January Whitefish Trail Report

Trail variability at Holbrook demonstrates the capriciousness of the season!

The snow is melting fast out there, but it sure is nice to see some sunshine. For the most part, conditions are good for walking and fat biking because it is hard packed and not too icy in many places! Popular trails are well packed and traction devices are always recommended.

Our Trail Coordinator, Sarah MacCormick, continues to clear trees from recent wind storms to keep the trails clear for all uses. Thank you so much to our volunteers who helped us after that December wind storm. If you see downed trees, please email whitefishtrail@whitefishlegacy.org and continue to use caution.

If you are out on the trail at dawn or dusk during these short winter days, we recommend carrying bear spray, traveling with friends, keeping your dogs leashed, and making noise on the trail. Wildlife is still very active in winter and our trails run through their habitat.

The following WT trailheads are plowed for winter access: Lion Mountain, Skyles, Beaver Lakes, Swift Creek, Reservoir, Big Mountain, and Holbrook Overlook. The DNRC Lower Whitefish Rd gate is closed as winter use has begun throughout the Stillwater State Forest.

During winter months, the Big Mountain Trailhead accesses community Nordic trails groomed by Glacier Nordic Club. Check Glacier Nordic Club's website for updates on their grooming schedule and latest conditions, and please consider supporting GNC's grooming efforts. Thank you GNC! When out walking or snowshoeing on groomed trails, remember to stay to the side of the groomed track to protect the track for skiers.

If you are interested in getting above the inversion and would like an alternative hiking/snowshoeing location to the Big Mountain Trailhead visit Holbrook Overlook Trailhead just .4 miles up the road from Big Mountain Trailhead. Holbrook has 4 miles of trails with amazing views overlooking Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley!

As a reminder, please help us keep the trails clean and pick up your dog's waste.

Send your trail reports and photos to info@whitefishlegacy.org!