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.