We support our local non-profits who work so hard to make Whitefish a better place to live and play.”
Jim Kenyon, WCU President and CEO

Interest in the Whitefish Trail and local conservation has grown immensely over the last year, and we are excited Whitefish Credit Union has stepped up as a Legacy Sponsor to help with the next five years of trail development, conservation projects, and free outdoor education programming. Their generous commitment is invaluable to our long-term efforts to maintain our existing recreation infrastructure, and we deeply appreciate their long-term dedication to our work.
We need your help in 2021!
Be a WT Friend or WT Family this year and make an investment
in the future of our local lands. 
2021 WT Education Programs

This year, we are excited to be back to our regularly scheduled Education programs on the Whitefish Trail. We are limiting group size and requiring pre-registration for all programs to ensure social distancing and Covid protocols for all participants.
More information can be found on our website.
September 8 - 10am
Join local photographer Kristen Binder to learn about light, composition, perspective, how and when to use flash, and other tips for taking better pictures of your outdoor adventures. Bring any kind of camera; digital SLR, point-and-shoot, or smart phone.. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited.
September 11 - 12pm
Come out with Whitefish Legacy Partners and Counter Assault to explore bear signs and safety along the trail. Increase your animal awareness and confidence in traveling in bear country. This family friendly outing will involve an easy one to two mile hike featuring instruction and hands-on use of inert bear spray. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited.
September 19 - 2pm
Search for wild mushrooms and learn general classifications and identifying characteristics. Dale Johnson, who has been exploring the woods for wild mushrooms for over 25 years, will be leading this fall mushroom foraging expedition.Pre-registration is required and spots are limited.
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.
Dr. Sara Boilen of Sweetgrass Psychological joined the team as a Corporate Sponsor in 2016 and then adopted the Woods Lake Overlook Loop in 2017. Sweetgrass offers therapy and psychological assessment for anyone on the journey of becoming the brightest version of themselves. 

Thank you Sweetgrass Psychological for being an Adopt-A-Trail Sponsor!
Whitefish Animal Hospital has been a Corporate Sponsor of the Whitefish Trail since 2013 and have since adopted trails at Lion Mountain. They play an integral part in the relationship between their clients and pets by providing the highest quality veterinary care possible, so consider a local vet who gives back!

Thank you Whitefish Animal Hospital for being an Adopt-A-Trail Sponsor!

Whitefish Legacy Partners
406-862-3880