November Trail Report

The sunshine and golden foliage of fall is fading into grey skies, bare branches, and views of snowy mountains as we head into the colder months. The larch needles are still holding on as the first snow falls, making for scenic views on the Whitefish Trail. Please take precaution given varying conditions. At the Whitefish Trail higher elevation trailheads like Big Mountain and Holbrook Overlook, shady areas may be covered with ice and snow. This is also the season when bears eat and drink nearly nonstop in order to put on weight to prepare for winter and hibernation so be sure to carry bear spray!

As fall rains and snow return, also comes mud. Please help us keep the trail in good shape! Avoid damaging the tread with bike tires or horses in wet conditions, and do not go off the trail to get around puddles. Once the trails are snow covered, please be sure to stay on the trail and do not widen the trail to avoid icy patches.

We have been busy at Lion Mountain this month. This week, we did a second round of grass seeding to address trail widening issues causing resource damage. We are hopeful that native grass will pop up this spring to replace the damaged vegetation. Please stay on the trail and help the seeds succeed! You may also notice that we filled in the large pot holes on the access road when entering Lion Mountain trailhead!

If you make it to the Learning Pavilion, you see its wood chip face lift! Huge thanks to the volunteers who helped us collect all those sticks from our place-based, experiential learning activities and create a clean slate for our public schools to return in the spring. And thanks so much to Mitch from Big Mountain Tree Services for volunteering his time and wood chipper!

Rifle hunting season began across the state for deer and elk on October 25 and continues through Sunday, November 30. Remember that most of the lands surrounding the Whitefish Trail are open to hunting, and hunters may use the trail to access hunting areas. Be sure you (and your dogs) wear blaze orange.

To keep your four legged friends like Zoey and Mishka safe on the trail during hunting season, we have free Wag Ranger bandanas available on our website or at our office, 525 Railway Street, suite 206, Whitefish.

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