Old Man Winter and Punxsutawney Phil need to get on the same page! With snow melting and the Whitefish Trail starting to reveal itself, we might have an early trail season this spring. Read the latest trail report below, get updates on current logging operations on State Lands, and learn about the next section of trail development at Holbrook. 
The Whitefish Trail - Holbrook Overlook
We are excited to plan development of the next section of the Whitefish Trail at the historic USFS Holbrook Overlook in partnership with Flathead National Forest! Have you noticed the recent timber management on Big Mountain Road? Logging was the first step in the Taylor Hellroaring Project that couples active forest management, fire mitigation, habitat improvements, and increased recreation opportunities. 

WLP scouting new trail opportunities at the USFS Holbrook Overlook
The Holbrook Overlook was once a widely-used Forest Service site with expanding views of the entire Flathead Valley. Since Big Mountain Road was re-routed in 2008, the Holbrook Overlook has been largely lost to the community and the existing infrastructure has slowly faded and is now less accessible. Improving and developing this historic recreation site with managed non-motorized, recreation amenities will add invaluable benefits for locals and visitors. With 3.5 miles of family-friendly loop trails, an accessible interpretive loop to an inspiring Whitefish Lake overlook, picnic tables and day use amenities, the Holbrook Overlook will once again become a valued public land recreation site just minutes from town and Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Holbrook will also serve as a starting point for longer trail adventures on the Whitefish Trail to Hellroaring Basin, over to Smith Lake, and on into the Whitefish Range. Holbrook is a critical connection on the Whitefish Trail, our community's 55-mile recreational loop trail surrounding Whitefish Lake. WLP is currently fundraising for planning and construction of the recreation amenities at Holbrook. We hope to complete planning 2021 and begin construction thereafter. 
2021 WLP Education Programs
 

The Covid-19 pandemic presented challenges to our 2020 Outdoor Education programs and school field trips, and we were forced to cancel many guided hikes, field trips, and youth programs. This year, we are hopeful that we will be able to slowly reintroduce our programs and are planning the following precautions to ensure the safety and health of participants:
  • Limit group sizes 
  • Require pre-registration for all activities
  • Require face coverings
  • Create more virtual and independent learning opportunities 
Stay tuned to learn more about our upcoming 2021 guided hikes and youth programs!

If you have been enjoying the Whitefish Trail,
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. 

Beaver Timber Sale Update

Beaver South Timber Sale - The DNRC's Beaver South Timber Sale continues. Expect temporary road and trail closures, and watch for traffic at all road crossings. Cutting and hauling is mostly complete in Unit X1, and the contractors have moved onto operations in Unit X2. No trail closures are proposed at this time although caution should be used when using the highlighted WT sections. Unit V2 is the next anticipated work area and trail closures are expected. Drive slowly, watch for logging trucks, and use caution in the area. 


For the most up-to-date information regarding the logging operations, check the DNRC kiosk at the WT Beaver Lakes Trailhead. Be sure to consult the kiosk, as conditions and closures change regularly.
Whitefish Trail Report - February 2021
by Alan Myers-Davis, WLP Director of Development 



February 2021 - Dirt showing at Lion Mountain
If you don't like the weather today, just wait until next week. This winter has been warm and wet compared to climate averages for NW Montana, but changes are on the horizon. With an eastern arctic front in the forecast, this weekend's weather might seem downright cold compared to the balmy January we've just experienced. In fact, Kalispell had the 7th warmest January on record and the 12th lowest snowfall with only 5" measured. 

Current conditions on the Whitefish Trail are more typical of mid to late March with morning freezes and afternoon thaws. 95% of the trail is packed snow and ice, while the remaining 5% is dirt and/or rock that is starting to show on south and west exposures. Traction devices, like micro-spikes, are strongly recommended, especially for running. 

Did you notice that wind a couple weeks ago? A major storm front brought high winds to the entire region and toppled trees valley-wide. Volunteers and WLP staff have been working hard and have already cleared 50+ trees from the trail corridor, while harder to reach sections of the trail may not be cleaned up until spring. If you see a tree down across the Whitefish Trail, please report it. Downed trees can create erosion issues, damage to vegetation, and widen the trail from user-built reroutes. We like to hear from you and detailed information is always helpful!

We hope everyone is out enjoying our local open lands on the Whitefish Trail, regardless of the weather. Winter isn't over yet! As a reminder, the following trailheads are plowed regularly for winter access: Lion Mountain, Skyles, Big Mountain, Reservoir, Swift Creek, and Beaver Lakes. All other trailheads are not maintained regularly throughout the winter, so access and park at your own risk. 

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

Email info@whitefishlegacy.org 


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. 
 
 
Glacier Cyclery has been supporting the Whitefish Trail since the beginning. They realize that our local trail system brings value to our community and want to give back to a worthwhile project. They just signed up for another 5 year pledge to continue supporting WLP and the trail! Stop by the shop to chat with their friendly staff about the latest cycling and nordic gear.

Thank you Glacier Cyclery for being a WT Founding Sponsor!

The Pine Lodge is back as a WT Corporate Sponsor, and we are excited to have them on our team supporting local trails and conservation. They wanted to provided WT trail maps to guests, one of the many perks of a WT sponsorship. Recently renovated, the Pine Lodge is a perfect place to base your next adventure!

Thank you Pine Lodge for being an WT
Corporate Sponsor!

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